A Candid with Operations Director: Fathoming the Tech Mazes
Turab Ur Rahaman, Director Operations, SAB Express, 0
In the current dynamic business environment, logistics management is experiencing a significant transition towards a technology-centric model. This change is essential for improving service efficiency and effectiveness across different industries. Incorporating advanced technologies is transforming logistics into a more capable, reliable, and transparent field. Conventional logistics, which has traditionally depended on manual labor and intuitive decision-making, is now quickly adopting digital advancements. The infusion of technology into logistics represents a deep and enduring transformation within the field. In an exclusive interview with CEO Insights, Turab Ur Rahaman, Director Operations, SAB Express, talks about the future of logistics, technological advancement, and how it is vital to embrace this trend to improve service productivity and performance in an increasingly digital age.
What are the responsibilities of a modern-day operations director in the tech era?
The role of a modern-day operations director in the technology era is quite challenging because of the kind of technological advancements that we have seen over the last few years. When I entered this industry in the mid-90s, it was on the brink of significant technological progress; we started with pagers in telecommunications and then transitioned to mobile phones. Similarly, in logistics, numerous technological advancements have taken place; we moved from relying on paper proof of deliveries and obtaining signatures to using electronic deliveries. We used to wait by fax machines for updates regarding flights, arrivals, and materials, but now everything is available online. There are now point-to-point tracking and tracing capabilities, indicating that the industry has experienced vast progress, particularly in the last seven to eight years with the emergence of AI, IoT, drone deliveries, etc., leading to even greater technological advancements.
However, the modern-day operations director needs to ensure that the service and the cost KPIs are met, in addition to understanding the customer's needs. They need to work on building solutions around them as customer needs are ever-evolving with a lot of technological advancements. Customers expect to see live status updates on their mobile applications to find out how quickly they can receive shipments. The technological or customer needs enhancements are always something to be studied but from a modern-day operations director.
What are the current challenges that operations leaders endure, and what are the solutions for them?
As operations directors, we have technology on one side and personnel on the other. The primary challenge lies in the skill sets of our team, because, ultimately, we aren't the ones executing the shipments; we rely on individuals further down the line to meet delivery promises and achieve service KPIs. This can be achieved with the right skill set and the right attitude. For matching up the skill sets and customer expectations we need to provide people with on-the-job training.
Besides, leaders need to constantly monitor day-to-day operations through effective delegation.
When it comes to predicting budget needs, technological progress, and fulfilling customer expectations, leaders must analyze trends and remain relevant, adaptable, and realistic. So, there is a continuous requirement for two-way communication: one pathway leads upwards to the directors or business owners to secure the necessary funding, while the other cascades down to both customers and the operational team.
Tell us about the impact and importance of team building and development.
Without evaluating the skill sets of the team, it will be challenging for the operations director to achieve the desired results. As directors tasked with developing strategies, the information must be communicated to all employees, including those at the lowest levels. The fundamental requirement for fostering team spirit and development is the top-down flow of information. The next crucial aspect is effective delegation, where leaders ensure accountability and provide training to their team members. Additionally, having a solid succession plan and training programs are vital components for team building and growth. In today’s fast-paced environment, where many people face overwhelming demands, maintaining a balanced workload is essential. Therefore, operations directors must prioritize sustaining a healthy work-life balance for themselves and all their employees.
What will the future outlook be for logistics?
Advancements in technology have significantly benefitted not only the logistics sector but also nearly every industry. We have transitioned from the time of waiting by fax machines to a system where users can sign documents via their mobile phones, and that electronic signature is promptly sent back to the originating countries. Currently, we are utilizing AI, digital twinning, the Internet of Things, blockchain technology, and drone deliveries. All of these developments are positively influencing logistics operations. These advancements are solely improving the customer experience today. Besides, logistics companies have been continuously evolving to keep pace.
Logistics is the backbone of all economic development. The global supply chains currently made the world a smaller place. The logistics industry plays a crucial role in supporting global supply chains by devising solutions that cater to customer demands, from production sites to the markets where those products are required. Moreover, the logistics sector is always changing and will continue to adapt over time.
Also Read: The Global Interactive Technology Market - A Manufacturer's Perspective
The concept of survival of the fittest applies particularly well to the logistics sector compared to any other industry. This will likely continue to strengthen and enhance capabilities for every nation and consumer around the globe. I believe that without the logistics sector, accomplishing anything would be extremely difficult. For instance, raw materials produced in one country are essential in different parts of the world, and we need to ensure that these goods and services are transported globally to meet those demands. Thus, we can only satisfy our needs and desires through the logistics industry.
When it comes to predicting budget needs, technological progress, and fulfilling customer expectations, leaders must analyze trends and remain relevant, adaptable, and realistic. So, there is a continuous requirement for two-way communication: one pathway leads upwards to the directors or business owners to secure the necessary funding, while the other cascades down to both customers and the operational team.
Tell us about the impact and importance of team building and development.
Without evaluating the skill sets of the team, it will be challenging for the operations director to achieve the desired results. As directors tasked with developing strategies, the information must be communicated to all employees, including those at the lowest levels. The fundamental requirement for fostering team spirit and development is the top-down flow of information. The next crucial aspect is effective delegation, where leaders ensure accountability and provide training to their team members. Additionally, having a solid succession plan and training programs are vital components for team building and growth. In today’s fast-paced environment, where many people face overwhelming demands, maintaining a balanced workload is essential. Therefore, operations directors must prioritize sustaining a healthy work-life balance for themselves and all their employees.
The concept of survival of the fittest applies particularly well to the logistics sector compared to any other industry
What will the future outlook be for logistics?
Advancements in technology have significantly benefitted not only the logistics sector but also nearly every industry. We have transitioned from the time of waiting by fax machines to a system where users can sign documents via their mobile phones, and that electronic signature is promptly sent back to the originating countries. Currently, we are utilizing AI, digital twinning, the Internet of Things, blockchain technology, and drone deliveries. All of these developments are positively influencing logistics operations. These advancements are solely improving the customer experience today. Besides, logistics companies have been continuously evolving to keep pace.
Logistics is the backbone of all economic development. The global supply chains currently made the world a smaller place. The logistics industry plays a crucial role in supporting global supply chains by devising solutions that cater to customer demands, from production sites to the markets where those products are required. Moreover, the logistics sector is always changing and will continue to adapt over time.
Also Read: The Global Interactive Technology Market - A Manufacturer's Perspective
The concept of survival of the fittest applies particularly well to the logistics sector compared to any other industry. This will likely continue to strengthen and enhance capabilities for every nation and consumer around the globe. I believe that without the logistics sector, accomplishing anything would be extremely difficult. For instance, raw materials produced in one country are essential in different parts of the world, and we need to ensure that these goods and services are transported globally to meet those demands. Thus, we can only satisfy our needs and desires through the logistics industry.