Could you start by sharing a bit about your role as the Shipping and Logistics Manager at OCEM?
Hello! I’m delighted to be here. I’m Shipping and Logistics Manager at OCEM since 1997. My primary responsibility is to oversee the shipping operations for OCEM’s extensive clientele worldwide. I manage a team that ensures timely and flawless delivery of our machinery and spare parts to over 3000 clients. It’s a challenging but rewarding role.
Managing shipments for such a large number of clients sounds like a complex task. Can you walk us through how your team handles the logistics on a day-to-day basis?
Certainly! Our team meticulously plans and coordinates shipments to meet delivery deadlines. We work closely with various carriers and logistics partners to optimize routes and minimize transit times. Communication is key, especially when dealing with clients who may have specific needs or are located in remote areas where delivering machinery and spare parts can be challenging.
Dealing with clients around the globe must present unique challenges. Can you share some examples of how your team has overcome specific logistical challenges?
Absolutely. We often encounter situations where clients have specific delivery requirements or are situated in remote locations with limited access. In such cases, our team works closely with local partners to find creative solutions. This might involve using alternative transportation methods, coordinating with local agents and partners, or even customizing delivery schedules to accommodate the client’s needs.
It sounds like adaptability is crucial in your line of work. How do you ensure that OCEM’s shipping and logistics operations align with the diverse needs of your global customers?
Adaptability is indeed a cornerstone of our approach. We maintain open lines of communication with our clients to understand their unique requirements. Regular feedback is essential, and we use it to continuously improve our processes. Additionally, staying informed about global shipping trends and regulations helps us proactively address any challenges that may arise.
With the ever-changing landscape of global logistics, what technological tools or innovations has your team embraced to enhance efficiency?
Technology plays a vital role in streamlining our operations. We utilize advanced tracking systems to monitor shipments in real-time, allowing us to provide accurate updates to our clients. Additionally, we leverage data analytics to optimize routes and identify potential bottlenecks. Embracing these technologies helps us enhance efficiency and maintain the high standards our clients expect.
Shipments, whether by sea, land, or air, are increasingly crucial for a company and the service provided to the customer. What is OCEM doing to reconcile this aspect with the necessary need to reduce environmental impact?
OCEM is implementing various strategies to reconcile the crucial nature of shipments with the imperative need to reduce environmental impact. Recently OCEM has partnered with DHL Express Italy, a world-renowned logistics company, to launch the revolutionary GoGreen Plus project, a service designed to transform the international
express shipping sector. This service is based on the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), produced from alternative and more eco-friendly raw materials.
Through the use of this alternative aviation fuel, the program aims for a net reduction in CO2 emissions. Shipments made with the GoGreen Plus Project service are marked with the distinctive label, immediately identifying companies like OCEM committed to combating climate change.
Finally, could you share some memorable experiences or success stories from your time managing shipping and logistics at OCEM?
One notable success story involves a challenging delivery to a client in a remote area with limited infrastructure. Through collaboration with local partners and innovative logistical solutions, we were able to successfully deliver the machinery on time, exceeding the client’s expectations. It’s moments like these that highlight the dedication and problem-solving skills of our team.
Another “memorable” experience was during the COVID-19 pandemic. OCEM faced a daunting task of managing the delivery of a complete plant to Northern Europe. This particular consignment, governed by a Letter of Credit, involved the transportation of more than 50 articulated trucks loaded with machinery.
The complexity of managing such a venture during that historic time cannot be overstated. As the pandemic swept across the globe, disrupting supply chains and causing logistical nightmares, the team at OCEM was confronted with a myriad of obstacles. From navigating fluctuating lockdown measures to ensuring the safety of personnel involved in the shipping process, every step of the operation required meticulous planning and adaptability.
One of the primary challenges lay in coordinating the movement of the machinery amidst the ever-changing landscape of travel restrictions and border closures. With each country implementing its own set of regulations and protocols, ensuring the smooth passage of the shipment became a logistical puzzle of immense proportions.
Despite these challenges, OCEM remained committed to fulfilling its contractual obligations and delivering the machinery to its destination on time. Through effective communication and collaboration with logistic partners and the final customer as well, the logistic team of OCEM was able to overcome obstacles and ensure the successful completion of the shipment.
The experience is a testimony to the strength of OCEM’s resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. By leveraging technology, expertise, and a proactive approach to problem-solving, the company was able to navigate the complexities of the pandemic and emerge stronger on the other side.
Francesca exemplifies the skill and dedication necessary to oversee Shipping and Logistics operations for a major global entity such as OCEM. Her professional journey not only showcases her ability to adapt to evolving industry landscapes but also underscores her dedication to harnessing technological advancements and cultivating seamless communication channels. These efforts are instrumental in upholding OCEM’s enduring triumph in the fiercely competitive realm of industrial machinery manufacturing.
