Logistics Alumni Event – Expanding borders – The Future is here

Fontys Venlo University of Applied Sciences as co-organizer

Networks are the core of logistics and supply chain. Not only in terms of technology but also with regards to collaboration. The Holland Alumni network has more than 70.000 members and 40 Alumni Associations around the globe. The chapter for Logistics alumni was launched in 2016 and has established worldwide events and meet-ups.

Last week the Logistics alumni of Dutch higher education institutions were invited join the event “Expanding boarders – The future is here”.
The event featured experts on logistics real estate & outsourcing, logistics staffing and innovations in warehousing.

Kees Verweij and Robert Wieggers, of BCI Global, explained that there are currently about 2,000 logistics distribution centers in the NL, with the trend towards XXL warehouses with more than > 40.000m2. In 2019 they created more than 12,400 new jobs. E-commerce certainly can be seen as one of the drivers for growth. Additionally we’re looking at new concepts of collaboration as facility sharing and fully outsourced models.

Besides all growth the demand for green warehouses and more sustainable operations can be seen.

CEVA Logistics manages warehouse space in more than 30 locations. As logistics service provider it is important to drive the change and think innovatively, shared Mario Wopereis from CEVA with us. Digitalization of processes, the integration of robotics and automation and customer focused solutions, this is what drives CEVA Logistics. Of course the employees are the most important asset in this.

The continued drive towards internationalization and the converging trends in Logistics means that managing the careers, aspirations and integration of a global (virtual) Work Force is more important than ever. In a post session interview Gijs Hillmann stated: “Ensuring real human interaction and buy in from a culturally diverse and often remotely located or distributed team is more crucial than ever. Augmented Intelligence, Real Time Supply Chain Visibility and Smart Planning Systems may bring added clarity and focus to the logistics process but deep attention to the human element remains the pivot on which worldwide logistics turns. Cultural Diversity really is your Intellectual Real Estate.

One thing is for certain: logistics is and will be collaboration, future thinking and networking- with technology, systems and robots but also with lots of human interaction.

Thanks to Nuffic’s Holland Alumni Network, TKI DINALOG, BCI Global, CEVA Logistics and Gijs Hillmann – International Cultural Diversity Speaker and trainer.