The Future of Manufacturing & Supply Chain Excellence: “We should jump on the lunch train.”
On January 15, 2015 the Faculty of Economics of the University of Ljubljana (FELU) proudly presented a conference for the Future of Manufacturing & Supply Chain Excellence. Part of this conference was a table talk focused on the future with esteemed guests: Aleksander Zalaznik (Senior Vice President, Danfoss District Energy Controls and General Manager, Danfoss Trata d.o.o.), Dr. Kurt Hofstaedter (Head of Digital Factory CEE, Siemens AG Austria), Michael Braunschmidt (Director of Industrial Engineering at Bosch and Siemens Home Appliance Group), and Valter Leban (Management Board Member, Kolektor Group d.o.o.). The event was moderated by Melanie Seier Larsen from The Boston Consulting Group.
The table began with the introduction of the guests and moderator Melanie Seier Larsen. The attitude was light and humorous as Larsen recounted a story of lost luggage and what should be done to help with airline supply chains, which was immensely enjoyed by the audience. Melanie Seier Larsen then stated that the word ‘imagine’ had been used several times in speeches earlier in the conference and then posed the question, “What were you imaging 20 years ago?” Aleksander Zalaznik confidently answered “I believe, no pain, no change. 20 years ago, it was pain. I had a vision and good people. Why can’t a Slovenian company be as good as Austrian or German? You have to make sure you have people who support you.” He emphasized the need for good people who support not only a company, but the vision of a company and also stated that there are people with Danfoss now that were there 20 years ago. This kind of loyalty is very important.
It was then stated by Melanie Seier Larsen,”We need to be prepared for the future. How are your companies prepared?” It was stated by Valter Leban, that “The most critical is to prepare people to adopt for the future.” It is important for companies and it employees to be able to respond to situations quickly and effectively, in order to embrace the future. Melanie Seier Larsen then asked, “Where are the biggest challenges?” Aleksander Zalaznik stated that “How we will react from a supply chain point of view and continuous improvement. We want to be better in every aspect, every year.” This was also answered by Dr. Kurt Hofstaedter, saying, “It is necessary to have plans and to know your risks. The crisis of ’08 came so fast, would you have invested given the risks? It is not possible to eliminate all the risks, we need a plan A, plan B, and plan C, but not more.”
Slovenia will become a prosperous country
The table then accepted questions from the audience, one member asked, “Slovenia is just in front of reforms, as you are involved in Slovenia, how do you see Slovenia?” Aleksander Zalaznik enthusiastically answered, saying, “I believe that Slovenia can become a nice country to live in for everyone, it is up to us to develop our companies as we should. I’m a fan of profit and, in the right way, we should do it as much as we can. Then Slovenia will become a prosperous country. Politicians will not do everything for us and we should do our part, as well.” Aleksander Zalaznik showed that he is very confident in Slovenia’s future and Danfoss is willing to work hard to achieve a better future for Slovenia.
It is not a 1 shot deal. In business, there are constant improvements.
The last question taken from the audience was, “What improvements are planned in the supply chain future?” Michael Braunschmidt stated that, “It is not a 1 shot deal. In business there are constant improvements. We have good options for the future.” Valter Leban also added that, “It is difficult to say. We are following innovation; our challenge is to invest more in understanding the process. As a nation, it is a good opportunity; we have strengths such as education and location. We have to jump on the train in western markets. We are on a level playing field with Germany.” The strong words of encouragement were well received by the audience. Moderator Melanie Seier Larsen then suggested that, being as it was late afternoon, “We should jump on the lunch train.” And thanked the guests for their excellent participation in the table. Such enthusiasm and confidence from the guest about Slovenia’s future is a dynamic step towards a better economy in Slovenia.
Leeanna Whirl, EFnews
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