Last week on episode three of our WiseTech Global mini-series, we tackled one of supply chains most difficult, yet most important, topics – risk. One of the many lessons that the pandemic taught us was the importance of ensuring that robust risk management is incorporated into our supply chain strategies. But, in the current landscape of market disruption and digital transformation, do we even know what the risks are? Well I was joined by Mohan and Nachi to reflect on that question; to talk about why we all need to change the way we view risk in logistics; and the approach that we should be taking to tackle that risk and better prepare for the unexpected.
And today, in our fourth and final episode, we’re taking a closer look at logistics digitization. And, specifically, the role of people in its success. As we talk more and more about digitization across the industry, one important element that’s often missing from those conversations is people, and the resistance they can have to digital change. If we want to ensure smooth and effective digitization across the industry, we really need to start talking about the cultural changes that are also needed – and that’s exactly what we’re going to do today.
I’m joined by Tudor Maxwell, Head of WiseTech Academy, to talk about the different stages of change management; the importance of a commitment to ongoing training and development; the role of the WiseTech Academy in empowering individuals and organizations with content; and why a little chaos isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Guest Bio:
Tudor joined WiseTech Global in 2018 and has over 20 years’ experience improving the way businesses and teams perform in the technology, financial services, mining and non-profit sectors. Tudor leads the Languages, eLearning, Certifications and WiseTech Academy teams and oversees the acquired product teams in South Africa. Prior to joining WiseTech, Tudor led Design, Agile, Lean and Automation practices in Suncorp (2013-2017) and Process Excellence teams in Westpac (2009-2013). Tudor holds a BSc in Engineering, an MBA and a Doctorate in organizational theory and sustainability.
IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
[01.45] An introduction to today’s guest.
[02.53] An introduction to WiseTech Academy.
“It addresses industry topics, like biosecurity and dangerous goods training, but also offers diplomas in things like customs broking or international freight forwarding, so that people who want to join the industry, enhance their skills or make a career move within the industry can find the resources they need.”
[04.25] The current landscape of logistics digitization.
“It’s hard to make large scale changes inside your business, to the processes and systems that people are using every day. Sometimes people try to take shortcuts and digitize small pieces… and you end up with multiple applications, not necessarily speaking to each other.”
[09.17] From difficulty adapting existing processes to new tech, to fear of the unknown, why one of the biggest barriers to success within supply chain digitization is people – but why some resistance is actually healthy.
“We don’t always understand why we need to change. There needs to be a compelling case for the change we’re introducing for people to get on board and make peace with it, a case that demonstrates why the future we’re talking about is better than where we are now.”
[13.32] Why a little chaos is to be expected in the early stages of planning a change management and digitization process, and how organizations can start to overcome objections.
“When you don’t get good people across your organization supporting and advocating for the change, it’s difficult to build momentum… those people arguing the case fleshes out the model and builds ownership of it.”
[20.03] How companies can start to excite the wider team for change and include them on the digitization journey to ensure a smooth transition.
[23.17] The importance of training and development when it comes to change management and ongoing digitization, and WiseTech’s vision for the Academy as well as for driving change across the industry.
“The moment you say ‘we’re going to train and develop you,’ people realize that they have a role in the future and the company is supporting them to become stars again. That overcomes a psychological gap. Then the question becomes – how do we do this at scale? That’s where online learning has a powerful role to play.”
[25.06] The importance of collaboration between supply chain stakeholders when it comes to optimizing supply chain efficiency and decision-making.
“We talk about a supply chain – a breakdown in information flow down the chain creates inefficiencies and error, and errors are vastly more expensive than the extra effort it takes to ensure the consistency of the information flow up and down the supply chain.”
[26.52] How individuals, as well as organizations, can engage with the WiseTech Academy to learn and upskill.
[29.02] The importance of creating a learning-oriented culture that encourages continuous improvement and embraces change.
“It builds a resilience and a future-readiness.”
[32.34] The three key stages of change management for successful digitization projects.
RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:
Head over to WiseTech’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with WiseTech and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, X (Twitter), Facebook and YouTube, or you can connect with Tudor on LinkedIn.
You can also find out more about CargoWise on their website, and follow the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (Twitter) or YouTube.
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