Page 35 of 52
ORTEC introduces the fourth issue of the valued Data and AI in the Boardroom magazine. An ORTEC magazine to support senior executives to cope with the challenges, opportunities and risks of data and artificial intelligence, enhancing decision-making to secure long-term, sustainable growth in today's fast-changing world.
In an era of digital dynamism and evolving consumer tastes, keeping pace with market trends and customer demands is an ever-growing challenge for the retail industry. The key to survival? Mastering the art of distribution management.
Navigating through the labyrinth of supply chains, dealing with the intricacies of transportation and ensuring goods reach their intended locations on time are business administration tasks that demand more than just logistical acumen. They call for a robust, data-backed approach shifting gears from reactive operations to proactive strategic planning. And this approach, in essence, is what distribution management is all about.
Now, let’s delve deeper into this concept, taking the pulse of its workings, examining its impact and unpacking the ways it can optimize the retail and wholesale industry, particularly within transportation.
The 2023 edition of the Retail & Wholesale Summit, organized by ORTEC, brought together industry leaders, trend watchers, and valued customers. Hosted by George Ninikas, the Global Industry Director for Retail & Wholesale, the summit aimed to achieve three primary objectives: fostering collaboration, providing insights into industry developments, and building a networked community.
Here are the key takeaways from this impactful event.
June 6, 2023
Zoetermeer, The Netherlands – ORTEC is happy to announce Herman Wierenga has joined the Executive Leadership Team as the new Chief Operating Officer (COO) effective June 1, 2023. He will take over the position of Marco Lock, who will take on the role of Chief Operating Officer for ORTEC Americas. In his new role, Wierenga will lead ORTEC’s global operations, and scale up the organization for future growth and impact.
COLUMN | THE INNOVATION SIDE OF THINGS
Text: Suzanne Thomasson - Consultant and Member of the Innovation Practice team at ORTEC
We are living in uncertain times. Health crises, political instability, inflation, energy shortages, natural disasters, environmental issues…It affects us all. One could argue that those uncertain times aren’t a proper time to innovate in, which is often seen as the risky part of business, and that it’s much safer to protect what you have and wait for normal days to return. I believe the contrary is true, because uncertainty has become a certainty, and it’s rocket fuel for innovation.
Over the past century, business have made huge improvements when it comes to optimal and cost-efficient planning, as well the organization of processes. However, efficient processes alone won’t solve the challenges of the current world. The puzzle is becoming a more difficult one to solve. Businesses will need to adopt new ways to thrive, and maybe even to survive.
By definition, entrepreneurship revolves around navigating uncertainty. The volatility of financial markets, the unpredictability of demand, obstacles in supply chains, new national and European laws and regulations, labor market developments: companies have always factored uncertainties into their plans.
In recent years, however, the world does seem to have become a significantly more uncertain place.
Lucia van Geuns, Strategic Energy Advisor, focuses on energy security and the geopolitics of energy at independent knowledge institute The Hague Center for Strategic Studies (HCSS). In her expert opinion, the energy market will be facing volatile and uncertain 10 to 15 years: “Developing future scenarios and storylines are crucial in strategic thinking, both for companies and countries. Though, it is important to realize that there is no predicting the future. The path toward a new energy system will be a messy one, requiring a joint program allowing for a more strategic, coherent, and coordinated approach from governments and the industry.
Interview with Lucia van Geuns, Strategic Advisor Energy at the Hague Centre for Strategic Studies
April 15, 2023 - Zoetermeer - Today, the Dutch Puzzle and Sudoku Championship took place at the headquarters of ORTEC in Zoetermeer, the Netherlands. After a challenging qualification round, the event welcomed the best 41 puzzle enthusiasts competing for the title of Dutch 2023 champion in Sudoku and logical puzzles. For both, the championship title was prolonged and renewed by previous winners.
April 4, 2023
Today, we celebrated in two-fold: the sixth anniversary of ORTEC’s Education Factory, while kicking-off another learning season. As we believe learning is a never-ending journey, we offer ORTEC employees continuous learning opportunities. Through The Education Factory, ORTEC’s internal academy, we offer trainings to our global workforce. From soft skills to data science and for starters to senior professionals: there are learning possibilities for everyone. This year, the curriculum has expanded again, now offering 113 different courses.