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The Five Most Common Efficiency Issues and How to Fix Them

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Archives, Commentary, Global Trade Daily

The Five Most Common Efficiency Issues and How to Fix Them

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Undertaking productivity reviews to identify efficiency issues and quantify opportunities for improvement are important. We recommend using a range of work-study and observational techniques that provide diagnostic insights supported by process deep dives.

Work-study options include detailed analysis of a process to measure how long each individual stage takes, giving valuable insights on where to focus to speed up the process and to enable resource planning based on accurate workload calculations. A diagnostic efficiency study can look at teams from warehousing to admin and sales to quantify what proportion of time is spent adding value, undertaking essential tasks and how much time is lost.

We’ve identified the top five efficiency issues:

1. Paper-based processes don’t need measurement to spot them. Paper is slower, less efficient and creates filing and storage requirements compared to digital equivalents. At some stage, paper interfaces with a system and there is a need for data input into an accounting system. Look out for paper in your business and review options to eliminate it and increase your efficiency.

2. Moving to systems from paper doesn’t always mean things run smoothly. Time can be lost due to system delays. This downtime is created when systems don’t work as quickly as the human using them. Typical causes of delays are slow systems and connections that mean colleagues watch the screen loading graphics rather than completing their tasks. Work Studies have found that some contact center teams become so accustomed to working around their slow systems that they instinctively timed their general chat during the call with the delays. Speeding things up would mean a quicker call for the customer and more calls per hour handled by an agent.

Another common system delay issue is dual entry of data as colleagues move between systems that are not integrated at the right points. Colleagues working in multiple systems work most efficiently with dual monitors. Good workstation set up helps too – uncomfortable chairs, missing wrist supports, and monitors at the wrong height are all factors that can impact efficiency.

3. Physical work lends itself more easily to ongoing output measure and monitoring, for example, the number of delivery units handled, or widgets manufactured per hour. Office based activity can be harder to get to grips on and efficiency studies provide a measure of how much time is spent on essential activities and time lost. We’ve worked with a client who found that team leaders in their owned and operated customer services teams spent more time coaching colleagues than their peers in the franchised parts of their operation, which explained the variance in customer experience measurement and business outcomes. Another client found a surprisingly high proportion of time spent on internal emails, calls, and meetings. The route cause was a mix of unclear accountabilities and incomplete customer records that required supporting communication.

Additionally, there was a delay in response times as offices in different parts of the world shut down overnight. We recommended a slight shift in office working hours to give more overlap time between markets and an option to move an offshore support team to mirror the working hours of the team they support. Emails, calls, and meetings can add significant value, yet in many businesess, email and call volume is cited as a significant barrier to getting work done. Efficiency study measures the issue and the opportunity size.

4. Efficiency analysis looks at resource versus demand and shows where a demand peak overwhelms available resources, which in some businesses creates potential lost sales. The opposite of this is where teams are not fully occupied, and work-study observations show a slowdown in the pace of work and increased downtime in ad hoc breaks. We’ve often observed significant variance in downtime across teams within the same business and multi-skilling can help create a more flexible team that can be deployed to better match changing demand. Workload models that calculate how much resource is needed in a team help businesses size their teams accurately and create a global benchmark to eliminate variance.

5. Businesses that move stock have two common efficiency issues. The first is when the volume of stock held overwhelms the storage space it creates inefficiency. Stock needs to be held in an organized way so it can be accessed easily. Too often we see stock stacked behind other lines, making it difficult to find and only accessible if other stock is first moved. And stock in multiple locations, unless all accurately logged in a stock management system, is a recipe for wasted time trying to find stock. To maximize efficiency, measure how many times stock is handled as it goes through your operation. Eliminating unnecessary stock handling will improve productivity and reduce handling costs.

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Article by Simon Hedaux, founder and CEO of Rethink Productivity, a world-leading productivity partner that helps businesses to drive efficiency, boost productivity, and optimize budgets.

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Archives, Global Trade Daily, Imports/Exports

Overview of the Onion And Shallot Market in Asia-Pacific

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IndexBox has just published a new report: ‘Asia-Pacific – Onion And Shallots – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights’. Here is a summary of the report’s key findings.

The revenue of the onion and shallot market in Asia-Pacific amounted to $24.6B in 2018, increasing by 3.9% against the previous year. Driven by increasing demand for onion and shallot in Asia-Pacific, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next decade. Market performance is forecast to retain its current trend pattern, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +2.3% for the period from 2018 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market volume to 77M tonnes by the end of 2030.

Consumption by Country

The countries with the highest volumes of onion and shallot consumption in 2018 were China (25M tonnes), India (20M tonnes) and Pakistan (2.1M tonnes), together comprising 80% of total consumption. South Korea, Bangladesh, Japan, Indonesia and Myanmar lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 15%.

From 2013 to 2018, the most notable rate of growth in terms of onion and shallot consumption, amongst the main consuming countries, was attained by Bangladesh, while onion and shallot consumption for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, China ($13.7B) led the market, alone. The second position in the ranking was occupied by India ($5.4B). It was followed by Indonesia.

In 2018, the highest levels of onion and shallot per capita consumption was registered in South Korea (40 kg per person), followed by Myanmar (18 kg per person), China (17 kg per person) and Japan (15 kg per person), while the world average per capita consumption of onion and shallot was estimated at 14 kg per person.

Production in Asia-Pacific

In 2018, the amount of onions and shallots produced in Asia-Pacific totaled 60M tonnes, approximately mirroring the previous year. The total output volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.5% from 2013 to 2018; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being observed over the period under review. The general positive trend in terms of onion and shallot output was largely conditioned by a moderate expansion of the harvested area and a relatively flat trend pattern in yield figures.

In 2018, the onion and shallot harvested area amounted to 3.3M ha, while the average yield stood at 18 tonne per ha.

Production by Country

The countries with the highest volumes of onion and shallot production in 2018 were China (26M tonnes), India (22M tonnes) and Pakistan (2.1M tonnes), with a combined 84% share of total production. These countries were followed by South Korea, Bangladesh, Japan and Indonesia, which together accounted for a further 12%.

From 2013 to 2018, the most notable rate of growth in terms of onion and shallot production, amongst the main producing countries, was attained by Bangladesh, while onion and shallot production for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Exports in Asia-Pacific

In 2018, the exports of onions and shallots in Asia-Pacific amounted to 3M tonnes, approximately equating the previous year.

In value terms, onion and shallot exports totaled $1.1B (IndexBox estimates).

Exports by Country

India represented the largest exporter of onions and shallots in Asia-Pacific, with the volume of exports resulting at 1.7M tonnes, which was near 55% of total exports in 2018. It was distantly followed by China (968K tonnes), creating a 32% share of total exports. New Zealand (134K tonnes), Pakistan (64K tonnes) and Afghanistan (62K tonnes) occupied a minor share of total exports.

From 2013 to 2018, the most notable rate of growth in terms of exports, amongst the main exporting countries, was attained by China, while exports for the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the exports figures.

In value terms, China ($564M), India ($420M) and New Zealand ($62M) were the countries with the highest levels of exports in 2018, together comprising 93% of total exports.

Export Prices by Country

In 2018, the onion and shallot export price in Asia-Pacific amounted to $371 per tonne, going down by -1.5% against the previous year. Overall, the onion and shallot export price continues to indicate a measured deduction. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 an increase of 41% against the previous year. In that year, the export prices for onions and shallots attained their peak level of $450 per tonne. From 2016 to 2018, the growth in terms of the export prices for onions and shallots failed to regain its momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by the country of origin; the country with the highest price was China ($583 per tonne), while Afghanistan ($167 per tonne) was amongst the lowest.

From 2013 to 2018, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by China, while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the export price figures.

Source: IndexBox AI Platform

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Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily

From Physical Retail to Online Business: Marketing and Logistics Principles for Supermarkets

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Supermarkets and retailers around the world began distributing goods via order channels over a decade ago, often as a future-oriented addition to a minor business segment, complementing standard services. As such, ordering online and receiving groceries via delivery is nothing new. Caught off-guard by the COVID-19 outbreak, however, supermarkets and food-retailers today are facing the challenge of switching their business model from physical retail to online order and delivery with unprecedented urgency. With physical distancing measures in place across entire countries, people increasingly prefer to avoid purchasing their groceries as walk-in customers to safeguard their health and well-being.

In this situation, the supermarket industry finds itself in a fundamentally altered market environment. The changes required from them are profound. Their typical infrastructure, such as buildings and storage centers, was strategically designed to walk customers through a supermarket, positioning products on shelves as per marketing and product placement logic, factors that become obsolete in an online retail world. What matters now is safe, reliable, and fast supply of customers’ online orders via dedicated distribution services. Logistics is at the core of addressing these challenges and the interface between marketing and logistics indeed becomes vital for fast implementation in the current scenario.

For a swift short-term switch, the prerequisites are two-fold: On the one hand, the supply of selected products needs to be covered either through local production or through available imports. On the other, a functioning online ordering front-end needs to be made available to customers. Yet, especially for supermarkets, it is the seamless and efficient operation of the “pick and packing” functionality that has now become the bottleneck.

This has several consequences that can be addressed: First, online supermarkets cannot provide the full portfolio of goods to their customers, at least for the time being. Sales analysis is required to meaningfully reduce the portfolio of products available online, and hence decrease the complexity of assembling orders later on. Amid the current circumstances, food and canned products will have higher importance than non-food items, and any of the latter to be upheld would need to be chosen sensibly. While customers may have less choice, portfolio reduction will help significantly in maintaining capacity for faster, more reliable physical delivery.

Second, shortened product portfolios can be divided into two categories: High runners and low runners. High runners are regularly purchased in high volumes, and their turnaround is quick. Low runners might be appealing in the physical retail world, but have less meaning in the current landscape. Third, high-running products within a simplified offering need to be stored differently for now. Usually, they would be placed decentralized along strategic points throughout the supermarket to attract attention. In a recalibrated setup, identified high runners need to be stored centrally in a dedicated area of the market where employees have unhindered access for fast “pick and packing”. Fourth, the commissioning time needed for workers to assemble an incoming order, needs to be kept as low as possible by minimizing physical distances required to walk.

Fifth, in packing the online orders received and getting them ready for dispatch, standardized package box sizes can be used to further reduce complexity. Just like in a game of “Tetris”, utilizing uniform cubic sizes will allow for packages to be stored in delivery vehicles in the most effective fashion. This is particularly relevant for food retailers that do not rely on third-party logistics providers for reasons of quality and food safety assurance.

Sixth, physical delivery of the commissioned orders should be prioritized and planned in a calculated way. Typical linear concepts such as “first order in, first delivery out,” will not be efficient under the current circumstances. Seventh, because of the reduced product portfolio, the products offered should not be static, but optimized on a regular basis. In other words, the now required short-term shift should not limit the industry to short-term thinking. Requiring customers to order in excess of minimum order amounts, imposing high delivery charges, expecting customers to accept long delivery times, accepting the jamming of orders, amongst others pitfalls – all of which we are currently witnessing internationally, can be avoided by emphasizing the outlined marketing and logistics principles.

While it is clear that supermarkets are at the heart of consumer goods supply during the current pandemic, it would not be reasonable to compare them with established online giants such as Amazon and others. Their business model and logistical setups are different, from the outset. This naturally calls for customers to exercise patience and good-will with their supermarkets for a while. Supermarkets are logistical hubs, run by people, for people, through people, even if for the time being, they may appear as an anonymous online screen only.

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Frank Himpel is a faculty member of the Engineering Management and Decision Sciences division at College of Science and Engineering at Hamad Bin Khalifa University in Qatar. Prior to moving to Qatar with his family in 2018, Frank served as a professor of business administration and logistics in Germany, where he also received his academic degrees. His research into aviation and air transportation management has taken him to several countries around the world.

 About Hamad Bin Khalifa University

Innovating Today, Shaping Tomorrow

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development (QF), was founded in 2010 as a research-intensive university that acts as a catalyst for transformative change in Qatar and the region while having global impact. Located in Education City, HBKU is committed to building and cultivating human capacity through an enriching academic experience, innovative ecosystem, and unique partnerships. HBKU delivers multidisciplinary undergraduate and graduate degrees through its colleges, and provides opportunities for research and scholarship through its institutes and centers. For more information about HBKU, visit www.hbku.edu.qa.

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Archives, Global Trade Daily, Imports/Exports

Global Imports of Breathing Appliances and Gas Masks Recorded the Highest Growth Before the COVID-19 Pandemic

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IndexBox has just published a new report: ‘World – Breathing Appliances And Gas Masks – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends And Insights’. Here is a summary of the report’s key findings.

Global Trade of Breathing Appliances and Gas Masks  2013-2018

In 2018, the amount of breathing appliances and gas masks exported worldwide totaled $1.7B (IndexBox estimates). The total export value increased at an average annual rate of +5.5% over the period from 2013 to 2018; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when exports increased by 15% year-to-year. In that year, global breathing appliances exports reached their peak.

Exports by Country

The U.S. ($375M), Germany ($332M) and the UK ($279M) were the countries with the highest levels of exports in 2018, together accounting for 57% of global exports. These countries were followed by France, China, Poland, Australia, Taiwan, Chinese, Canada, Russia, South Korea and Mexico, which together accounted for a further 27%.

Poland experienced the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, among the main exporting countries over the period under review, while exports for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

In 2018, the average breathing appliances export price amounted to $64,941 per tonne, going up by 6% against the previous year. Over the period from 2013 to 2018, it increased at an average annual rate of +5.1%. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when the average export price increased by 14% year-to-year. Over the period under review, the average export prices for breathing appliances and gas masks reached their maximum in 2018 and is expected to retain its growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2018, the country with the highest price was France ($109,043 per tonne), while Mexico ($12,629 per tonne) was amongst the lowest.

From 2013 to 2018, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Russia, while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports by Country

In value terms, the U.S. ($232M), Germany ($187M) and Canada ($96M) appeared to be the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2018, with a combined 30% share of global imports. The UK, France, Australia, China, Denmark, the Netherlands, South Korea, Chile and Indonesia lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 27%.

Denmark recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, among the main importing countries over the period under review, while imports for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

The average breathing appliances import price stood at $61,064 per tonne in 2018, growing by 2.7% against the previous year. Over the last five-year period, it increased at an average annual rate of +2.7%. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when the average import price increased by 8.7% year-to-year.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2018, the country with the highest price was Australia ($85,291 per tonne), while Indonesia ($26,559 per tonne) was amongst the lowest.

From 2013 to 2018, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Australia, while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox AI Platform

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Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily

Doing Business Under COVID-19: Going Online to Weather the Storm

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Doing Business Under COVID-19: Going Online to Weather the Storm

At the time of this writing, there are now unprecedented restrictions being put in place to prevent the spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus or COVID-19, its official designation by the World Health Organization. These actions have been proposed as necessary steps in order to prevent the spread and transmission of the disease. However, its impact on the socio-political and economic fronts cannot be overlooked.

Such is the nature of this virus and the ensuing government actions that this will likely forever change how we do business not only in our individual nations but across the globe as a whole.

The technological revolution has already progressed sufficiently to allow for automation in a great many industries, but how can small and medium-sized businesses prepare before the next global pandemic?

Even in times of crisis, businesses still need to maintain communications with global partners, clients, and stakeholders. Get in touch with Tomedes’ crisis communication center. 

The Social Impact of COVID-19

Somewhere, some kid woke up in their dream utopian world, where they were forced to stay at home, playing video games in the basement, not having any physical contact with the outside world, or at least no more than necessary to order a pizza. Elsewhere, entire societies have been adversely impacted as restaurants, entertainment venues and other gatherings have been declared off-limits to the people.

Gatherings as seemingly innocuous as church meetings have been canceled, leaving many people suffering from the onset of cabin fever as they find themselves more and more isolated and incapable of participating in virtually any social engagement. This particularly impacts societies that value physical displays of affection between family members, friends, and acquaintances, along with the need to sustain relationships and friendships in a traditional hands-on manner.

The Economic Impact of COVID-19

Source: The Economist

Perhaps the most damaging disruption is that the COVID-19 is bringing the world economy to its knees, bankrupting many businesses for all sizes, and laying off employees by the droves, depriving them the ability to provide for themselves and for their families. With families still experiencing the shocks and crunches of the 2008 Financial Crisis and the Great Recession, along with the economic setbacks from the US-China trade war, the coronavirus pandemic couldn’t come at a worst time–not that it should have come at all. The pandemic is now having a rippling effect that expands throughout the global economic system as evidenced from the current global economic crisis.

Manufacturing of non-essential goods is now scaling back to even being suspended. Logistics and material supply chains are lagging behind which is then causing a domino effect, ultimately resulting in utter economic turmoil leaving entire sections of the economy beaten, battered and bruised with little hope for any immediate resolution.

Perhaps this outbreak will forever change the way that people work, shop and even how they live their lives. There are some industries that are currently thriving even during these economically depressed times. There are other businesses that are dying but some, with a little bit of effort and foresight, could be in a much better position during the next global outbreak.

Which Industries are Thriving During the Global COVID-19 Pandemic? And Why?

Source: World Health Organization

Despite the constant economic turmoil that is ongoing as a result of the current global pandemic, there are numerous industries that are thriving or at the very least, continuing operations. Many businesses that have already established themselves online in one form or another, are at the very least, not suffering as badly at present. Although, situations in some industries are mixed as some are forced to scale down their operations. Some are obligated to keep going considering the vital nature of their operations with profit being the least of their concerns as of the moment.

Tech Industry

As people continue their quarantine and lockdown lifestyle, they’ll naturally go online and browse all content they’ll come across to pass the time. Social media platforms are now experiencing a surge in content with people now having more time on their hands than usual. Streaming companies such as Netflix are also having a field day as ‘Netflix and chill’ routines are now the norm for more people for the next few weeks at least.

As for consumer electronic manufacturers, it’s fair to say that people’s consumer habits have changed from conspicuous spending to practical spending. There’s significantly less demand now for luxury products and consumer electronic products with the exception of consumer medical devices. It’s much more practical now to purchase a thermometer and digital blood pressure monitor than the latest iPhone or pre-ordering the upcoming PS5.

Ecommerce

The global ecommerce industry is facing mixed experiences as we speak. One can assume that as people stay indoors, ecommerce businesses are bound to have a field day. In reality, it entirely depends on your product inventory whether you sell essential goods, medical devices, or consumer electronics and so on. The impact on ecommerce businesses also depend on how much they rely on the global supply chain.

Since the pandemic has initially brought China’s manufacturers to a halt, everyone from ecommerce businesses to global retailers are taking a big hit. Some ecommerce businesses are forced to suspend their operations and even close up shop as they can’t restock their inventory. However, other ecommerce businesses are unable to cope with so much demand as people continue to stock up on essential goods.

Logistics

The global logistics industry is now the lifeblood holding the global economy together that’s currently hanging on by a thread. From supermarkets, relief operations, healthcare centers, to families, it’s imperative that logistics companies around the world keep running round the clock to deliver not only essential goods but also vital medical supplies of all kinds from testing kits, face masks (surgical, N95, etc.), to face shields, safety goggles, protective suits, and disinfectants.

However, there are some logistics companies that are on the losing end as many have been forced to scale down to even suspend their operations temporarily as the logistics workforce are highly susceptible to viral transmission.

Energy and Utilities

With families now staying, working, and continuing their schooling at home, energy and utility companies will naturally see a tremendous spike in operations. But whether this is profitable for their industry isn’t as black-and-white as one might think. Many energy and utility companies around the world are now extending bill payments to a month to cushion the financial toll families and businesses are currently experiencing. For energy and utility companies, perhaps profit isn’t their main concern now as they’re now working hard to keep their services uninterrupted and not putting lives at risk.

Medical Industry

The global medical industry is now in overdrive with some even classifying their operations as being elevated to ‘wartime’ level. However, we wouldn’t classify it as thriving per se in terms of opportunities and increased revenue. All health professionals and relevant frontliners are now overstretched around the world and facing dwindling medical supplies as cases rise.

It’s fair to say that the pandemic is putting even the most advanced healthcare systems under enormous pressure. The medical industry from healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, and disinfectant manufacturers are now working round the clock to keep up with the pace of infections to keep it from spiraling out of the control.

Another part of the medical industry that’s seeing a spike in demand are unconventional medical services such as telemedicine and online mental health services. Doctors are highly vulnerable to viral transmission and must be protected at all costs. For patients with non-serious symptoms, telemedicine is the safest way to get a check-up from your doctor.

As for online mental health services, the abrupt social isolation along with some families even being mandated to isolate themselves from their own loved ones to prevent transmission within the household is having a damaging toll on people’s mental health.

The Language Industry

Business is booming for many aspects of the language industry, especially online translations. This is in large part due to the requirements of scientists, academics and medical professionals working around the world to stem the tide of the global COVID-19 pandemic. All of the research, the latest breakthroughs, and the research and analysis of these medical professionals must be quickly and accurately translated and then distributed to similar communities around the globe. Medical translation is also needed in the medical device industry as medical devices such as testing kits need to be accurately translated for it to be used properly by all countries affected by the pandemic.

Live interpreters are less in demand, though there are still exceptions, most notably in the medical, political, and public relations arena where communications must continue. Even here however, more and more of the work is being conducted via video conferencing and using other online means to prevent the need for gathering together unnecessarily. Translation agencies and even freelance translators and interpreters working online are experiencing an increased demand for their services when other industries falter.

The Freelance Industry

There were many claims made from both sides of the debate during the passage of AB5 in California, more commonly known as the “Gig Economy Bill”. Despite all of these claims however, freelancers online have experienced a record surge in terms of both the number of people looking for freelance work and the amount of work being moved to the “online economy”.

But not all freelancers can claim all is well unfortunately as the effects of the pandemic does naturally vary between industries. While many freelancers working online are enjoying a great boom in business, other freelancers providing on-site services such as consultants and even freelancers working for film and TV history, are having a rough time as we speak.

Setting Up Your Business Continuity Plan Amidst the Coronavirus Pandemic

Moving a business online is not only beneficial, but given the current economic and social crises, it may soon become inevitable, especially as the technological revolution automates industry and replaces more traditional jobs. There are additional benefits to the company as well.

The individuals working from home do not require expensive computers, desks or other equipment that the business owner would otherwise be forced to acquire. The business owner will not have to pay for all of the electrical consumption or other utilities that would otherwise be an added expense.

Even businesses that cannot be fully established online will benefit from an online presence. Localized service providers who only provide a limited service in an equally restrictive geographic location are one such example. Still, there are many aspects of the business that can be conducted online without any or at the very least, minimal disruption to the services being provided.

Moving Operations and Transactions Online

Accounts Payable and Receivable, IT services if there are any, and a host of other jobs can easily be completed through the use of professional agencies online, or by hiring employees who will be telecommuting, or working from their own homes. Some of the work may be outsourced to professional agencies and freelance workers online. But virtually all of it can be done without the need to congregate together in a closed, more restrictive environment.

Shift to Telecommuting

Companies that retain all or even a portion of their staff as telecommuters will be in a better position to weather the financial storm created by the current crises. This may perhaps be best demonstrated oddly enough, by looking at the internet and how it works. IT professionals are among the most common people in the industry working as telecommuters online. As long as there is internet, then there is work for people.

Likewise, programmers are able to work from home, as are customer service representatives and other key positions working in IT. Any company that can establish as much of its workforce as possible as telecommuters will enjoy numerous benefits that will be explained in the latter portion of this article.

Maintain a Skeletal Workforce for Operations if Possible.

As of writing, many businesses have had to make changes overnight from moving their operations online to even laying off a part of their workforce just to keep their business afloat. With the employees you have left, it’s important to also keep your business running by maintaining a skeletal workforce to focus on vital operations for the time being.

Using Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Services

Using VoIP services such as Skype and Facetime is a perfect way to continue face-to-face interactions not only with your employees but also clients. These are mostly free but do come with premium subscriptions if you want more access to its features as video group calls.

Expanding Your Ecommerce Capabilities

Some local businesses may already have an online presence, but may also need to consider expanding their services that are offered online. Any company that has a physical product that is going to be shipped out, or that offers online products, may want to consider the addition of an ecommerce or merchant page on their website.

This gives the business owner access to a much larger audience while at the same time, more fully automating much of the checkout process and reducing the number of employees required to perform the job functions.

Upgrade Your Content Marketing Strategies

Unlike printed ads or brochures, a website can also contain videos, which are a primary tool in every internet marketing campaign. This is especially true if the videos are used to introduce products to the customers, which is a very effective technique for increasing sales online.

Videos also have been shown to do better when they include closed captioning or video translations. Many people who are searching for products and services online will prefer the videos and watch them rather than read through large volumes of text.

The inclusion of video closed captioning through video translation services will allow for the customers to enjoy the full video experience without having to worry about missing anything, even when they have the sound turned off. Given the extent of the potential audience though, video translation and video marketing are excellent and necessary tools for an online marketing campaign as more people stay at home.

Relying on Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Platforms

You might have already been using CRM platforms but in these times, they couldn’t be more necessary now as your business continues operations online. CRM platforms make the process of monitoring clients and keeping track of relevant client data much easier. CRM platforms now run under cloud systems which means your employees can continue their services from the safety of their home.

Shift to Employee Management Strategies using Employee Tracking Tools

It’s fair to say that going online is a whole new realm, figuratively and literally. Business owners and managers need to be inundated with the latest online management strategies to keep track of their employees performance. One of the most vital essential tools in online employee management are employee tracking tools.

Employees can clock in and clock out per shift as they did before in which the tool will keep track of the total number of hours they’ve worked. Another useful feature in employee tracking tools is it takes screenshots of your employees’ screens. This helps managers know whether or not their employees are actually working on the tasks at hand rather than streaming Netflix.

Use Localization to Try to Get Ahead of the Curve

Let’s talk more about localization here and how you can get provided an elevated online customer experience for your foreign audiences and markets, especially during these trying times. Among the most popular online trends for business in 2020 is globalization through localization. Localization is all about speaking to the target demographic in their own language not just in a linguistic sense but also culturally and socially.

You’ll be using their preferences and norms as points of reference to help you refine your product and marketing strategies. This involves establishing a full business presence online in numerous different markets, using language and references that the people will understand from a more localized and personal perspective.

Localization indeed is more than just language, but translation itself under localization takes on a new form. Localizing translations involves taking note of regional linguistic nuances. Language differs greatly, even when everyone involved in the conversation speaks the same language. Think about the local vernacular, local phrases and local accents. Add in local frames of mind and points of reference, and even in different areas that speak the same language, different localization techniques will be required.

In many areas of the world, it will be necessary to use two or more local languages. The province of Quebec generally requires both French and English if it is to be effective. Locations around the Southern border of the USA may require both English and Spanish. Many locations throughout Europe commonly use numerous languages. Switzerland recognizes German, French and Italian as official languages, but also has a strong presence of Romansh. In such a case, four or more languages may be required to be translated for the website. In Switzerland, staying there for a moment in time, the areas for each language are generally geographically specific.

Each one of these geographic areas will have unique features and individual points of pride for the local populations. The ability to integrate these into a larger online campaign using localization strategies means that each one of these languages can be used to more specifically target the desired audience.

The best means to accomplish such a task is to ensure that when moving online, a translation agency that specializes in localization strategies is used in order to ensure both the accuracy and the individual aspects of a more complete, professional and personalized translation service. In some cases, these techniques will be crucial even for a more localized and restricted online business presence.

In other cases, they may be part of a broader globalization campaign, though using the same techniques of localization. However, there are places in the world that lack regular internet access. Some research may need to be done on who will be your ideal target audience.

Going Online Amidst Medical or even Economic Crises: Final Word

For those businesses that can go completely online, there will be no more need to worry about where people can or cannot gather, or what people can or cannot do in person. Many of these companies have the added benefit of creating  online products and services that can be delivered over the internet. Furthermore, the expansion of the online economy will keep the world economy going rather than flatlining.

The impact on ISPs and the relevant infrastructure have already pointed out the need for some expansion of the underlying infrastructure of the internet. It will create the need for more and better infrastructure to be built, resulting in even more work being made available online.

Overall, building a business online may seem like a rather small affair at first glance. However, just as is the case with the current social and economic crises the world is facing, the gains of an online business can create the very same rippling and domino effects in the opposite direction. The creation of more industry results in the creation of more jobs even in times of economic turmoil, and does more than just its “fair share” to aid in the global economic recovery.

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This article originally appeared on Tomedes.com. Republished with permission.

chlorine
Archives, Global Trade Daily, News

Global Chlorine Trade Totaled $160M

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IndexBox has just published a new report: ‘World – Chlorine – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends And Insights’. Here is a summary of the report’s key findings.

Global Chlorine Exports 2014-2018

In 2018, the global exports of chlorine totaled 547K tonnes, going down by -9.6% against the previous year. Overall, chlorine exports continue to indicate a slight setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 with an increase of 5.7% against the previous year. The global exports peaked at 605K tonnes in 2017, and then declined slightly in the following year.

In value terms, chlorine exports stood at $160M (IndexBox estimates) in 2018.

Exports by Country

In 2018, Canada (157K tonnes), distantly followed by France (82K tonnes), the U.S. (51K tonnes) and Romania (32K tonnes) were the largest exporters of chlorine, together making up 59% of total exports. Mexico (24K tonnes), Germany (23K tonnes), Thailand (19K tonnes), Poland (19K tonnes), Japan (14K tonnes), South Korea (12K tonnes), Austria (11K tonnes) and Colombia (11K tonnes) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2014 to 2018, the most notable rate of growth in terms of exports, amongst the main exporting countries, was attained by Japan, while exports for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest chlorine supplying countries worldwide were Canada ($31M), the U.S. ($20M) and France ($14M), together accounting for 41% of global exports.

The U.S. recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, in terms of the main exporting countries over the period under review, while exports for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

In 2018, the average chlorine export price amounted to $292 per tonne, growing by 12% against the previous year. Over the last four-year period, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.7%. Prices varied noticeably by the country of origin; the country with the highest price was Japan ($898 per tonne), while Romania ($102 per tonne) was amongst the lowest.

From 2014 to 2018, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Germany, while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports by Country

The U.S. represented the major importer of chlorine imported in the world, with the volume of imports reaching 189K tonnes, which was approx. 33% of total imports in 2018. Germany (63K tonnes) ranks second in terms of the total imports with a 11% share, followed by Mexico (7.5%), Hungary (5.6%) and Switzerland (4.6%). The following importers – Malaysia (16K tonnes), Taiwan, Chinese (13K tonnes), Belgium (11K tonnes), China (11K tonnes), the Philippines (10K tonnes), Italy (10K tonnes) and Portugal (9.3K tonnes) – together made up 14% of total imports.

From 2014 to 2018, average annual rates of growth with regard to chlorine imports into the U.S. stood at -3.3%. At the same time, Mexico (+83.9%), Malaysia (+59.4%), China (+35.3%), Taiwan, Chinese (+24.7%), Germany (+16.6%), Portugal (+16.2%) and the Philippines (+2.5%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Mexico emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in the world, with a CAGR of +83.9% from 2014-2018. By contrast, Hungary (-7.1%), Belgium (-8.5%), Switzerland (-9.4%) and Italy (-12.2%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of Mexico (+6.9 p.p.), Germany (+5.1 p.p.) and Malaysia (+2.4 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the global imports from 2014-2018, the share of Hungary (-1.9 p.p.), Switzerland (-2.2 p.p.) and the U.S. (-4.9 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, the U.S. ($37M) constitutes the largest market for imported chlorine worldwide, comprising 21% of global imports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by Germany ($13M), with a 7.4% share of global imports. It was followed by Mexico, with a 7.1% share.

From 2014 to 2018, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in the U.S. stood at +1.3%. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Germany (+13.5% per year) and Mexico (+57.2% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average chlorine import price stood at $307 per tonne in 2018, growing by 4.3% against the previous year.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2018, the country with the highest price was China ($981 per tonne), while Hungary ($83 per tonne) was amongst the lowest.

From 2014 to 2018, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the Philippines, while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox AI Platform

Tobacco Market
Archives, Global Trade Daily, News

Global Unmanufactured Tobacco Market – Exports form Brazil Declined for the Sixth Year in a Row to $1.9B in 2018

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IndexBox has just published a new report: ‘World – Unmanufactured Tobacco – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights’. Here is a summary of the report’s key findings.

Brazil, the world’s largest supplier of tobacco, is plagued by falling demand. Exports from this country have been steadily declining for six consecutive years, from $ 3.2 billion in 2012 to $ 1.9 billion in 2018.

From 2007-2018, the global market rose at an average annual rate of +2.0% to reach $24.6B. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers’ margins, which will be included in the final consumer price).

Consumption by Country

China (2.2M tonnes) remains the largest unmanufactured tobacco consuming country worldwide, accounting for 35% of total volume. Moreover, unmanufactured tobacco consumption in China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest consumer, India (565K tonnes), fourfold. Brazil (321K tonnes) ranked third in terms of total consumption with a 5.1% share.

From 2007 to 2018, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume in China was relatively modest. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: India (+4.3% per year) and Brazil (+2.8% per year).

Exports 2007-2018

In 2018, approx. 2.5M tonnes of tobacco (unmanufactured) were exported worldwide; reducing by -1.7% against the previous year. Overall, unmanufactured tobacco exports continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2012 when exports increased by 6.6% against the previous year. The global exports peaked at 2.8M tonnes in 2009; however, from 2010 to 2018, exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, unmanufactured tobacco exports stood at $11.4B (IndexBox estimates) in 2018.

Exports by Country

In 2018, Brazil (449K tonnes), distantly followed by Belgium (228K tonnes), China (203K tonnes), India (186K tonnes), Malawi (173K tonnes), Zimbabwe (172K tonnes) and the U.S. (153K tonnes) were the main exporters of tobacco (unmanufactured), together achieving 63% of total exports. Italy (75K tonnes), Mozambique (70K tonnes), Turkey (68K tonnes), Argentina (64K tonnes) and Germany (59K tonnes) occupied a minor share of total exports.

From 2007 to 2018, the most notable rate of growth in terms of exports, amongst the main exporting countries, was attained by Belgium, while exports for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Brazil ($1.9B), Belgium ($1.2B) and the U.S. ($1B) appeared to be the countries with the highest levels of exports in 2018, together comprising 36% of global exports.

Belgium experienced the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, in terms of the main exporting countries over the period under review, while exports for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

The average unmanufactured tobacco export price stood at $4,582 per tonne in 2018, therefore, remained relatively stable against the previous year. Over the last eleven years, it increased at an average annual rate of +2.8%. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2008 when the average export price increased by 15% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices for tobacco (unmanufactured) reached their peak figure at $4,874 per tonne in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2018, export prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by the country of origin; the country with the highest price was Germany ($7,076 per tonne), while India ($3,249 per tonne) was amongst the lowest.

From 2007 to 2018, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Italy, while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox AI Platform

Archives, Global Trade Daily, News

How to Be a Strong Leader during Coronavirus

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The economic and social uncertainties that the coronavirus pandemic has precipitated all over the world have created new and harsh challenges for political, religious, community, and business leaders. No one saw the current pandemic coming, so not many leaders were sufficiently prepared for it. But then, a leader must lead regardless of how unprepared or inexperienced.

In the business world, leaders are struggling to cope with the new realities of social distancing and the increased need for remote working. This is a time when business leaders need to inspire hope among their employees, even as they struggle to keep their businesses afloat. It is a time when leaders need to take quick actions that will save supply chains from collapsing. Consumer trends are changing faster than ever experienced before, and businesses must keep up with the trends or risk running out of business. Indeed, difficult and important decisions must be made and made fast. But how can a leader inspire hope during these difficult times?

For a start, business leaders must work closely with all stakeholders- governments, clients, partners, investors, and employees- in monitoring the virus and prioritizing everyone’s safety. At the same time, they must try to cushion the financial future of their organizations and employees. Strong leadership skills have never been more relevant. Here are 5 strong leadership skills that will help you provide the leadership that your employees so desperately need:

 1. Have a compelling and consistent message

Communication in times of crisis is way more demanding than during any other time, particularly because your subordinates must believe in your message first before agreeing to abide by it. You need to inspire hope that the current crisis will come to an end soon, but then the people you are inspiring are convinced otherwise. People are desperate for “the normal” so that they can go back to pursuing their careers and lives, but then their optimism is gone. Their only hope is that their leaders can chart a path forward, but then most of them don’t trust anyone who has the right answers to this pandemic. You will have a better shot at inspiring your staff if your actions and body language are consistent with your words. This is the time to leverage the experiences, values, talents, and qualities that your juniors appreciate about you. Build your message around those qualities and be consistent while at it.

2. Be empathetic

You will need to make tough decisions during this crisis, but you must always come from a place of empathy. This is a time when your listening skills for managers will be put to test like never before; a time when you have to understand the feelings and experiences of your juniors before making any decisions. Such skills will help you detect fear and agony in the questions your juniors ask, so you are able to empathize with everyone and give the right directives. Note that it is natural for some of your juniors to feel like you don’t have answers or good enough solutions to their fears. If you are empathetic, however, you will understand their paranoia and skepticism better and that will enable you to package your solutions in a way that inspires hope in the midst of the paranoia, doubts, and hopelessness.

3. Be tenacious

Strive not to be overwhelmed by the challenges this pandemic has brought. Let everyone see your determination in defeating this disease and its ripple effects. Being tenacious includes thinking long-term and helping everyone around you to see the bigger picture, even when the present reality seems so bleak and unsettling. As much as you need to be reactive when handling problems as they come, you need to be responsive as well. That is how you will convert your employees and people around you to be believers and followers. Of course, the solution lies far into the future but it is only through your today’s tenacity that the future everyone wants will be achieved.

4. Be truthful

There is a lot of misinformation doing rounds on social media and that has led to confusion. Don’t fuel that trend. Be straightforward and honest in your messages, focusing more on how the virus can be defeated.

5. Ask for help when you need it

The people you work with have almost the same dreams and ambitions as you. They also have ideas that could help you navigate these murky waters of the COVID-19 era. That is why it is okay to go to them for ideas on how to move forward.

Conclusion

With a little more courage, emotional intelligence, and integrity, you will easily navigate the current coronavirus crisis. Remember to care for the people around you and to communicate effectively and with clarity. We shall overcome!

Archives, Global Trade Daily, Warehousing

How Warehousing has Evolved Over the Years

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In the last ten to twenty years, warehouses have evolved massively. The industry has come a long way just in the last decade and has evolved to adapt to a faster pace. Driven by the evolution of various factors that influence the global market, warehousing continues to rise and change to remain one of the vital components in many industries.

The rule in business nowadays is simple: either you adapt or you break. The warehousing sector can confidently say that it has successfully adapted to the trends set by consumers and competition. From retail to manufacturing, every business that involves logistics has managed to or has to manage by making planned changes through the use of recent developments, which has so far produced positive results.

As warehousing experts and pros continue to tread the path driven by trends and change, they have to educate themselves. An important part of the adaptation process and preparing to move forward is looking back at what put you in your current position – a review of sorts.

To help you see the direction warehouse management is headed, this article will highlight how warehousing has evolved over the years.

More Strategic and Complex

Warehousing management has become more strategic and complex over the years. The simple warehouse which was once a small portion of the supply chain is not what it used to be. The primary concept of which warehouses were derived is still there: storage; however, the warehouse is now being called on to handle more complexity than it ever had.

There are many different types of warehouses that exist now that could play an important role in the near future. Warehouses such as high ceiling facilities and pop-up warehouses were developed throughout time to meet different requirements. Still focusing on adapting, it’s critical that current warehouses are agile and can adapt to changing conditions.

Accessibility

Historically, warehouses were only available to large businesses with a large-scale budget. Now, warehouses are more accessible even to small and medium businesses. This is driven by everyone wanting to manage their own operations and taking matters into their own hands.

The demand for industrial real estate has risen and continues to do so since the boom of ecommerce and the customer’s expectations of faster and more affordable shipping. For instance, there is accessible industrial real estate in many locations such as the warehouse in Kansas City that a business can either lease or purchase for different purposes. This all caters to businesses of all sizes.

Shift to Ecommerce Drives Automation

As aforementioned, the ecommerce industry is one of the main driving forces of the warehousing evolution. Ecommerce pros are facing the challenge of meeting customer expectations of cheaper and faster delivery and shipping. One of the strategies to address this demand is to automate.

Automated systems effectively reduce overstock and shortages and will boost profits in the long run. Automation cannot do it alone though, as it has to be partnered with quality warehouse storage systems to help an operation run smoothly.

Conclusion

Warehousing evolved in the past years by becoming more strategic and complex, accessible, and pushing for automation. It will continue to evolve in the next decade or so, as it depends on variables that can disrupt the majority of workplaces in many industries. Warehousing will continue to be pushed to adapt by the ever-changing fast-paced world.

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Angelo Castelda works as a contributor for a news magazine in Asia. On his free days, he likes to read books about the logistics industry and warehouse management. He also gets frequently invited to schools and universities to hold talks about the supply chain system and warehouse operations.

human
Archives, Global Trade Daily, In The News, The Big Idea

A Human Perspective – Global Business in the Post COVID-19 World and The New Norm

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There is little doubt that our economy will not be the same in the post novel coronavirus world. American businesses long have shown the scars of national trauma: Devastating fires, for example, spawned major factory regulations. World War II hastened the entrance of women into the workforce. September 11th drastically heightened security protocols. Analysts say the novel coronavirus pandemic could push broad societal shifts and human behavior. There will essentially be a “new norm” where new businesses will start, others will thrive, and many will disappear. As human beings in this New Era, this article will identify how the human perspective will influence business and consumer trends.

One of the most apparent human factors consumer impacts from the coronavirus outbreak is a shortage of toilet paper stemming from panic buying originating from video’s that went viral such as this one from Australia.

However, upon a human perspective evaluation, there is a supply chain shortage of toilet paper, not an inventory shortage. Consumers are now buying for their homes as the toilet paper supply in offices, restaurants, airports, hotels, and schools go unused.

Other observed human factor trends are a shortage of Viagra where Pfizer is allegedly at full production capacity of Sildenafil at its Amboise France Facility (Now managed by Fereva). Lastly, figuratively related, in Food Science, packets of yeast are also at shortage levels as homebound bakers now have more time on their hands to take the time required to bake fresh bread.

Lastly, the best performing commodity during this epidemic has been frozen concentrated orange juice rising over 20% (Akin to the 1983 film Trading Places)

The most significant impact economists say will likely be dramatic losses in local retail and dining options, with millions of jobs disappearing as the most prominent and wealthiest companies — especially those that do much of their business online — extend their gains. Giants such as Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Costco — and the rest of the industry. Companies selling groceries and staples are thriving, while the rest are barely hanging on.

Telework, online education, and streaming video services have grown sharply, while movie theaters, schools, and traditional workplaces close their doors. Some will never reopen in a world where the shift from real to virtual suddenly has gone into overdrive. In the entertainment industry, Universal Pictures announced this week that its animated adventure “Trolls World Tour,” due for release in April, instead will be available for streaming. Such shifts, if they take hold long term, could imperil movie theaters, especially small and independent ones that run on narrow margins based heavily on concession revenue.

Virtually any business practices, such as remote work and the online medical visits or telehealth, which were slow to win widespread adoption because of behavioral inertia, will now speed adoption of such unfamiliar ways of doing business. Any traditional face-to-face encounter — going to an accountant’s office, sending children to class, traveling for a business meeting — will seem less necessary as more remote options become publicly acceptable and widespread.

An economic silver lining will emerge for janitors, child-care workers, grocery store clerks, and servers who will be able to demand higher pay and better working conditions in the post-coronavirus world, some analysts predict. Many have called these workers “heroes” in the crisis.

It’s impossible to say what ripple effects these massive disruptions could cause. One analyst pointed to groceries: When few people opted for home delivery, the scale of the enterprise ensured the costs were high, and availability was low. But as crowds of people opt for delivery, the route drivers will grow denser, and customers will expect everything is dropped off at home. Deliveries of items that were generally in-store purchases — fresh foods, prescription drugs — could usher in new economies of scale.

Businesses dependent on prime real estate and bringing people together could be especially vulnerable as people opt against public gatherings, including shopping at malls. That could have other impacts, too: One analyst said he suspected conspicuous consumption — high fashion, expensive sneakers, sparkling jewelry — might suffer when people “don’t have anywhere to parade.”

Other firms may become winners, too. Blue Apron, the food-delivery service, struggled for months to convince investors that people would pay $60 a box for all of the ingredients they need to make home-cooked meals. But the firm saw its stock price skyrocket more than 500 percent last week amid a flurry of new interest. The company said it is hiring workers at its fulfillment centers in California and New Jersey to meet demand.

But as surgical masks become desperately desired items, schools from Japan to Ireland sit closed, airlines scrap flights, trade shows are canceled, and stock markets plunge, the pandemic seems likely to alter the contours of globalization and human behavior. However, one thing we all can agree is human beings will prevail over the virus. As the Great Winston Churchill said: “If you are going through hell, keep going.”

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Frank Orlowski is an accomplished Senior Finance Executive and Board Member with more than 25 years of success in the pharmaceutical, medical devices, contract manufacturing, and healthcare industries. Leveraging extensive experience leading manufacturing, operational, and financial strategies across 35 countries.  Frank has also implemented over 30 FCPA Compliance/ Controls Remediation and Certification Programs across 25 countries.

Contact:

Email: frank@ationadvisory.com

Website: www.ationadvisory.com