The first meeting of the commercial team bytemaster from video conference, once the containment measures were adopted, was probably like that of many teams from many companies that had to opt for this format. We saw for the first time personal offices, dining rooms, bedrooms and the occasional green and open terrace that was the envy of everyone. The uncertainty of that virtual room was a widespread feeling. We were faced with a reality of which we did not know (and still do not know) the implications it could have on our business, that of our clients and the economy in general. After reviewing the most immediate issues on the agenda, we began a spontaneous crystal ball exercise to predict what was in store for us. We were missing data. We needed to know the reality of the rest of the value chain to really understand the magnitude of events. And after a few minutes at that, an idea emerged: "And why don't we move this debate to a larger forum, with our customers and partners?
From concern to idea
This is how the concept of the Bytemaster Virtual Café was born. We wanted to contribute to the current debate in the transport and logistics sector by creating a space for discussion on specific issues generated by the global health crisis. From ERTEs to the outsourcing of production, the call was a success in terms of audience, allowing for an interesting exchange of opinions among the participants. Apart from the quality of the speakers invited, the success of the sessions has been the short and dynamic format. We are committed to moving away from the Webinar label. We did not want a lecture on the proposed topic, because we assumed that, at present, everything is very uncertain. We found the idea of coffee and open debate more enriching and allowed us to get to know the reality of different actors in the logistics chain.
Thus, the capacity of the cafés was on average 50 participants, an optimal size that allowed the development of a fluid and interesting debate. Each one of them was led by the vision of an expert in the subject.
Week 1: ERTE's in the logistics sector Jordi Martorell, Martorell Lawyers.
The lawyer Jordi Martorell, lawyer and consultant at Martorell Abogados, was the guest speaker at the first session of the Virtual Cafe to talk in depth about the strategies for the regularization of human resources in the times of Covid-19. Jordi reviewed the different modalities of regulatory proceedings and their implications. The debate also opened the door to commenting on other financial strategies, such as tax deferment and early application for bank loans guaranteed by the ICO.
Week 2: Updates on Customs Regulations. Antonio de la Ossa, Delaossa Customs Advisors
The second coffee was attended by Antonio de la Ossa, who gave a concise and clear review of the updates on guarantees and deferrals. Antonio answered the doubts that the attendees had with the interpretation of the new regulations. Likewise, he took note of the inconveniences that customs agents and logistics operators in general were facing with the new situation in order to be able to transfer them to the relevant forums.
Week 3: Reactivation of Cargo in Transport with Carles Rua, Strategic Projects Manager of the Port of Barcelona
In the third week of containment, the coffee discussion focused on how transport is expected to resume after the tighter containment measures. Carles emphasized the need to make logistics services more flexible in this new scenario, as well as the need for public investment to replace the private investments that are expected to be reduced. The debate also touched on the importance of the increase in digitalisation and teleworking processes in the logistics sector.
Week 4: Outsourcing in the Post COVID-19 Industry with Maria Eguren, Internal Control Director at Esteve
The imminent and expected arrival of the new normality promoted a debate around the industry's new strategies regarding the outsourcing and offshoring of operations. Maria Eguren, an expert in corporate strategy, commented on the most likely trends in this regard. The most relevant conclusions are, basically, the importance of the risk factor in the strategic decision-making of companies. Companies with cost reduction strategies alone will be at a disadvantage in this new market. Finally, the importance of communications and technologies as enablers for new business operations was highlighted.
We continue in May with more topics of interest
May is presented as the month of gradual de-escalation of the confinement and the most severe measures of the health crisis. From bytemaster, we want to continue generating debate on the new ... that the current contingency generates. The calendar already has some confirmed names. Next week we will have the expert in internationalization of companies Jose Miguel Aliaga, who will lead the debate on the industrial sectors that are supposed to benefit most from the health crisis.
If you want to sign up for this or the next ones, we have prepared a registration page with all the information. We invite you to participate and contribute your vision on the impact of this crisis on your business.
Consultant in Logistics and Supply Chain Technologies
