Euro Supply Chain is devoting several of the highlights of its 2024 edition to the human factor in the transport and logistics sector.
“Logistics and transport activities are historically based on people. However, the sector is suffering from a lack of attractiveness, a shortage of manpower, and working conditions that are still sometimes difficult... Among the figures circulating, some are talking about almost 22,000 vacancies in 2022 due to a lack of applicants, particularly in warehouses and on the road. 60% of companies in the sector are experiencing difficulties in recruiting, compared with 33% in 2017. This is a strategic, even critical issue for the long-term survival of manufacturers. It's because it's at the heart of virtually all our discussions with industry players that we're making it a strong theme at this year's show,” comments Laurent Grain, Director of the Parc Expo in Mulhouse.
The explanation for HR tensions in the transport and logistics sector can be found in a combination of factors: the strong growth of e-commerce, resulting in more deliveries and, thanks to promises of very short delivery times, greater pressure on warehouse teams, with longer working hours. At the same time, the number of retirements is rising. Digital transformation, meanwhile, is shaking up skills requirements, with the emergence of new professions.
Robotization and automation of warehousing, storage and/or order-picking to limit travel and the physical impact on employees are among the levers being explored to limit drudgery, make operations more reliable and cover new skills. Digital innovation must also be taken into account, with new work interfaces and artificial intelligence modules that save time - which is now devoted to tasks with greater human added value.
But these steps must be taken while preserving the role of people, both in the warehouse and on the road. On this point, companies are seeking answers to a number of questions: how can they capitalize on existing teams? How can we ensure their professional development and commitment? How to attract new employees, especially for the sector's new professions? How to apply the principles of CSR, which are important for both employees and customers? Many questions arise.
The show will be devoting a number of conferences and stands to these issues, with the aim of providing food for thought on current projects.
Conferences
- At 2:00 pm: the plenary conference will focus on the theme of “Supporting people at the heart of logistics professions: the keys to building loyalty, relieving stress and promoting development”.
Even though the logistics sector is a major employer, it is still struggling to recruit. However, many changes have been made in recent years to support the development of human resources in the industry's professions. Here's a look back at initiatives and best practices that are promising for the future of employment in the sector.
Speakers:
- Samya BELLHARI-TRAHIN, Head of Ergonomics, Quality of Working Life and Job Retention at GXO
- Marien GOSSET, Délégué Régional Grand Est, AFT Grand Est
- Marie-Christine WEISS, RH Rhenus Logistics Alsace
- Aude RAYMOND, Human Resources Manager, U Logistique
- At 10:00 am, SIMCO Consulting will be hosting a workshop entitled “Continuous improvement, a winning approach for our warehouses”.
The economic context is delaying investment decisions, even if they are synonymous with innovation, automation or WMS changes. During the workshop, SIMCO Consulting will show that adopting a continuous improvement approach can, generally at a lower cost, restore a certain serenity through better flow circulation, space savings, fewer picking errors, and more reliable traceability. Potentially reinforced by training initiatives, this approach improves the day-to-day life of employees in the short term, and enables them to “pass” an additional activity threshold, or even to prepare an innovation project more serenely.
- At 10:30 a.m., the French Air Force offers a workshop entitled “On the ground or in the air, become a logistician in the French Air Force”.
On the exhibition side, a number of exhibitors will be presenting solutions for taking action on these HR issues, including :
- ACUTA - Association des Chargeurs et Utilisateurs de Transport en Alsace: affiliated to AUTF from the outset, it represents regional shippers' associations on the board of directors of the national organization, enabling specific regional problems to be shared with the capital. During the show, it welcomes students from the transport and logistics department of Mulhouse's IUT to immerse themselves in the day's professional exchanges, webinars, commissions and workshops. People are at the heart of ACUTA's challenges and its network: ACUTA positions itself as a key player in informing, gathering, representing, influencing and finding solutions for shippers.
- AFRSCM (Association Francophone de Supply Chain Management), founded in 1991, promotes the sharing of best practices and the networking of industry players.
- AFTRAL, a training organization for transport, logistics and supply chain professions, from CAP to Bac+6.
- AUTF - Association des Utilisateurs de Transport de Fret: represents industrial and commercial companies in their role as principals. AUTF's action is part of a global approach to improving the economic and environmental performance of transport chains, in the interests of company competitiveness and regional attractiveness.
- Hays, world leader in specialized recruitment and expert in the recruitment of qualified and competent professionals worldwide. For over 17 years, it has been working on behalf of supply chain, logistics and transport players.
- The Pôle Véhicule du Futur, a competitiveness cluster dedicated to solutions for the vehicles and mobility of the future. The “Forecasting and Logistics” working group regularly provides updates on crucial HR issues in the mobility sector.
- SIMCO Consulting combines skills and technologies to analyze and improve logistics processes (inventory, production, warehouse and transport), then motivate and qualify HR needs, in order to develop the company's overall performance. In 2022, SIMCO strengthened its training offer and obtained Qualiopi certification.
- SYNERGIE AGENCE INTERIM RECRUTEMENT CDD/CDI supports and guides jobseekers in their career choices. Present for the first time at the Euro Supply Chain trade show, the Synergie agency in Illzach is renowned for its expertise in recruitment, employment and training support in a variety of sectors, including the automotive industry.
- TLF Est: Union TLF, as the professional organization representing transport and logistics companies in France, is an influential voice for defending and promoting the interests of professionals. It offers a platform where its members can exchange ideas, best practices and innovations with other players in the European supply chain.
About Euro Supply Chain
The Euro Supply Chain trade show is dedicated to transport and logistics. Each year, it constitutes a 100% business day, marked by the sharing of experience between regional players. Highly-anticipated by manufacturers and logistics and transport professionals in the Grand Est region, it encourages exchanges, provides information on future developments and trends in the sector, and introduces visitors to the latest innovations proposed by local players. More than 1,000 manufacturers from the Grand Est region and logistics and transport professionals are expected to attend in 2024 to discover the innovations proposed by 100 exhibitors.
For more information: https://www.eurosupplychain.fr/fr/
Tuesday, June 11, 2024 from 9am to 6pm; free admission with registration (online or on site), open to all.
