SpeedCHAIN 2016 looked into the future of logistics

The traditional logistics conference SpeedCHAIN was held in Prague last week. Already the eleventh year of the largest logistics event in Central Europe presented top logistics professionals from business and academic fields and representatives of major institutions. Their presentations brought array of unique information on the latest development in the logistics field and new impulses for solving logistic tasks of near future.

“The aim of SpeedCHAIN is to take part in formation and development of modern Czech logistics, its efficient integration into the regional logistics of Central European region in the context of the common European market. SpeedCHAIN provides space for a broad professional discussion of mainly logistics experts from the field of industrial manufacturing, international trade and contract logistics,” said Miroslav Rumler, CEO of the organizer company RELIANT.

Among the hot topics of the conference were also included issues of supply chains security in today’s disturbed world. More than 500 logistics personalities listened to the words of security expert, general Andor Šándor. In the first panel discussion he stressed that although the Czech Republic does not stand too high on the list of potential threats in present, nevertheless we cannot be calm. On the contrary, the feeling of relative safety makes us that we do not invest into security enough, as do the countries directly affected by terrorism.

The second panel discussion was on the theme: “Fashion logistics: Ready-to-Wear”. The participants pointed out the specifics that fashion logistics brings and they stressed the need to manage linking various distribution activities under one roof and to use modern technologies which are demanded by fashion logistics distribution centres.

An important place in the conference program held the topic “Cars on the threshold of the industrial revolution” on which knowingly spoke Vratislav Strašil, CEO of Porsche Czech Republic, about autonomous driving. Attention also attracted the lecture by Jiří Cee, Head of Logistics at ŠKODA Auto on the new era of logistics.

An array of other lectures and presentations was also associated with the current development of technologies that substantially change logistics and transport literally before our eyes. On revolution in management and inventory spoke Patrick Bellart, FM Logistic, the “secret” trends of development presented Markus Kückelhaus, DHL Customer Solutions & Innovations. Jaco Voorspuij, GS1 Global Office interestingly explained what all is made possible with the cloud-based collaboration solution Mix Move Match.

The SpeedCHAIN’s tight program was completed by a packaging technology section PackSummit that provided news, information and knowledge from a wide area packaging. At the conference too, Czech Packaging Institute SYBA awarded the prestigious Packaging of the Year.

A series of lectures, presentations and speeches culminated in the Logistics Hydepark – a block of talks, in which – besides many leading logistics personalities – Martin Šonka, a pilot of World Series Red Bull Air Race, European champion and world vice-champion in aerobatics unlimited categories – freestyle – spoke.

The gala evening was dedicated to the traditional social event V.I.P. Logistic Rendezvous. The highlight of the rich program was awarding the prestigious Gryf 2016 Supply Chain Award for the Logistics Personality of the Year – this year Petr Kozel, CEO of DACHSER Czech Republic was awarded. Within the evening also the Czech Logistics Association awarded the Logistics Project 2016, which was acquired by MD logistika a.s. and successful logistics managers were handed over certificates ECBL.

The second day of the conference the participants had an opportunity to take part in excursion to the Penny Market central warehouse in Dobřany near Plzeň. They could see some innovative solutions that were discussed at the conference on the first day.

This year’s SpeedCHAIN brought a view on the contemporary logistics as the field that stands on the threshold of great changes arriving together with Industry 4.0, IoT and AI. Changes that will come to the logistic and transport will be essential. The participants could see this future, which due the technological development will become a commonplace soon. SpeedCHAIN 20016 opened a window to this future.