Panalpina Annual Report 2011

42
Success Factors
Information Technology
Drivers for efficiency excellence
Continuous investment in the most advanced information technology (IT) systems is
an essential part of Panalpina’s mission to offer state-of-the-art solutions to customers
with complex transport and logistical needs. To guide this effort, Panalpina has a
focused three-year strategic plan dedicated to streamlining data management processes
and improving efficiency.
The global logistics industry is becoming increasingly reliant
on the secure and efficient processing of information.
Therefore, having a robust, effective, and scalable IT infrastructure
is critically important to future growth and success.
In this era of rapid technological progress, identifying
the latest technologies and realizing their value requires
careful analysis of company operations as well as a clear
understanding of customers’ needs.
Ongoing IT advancements
Following the worldwide rollout of a Documentation Management
System in 2010, Panalpina began the implementation
of a new collaboration platform in 2011 to provide a
highly secure portal that is accessible to customers. The
objective is to improve efficiency and quality assurance
within the Company while providing a more streamlined
approach to communication and documentation exchange
between Panalpina and its customers and partners. Committed
to providing reliable information in a timely manner,
the collaboration platform is part of an Integrated Standard
Business Platform which will be rolled out in its entirety by
the end of 2012. In addition, the Event Management System
will increase the transparency, the quality of data and the
supply chain visibility for customers.
Also introduced in 2011 was the SAP Transportation Management
(TM) platform, which will be rolled out globally
step by step. Following the 2011 implementation of the sea
freight SAP TM application, air freight pilot installations
will be deployed toward the end of 2012. Beginning in 2013,
both the air and ocean freight systems will be rolled out
on a corporate-wide basis. This comprehensive project will
be completed by 2015.
Outlook for 2012
Part of Panalpina’s three-year strategic plan is an ongoing
effort to renew legacy applications. Existing systems are
being adapted to improve real-time automation capabilities
Panalpina Annual Report 2011
and assure data quality. These advancements will simplify
processes and positively influence internal IT organization
and quality targets. Innovation is also a key aspect of the
strategic plan, with an emphasis on the adoption of more
sophisticated technologies that promise to enhance communication,
speed, efficiency and, ultimately, productivity.
Various platforms based on mobile communication and
information technologies will be explored with the goal of
improving communication between Panalpina and its
customers and partners. Panalpina recognizes the potential
value in emerging technologies such as tablets, smartphones
and other mobile solutions, and is prepared to
incorporate these devices when deemed valuable to customers,
business partners, and employees.
In addition to the three-year IT strategy, Panalpina will
implement standardized procedures and templates where
possible to streamline processes and meet the demands
of its fast-paced market, while also ensuring efficient and
reliable service. This will include directing its attention to its
supply chain to meet customers’ high expectations in
areas such as package tracking and other real-time data
monitoring capabilities.
In 2012, Panalpina will launch an information security
campaign. As part of this project, Panalpina will ensure
that the Corporate Information Security Policy is signed
and adhered to by all employees. Security awareness will
be reinforced through training and refresher sessions.
Lastly, as a final step in Panalpina’s long-term effort to unify
data centers, security levels and disaster recovery precautions
will be strengthened by a consolidation across the IT
infrastructure throughout 2012 and into 2013. This process
sustains the Company’s business intelligence and mitigates
the risk of business disruption in the event of unforeseeable
emergencies.