Srdjan Banovic for eKapija: Now is the time for digitalization and humanity, we are keeping our employees safe and preparing new humanitarian actions

Posted by: Stefan Sarac
Category: eng
Srdjan Banovic for eKapija: Now is the time for digitalization and humanity, we are keeping our employees safe and preparing new humanitarian actions

The shutdown of factories and entire industries due to the pandemic of the coronavirus, such as the automotive industry, causes fewer transports and, consequently, a decrease in the volume of business of logistics companies that play the role of connective tissue between manufacturing and trading companies. Logistics is certainly one of the hardest-hit sectors of the economy in this crisis – Srdjan Banovic, Head of Customer Support at the Transfera Company, tells eKapija. 

An additional problem for logistics companies, he points out, is the fact that because of all the uncertainties of international road transport related to the potential closure of borders (i.e. border crossings); rail and air transport have become increasingly used alternatives. 

eKapija: How does Transfera operate in the given circumstances? 

Our capacities and quality of service must remain at the same level because we are a part of the logistics chain in the procurement and production of items of strategic importance. In a crisis like this, timely and accurate communication is one of the most important things. I am particularly referring here to the very beginning of a crisis when there is a multitude of information in circulation from different sources, and when categorizing sources into reliable and less reliable does not mean much. The value of information in such circumstances is invaluable and Transfera made sure to, by combining official sources of information and operational information from its day-to-day operations, inform clients of any changes related to logistics in the country and the region on a daily basis. The employees are divided into several groups, one of which is sent to work from home, all with the aim of ensuring the full availability of Transfera’s service in these circumstances.

eKapija: Which employee protection measures have you implemented?

Even before the official introduction of the state of emergency, Transfera implemented a number of measures that were primarily aimed at minimizing the risk of infection within the company premises. Disinfection tools, protective masks, and gloves were provided for all employees, health procedures and recommendations regarding the company and non-company protection measures were issued. Transport to and from work was organized for our employees, which excluded the use of public transport. On another note, we have seen an increase in the number of employees in the last 7 years, and at the end of 2019 we tallied a total of 220 employees at Transfera. That number remains the same to this day – one month after the crisis has already begun. We clearly stated that the main priority of Transfera, in addition to maintaining the health and safety of our employees, was making sure all of our employees remain employed. This is a particular challenge in the current situation that required the introduction of measures of solidarity, but Transfera confirmed that team spirit is the factor that always yields incredible results, so, during this time full of uncertainties, every measure is initiated and applied in order to keep each family healthy and safe.

eKapija: What is the significance of e-commerce during this epidemic?

We have previously emphasized the importance of digitalization and the complete transition of business operations to the digital environment. Connecting organizational units in this way lead to coordination that would otherwise require the physical presence of employees in the same place. Applications that support video calls and conferences are long on the way to becoming the standards of the future, and the current situation has only accelerated the process. The operational applications we use in our day-to-day operations are based on the cloud platform so that they can be easily accessed by employees, even when they are physically out of the company. This kind of networking was necessary to ensure normal functioning in the work-from-home option.

However, due to the nature of the business itself, employees in our customs clearance sector must be physically present at the customs outlets where the process takes place. The assumption is that this process will be organized in the future in the model of simplified customs procedures in import and export and that the communication will be based on electronic data exchange between customs agents and the Customs Administration.

eKapija: Has the crisis delayed the company’s plans and future investments?

– Transfera does not change its long-term development strategy. The deadlines of our infrastructure projects have been revised and adjusted to the current situation, but there will be no deviation from the set goals. At the same time, in addition to all the problems caused by the epidemic, reduced economic activity has opened a space for us to launch reorganization and development projects with a focus on applications that will elevate the company’s operations, and customer experience of our services. These are all projects that have existed so far in parallel with the operational activities of the company, and now significantly more time will be devoted towards them.

eKapija: How active are you on the humanitarian field and providing overall help during this situation?

It is a known fact that Transfera is a donor as well as an initiator in many charities that have a main focus on children. Transfera always implies that aiding children should always come first, which is why we focused our activities towards the procurement of all necessary materials for the Institute for maternal and child care ”Dr. Vukan Čupić” in Belgrade. We managed to acquire face masks, surgical robes, protective visors, disinfection tools, etc in the shortest amount of time, and we remain in contact regarding the further supply and delivery of all the necessary materials.

Transfera also started an initiative with our clients with headquarters in China to donate medical supplies. While this operation remains in progress, a significant amount of monetary aid has been transferred to the Health insurance fond of the Republic of Serbia. 

We also made our logistics solutions available to the Italian Industrial association – Confindustria Serbia, Chamber of Commerce of Serbia, economic department in the South Korean embassy – KOTRA, Japan’s business alliance and to the Germany – Serbian Chamber of Commerce (AHK Serbia) in collaboration with whom we are initiating yet another humanitarian action that we will speak on withing the next 10 days.

eKapija: What are your expectations for the period after the epidemic and what is your vision of this market after the global crisis?

We certainly expect a steady increase in economic activity, the gradual opening of companies and workflow which will in global capacity be lower than before the crisis. The difference between this crisis and the one in 2008. is that the negative consequences of this year’s crisis will reflect on both the supply and demand. It’s clear that we are expecting a new economic crisis on our hands, but the announced aid measures should soften its effects. There is a possibility of the market enlargement – large companies will affiliate smaller ones that are still battling to maintain its business. A similar situation might occur in the logistics market, especially in countries such as Italy and Spain.

Acquired from eKapija’s online portal.