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When it comes to logistics teamwork, it is important to focus upon a common goal and consistently work together to achieve results. That’s why the AsstrA corporate group emphasizes this approach both with Customers and internally. The AsstrA Industrial Project Logistics (AIPL) team in Italy cites it as a key to success.
Let’s get to know better the members of Italian team and ask them interesting questions.
- Can you give us a short project experience: geography, industry, facts?
With the accumulated years in the business and the wealth of Project Freight Management experience which team has amassed, negotiating operational challenges and world economics and affairs, we could write a book.
During many years in the Project Logistics industry AsstrA Italia team has been involved in numerous global projects. Whether a Customer needs FOB support to the destination port or a total turnkey solution, AsstrA can help with export and import customs clearance and formalities. We organize transport via all modes including over dimensional cargo (ODC) and heavy lift shipments, site-implant services, route and cargo surveys, consulting.
The team has covered projects in Italy, Germany, Poland, Turkey, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and other countries, including Kashagan, Tobolsk and Kingisepp as a few examples of destinations. The thirst for knowledge holds no bounds and neither does our geographical coverage, says Alfredo Zenobio, AIPL Project Manager at AsstrA-Associated Traffic AG.
Any Client to any destination will be served, as within AsstrA group we have reliable business units and partners whom we trust to meet common goals. The focus industries are oil & gas, metal processing, wood & paper, renewable energy, hydro power, mining & construction, adds Colin Bagwell, AsstrA Global Head of Projects.
- What is the added value of AIPL Italy?
The AIPL team offers and provides specialized support and services primarily to the Engineering Procurement & Construction (EPC) sectors with the energy industries. AsstrA Customers can engage us at any stage of a project’s life cycle, this includes the feasibility stage, FEED stage or execution stage.
The Customers receive a “single point contact” concept which means the appointed designate or Project Manager, i.e their “go-to person. Whether the subject matter is a specialized heavy lift, container movement, an urgent air shipment, a dedicated ocean charter or a customs clearance issue in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the AsstrA Project Manager will cover the job from start to finish, says Alfonso Grossi, Project Manager at AsstrA-Associated Traffic AG.
The concept of a Project Logistics team is to remove the burden of the entire logistics process away from our Clientele, we in fact become an integrated part of the Clients “Supply Chain” team. Consequently, working hand-in-hand with our Customer and occasionally “in-house” from the Clients’ offices, we are able to perform efficiently, effectively and transparently, comments Colin Bagwell.
Frequently we support procurement function to provide budgetary pricing of future major equipment and bulk items which Customers intend to purchase for the project. By offering cost comparisons for these materials from various points of origin around the world, incorporating realistic transit periods, the Client is able to make an informed decision with respect to the most economical source couple with all the risks relating to the transit, services and shipping periods, adds Nicola Calleri, head of AIPL department.
- Do you prefer team or solo work and why?
The Project Logistics and Project Freight Management business is, by design, a Team based business. No one person can assist in securing business neither can one person execute a project logistics contract. A team environment is promoted throughout all of our Clients and AsstrA.
To succeed in the business a commitment to a strong team spirit and environment must be at the forefront of our minds, philosophy and corporate culture, explains Colin Bagwell.
A Sales “Team” will help identify, promote, develop and eventually secure the Project Contract. The Project Team will execute the work from project operational staff, project management, project planners, heavy lift and specialized transport engineers, customs personnel, HSSE and Quality coordinators and insurance claims members. These are a number of key staff and position which make up “The Team”, concludes Alfredo Zenobio.
The obtained experience tells us a joint effort delivers best result to our king – Customers. Based on our diversity, AIPL team is able to effectively support each other and contribute to forge an all-round professional service. It would not be surprising if, at some point, we should get to fostering a sort of "AIPL hallmark" to enhance visibility, resumes Nicola Calleri.
- Why do you like to work with projects?
The Project Logistics industry is a varied, diversified and skilled business. By nature of what has been mentioned previously it is a “Team” environment which therefore creates relationships, both internally and externally, with Customers and Sub-contractors.
A few simple facts: no 2 projects are the same. This is due to size, complexity, geographical location and scope. These facts alone will always determine that as an individual one is always learning, involving in terms of new knowledge and skills. Plus the cultural aspect of our work in the project business arena.
Another fact is that “Project People” in forwarding need to understand practically everything about logistics projects, from A to Z. AsstrA experts have a sound knowledge of the materials and equipment which we ship for AsstrA Clients, points Alfonso Grossi.
The last fact is, a major project for any Client. No matter the host country for the project, the final resting place for the material / equipment be it a warehousing, marshalling area, fabrication yard or a remote construction site – does not just “happen”. It is planned through hard-work, dedication and expertise. Materials and equipment must arrive at the final delivery point on-time, under budget and damage free. Three very important ingredients which contribute to the success of “a project”.
The essential thing to be remarked is that a Project Cargo expert is at first instance a consultant. You are constantly challenged to come up with smart solutions, and need to have minimum a B-plan in your pocket. Much better if you have drafted also C- or D-. You'll never have a day like the previous one – in one sentence you have the true fascination of project forwarding, summaries Nicola Calleri.