Key Experiences Shaping the Professional Journey to Notino
I have been with Notino for over nine years, starting as the Logistics Director in December 2015 and becoming the Chief Logistics Officer in January 2023. In my role as Logistics Director, I was responsible for our logistics strategy, managing distribution centers across multiple countries (CZ, RO, IT, PL) with a total area of 90,000 m², and overseeing the Transport Department too. We handled a significant volume of orders, preparing between 80,000 to 200,000 orders per day, which equates to 525,000 products. The high season before Christmas was always a challenge due to the tripling of volume compared to the off-peak season. Ensuring timely and high-quality delivery of parcels was a standard expectation. I also participated in activities aimed at enhancing the shopping experience, such as gift wrapping, engraving, and eco-friendly wrapping. We shipped goods to 27 countries, which required us to provide various transport solutions and continuously look for ways to shorten delivery times.
Before joining Notino, I worked at DHL Supply Chain for over eight years in various roles, including Site Project Manager, Warehouse Manager, Industrial Engineer Manager, and Transportation Planning Manager. In these roles, I was involved in the extension and operational development of our Warehouse Management System (WMS), implementing Lean philosophy, managing warehouse operations, and supporting operations in Hungary and the Czech Republic. My responsibilities included leading teams, managing seasonality, negotiating with suppliers, and continuously improving processes to enhance productivity and efficiency.
“Success in logistics requires continuous learning, adaptability, strong communication, and the ability to solve problems—skills that are essential in today’s ever-evolving logistics landscape”
These experiences have equipped me with a deep understanding of logistics and distribution, enabling me to effectively manage Notino's logistics operations and contribute to the company's success.
Logistics and Distribution Challenges in Notino’s European Operation
One of the main challenges is reducing delivery time. To achieve this, we have implemented several measures, including route optimization and increasing the number of distribution centers.
Another challenge is the low unemployment rate, which complicates the recruitment of qualified workers. The solution lies in investing in automation and training existing employees.
To enhance efficiency, we have introduced new technologies and processes that allow us to better track and manage inventory.
Increasing the level of automation is a key factor in improving our operations. Automation helps us reduce errors and increase the speed of order processing.
Finally, reducing transportation costs is a constant challenge. We are working on optimizing our logistics operations and looking for new ways to reduce shipping expenses.
Trends Shaping the Future of Notino’s Large-Scale Distribution and Logistics
Current trends shaping the future of large-scale distribution and longdistance logistics include several key areas:
● Automation and Robotics: Modern distribution centers are increasingly utilizing automated systems and robots to streamline processes, leading to faster and more accurate order processing.
● Digitalization and Data-Driven Decision Making: The use of advanced analytics tools and data platforms allows companies to better plan and optimize their logistics operations. This includes predictive analyses for demand forecasting and inventory optimization.
● Flexibility and Adaptability: The ability to quickly adapt to changing market conditions is crucial. This involves implementing flexible supply chains and the ability to rapidly respond to changes in demand.
Impact of Lean Methodologies on Notino’s Efficiency
At Notino, we have implemented several key lean methodologies that have significantly impacted our overall efficiency. We focus on continuous efficiency improvements and have long-term team goals that we regularly monitor and evaluate. We work on productivity at both the individual and team levels and regularly conduct Gemba walks to better understand processes directly onsite.
We implement tools such as 6S, 5xWhy?, Ishikawa, and others that help us identify root causes of problems and propose corrective actions. We identify eight types of waste and strive to minimize them. We prefer a pull system over a push system, which allows us to better manage the flow of materials and information.
We set and measure standards for most processes and automate them where possible. Thanks to these things, we manage to increase our efficiency by 7-10 percent annually.
Advice and Key Skills for Success in Logistics at Notino
The beginning of a successful career in logistics and long-distance distribution starts with the right education and understanding of the fundamental concepts in this field. Choosing the appropriate school and academic program is a crucial first step.
It is important to gain a comprehensive understanding of what logistics and supply chain management encompass and signify. Modern distribution centers offer a unique insight into advanced logistical processes, making visits to these centers highly beneficial.
I also recommend that beginners try part-time work or internships in logistics to gain practical experience and a deeper understanding of daily operations.
In addition, it is useful to keep up with current trends and watch videos related to logistics and supply chain management to stay informed about the latest developments and methods.
To succeed in today's logistics job market, mastering several key skills is essential. The first is a continuous desire to learn new things, as logistics is a dynamic field that continually evolves. It is also crucial to frequently overcome new work challenges, which requires adaptability and problem-solving abilities. Communication skills are indispensable because effective communication with the team, suppliers, and customers is critical for smooth logistics operations. Analytical thinking is another important skill, as it enables one to analyze data and situations to optimize processes and make informed decisions. The ability to work in uncertainty and handle ad-hoc situations that commonly arise in logistics is also essential for success in this industry.
