Intermodal Transport and the Human Factor

Nov. 12, 2012 - PRLog -- ‘People’ will be a key focus at Intermodal Europe 2012, when Alan Robertson of Webster Robertson Ltd presents a conference session titled ‘Human Factors in Intermodal Transport’.

“When discussing intermodal transport there is often a focus on the harder issues such as cost, technology and the changing nature of the intermodal environment,” explains Alan Robertson, Director of containerisation consultancy company, Webster Robertson.  “The application side of the industry, the human factor, is rarely mentioned at events like these despite the fact that paying attention to the people within a company can make a positive difference to the company’s performance.”

Intermodal Europe 2012 (http://www.intermodal-events.com/Content/Welcome/1/) is a free-to-attend event running from 27-29 November at the RAI in Amsterdam and the ‘Human Factor’ conference session with Alan Robertson takes place on Day Two.  Alan will speak about some of the key characteristics of the work involved in the intermodal industry, including the long and antisocial hours, and the levels of commitment and pride that are required to deliver excellent customer service, to add value to the company bottom line and to develop and lead change. He will discuss some of the key skills required.

“Simply considering ‘the human factor’ can be as effective for a company’s success as purchasing the right technology, service or product” says Alan. “This industry is subject to and directly exposed to fluctuations in GDP, and as a direct result is often hit with bouts of downsizing. Companies rarely make the connection with the casualties or survivors of downsizing. Global businesses also have many cross-cultural issues to address. With effective people management however, the human resource can deliver as much as, if not more than, technological developments to help improve a company’s financial results.”

As part of the Intermodal Europe exhibition, Webster Robertson will be launching a new ‘People Management product’.  “Our new people management product is a bespoke service that aims to bring people and management together in a holistic way” explains Alan. “For example, in our industry companies focus on the ‘hard side’ of the business, such as the tasks and the operation, but applying people management techniques to incorporate the human element helps to complete the message. It can take a business from operating at 75% to operating at 100%.”

Alan adds “If you get it right with people in this industry, using coaching, recognition and motivation for example, it can help differentiate between a company that does exceptionally well and one that just does well – and just doing well is not enough.”

Intermodal Europe 2012 is offering over 50 conference sessions during the three day event at the RAI in Amsterdam from 27-29 November. Visit the Intermodal conference programme (http://www.intermodal-events.com/page.cfm/Action=Seminar/...) page on the website (www.intermodal-events.com) to see an up to date list of speakers and topics, including a complete timetable for the free-to-attend event.

For further information about Intermodal Europe 2012, to register or to exhibit, visit http://www.intermodal-events.com.

ENDS – 481 WORDS

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Intermodal Europe is the world-leading exhibition and conference for companies associated with the container and intermodal industries and covers all areas of container transport and logistics across road, rail and sea. The event provides an invaluable industry forum, bringing together high-quality speakers and key exhibitors.

Organised by Informa Exhibitions, Intermodal Europe is now in its 36th year. Established in 1976 as the Container Technology Conference (CTC) Intermodal Europe has developed and matured alongside the industry it serves.

Keep up with latest news and discussions by joining the Intermodal Europe LinkedIn Group at www.intermodal-events.com/linkedin and follow Intermodal Europe on twitter www.intermodal-events.com/twitter. Visit www.intermodal-events.com for further information

Issued on behalf of Intermodal Europe by:  

MOLOKINI MARKETING LTD

Press enquiries contact:  

intermodal@molokini.co.uk

Jude Mitcham | jude@molokini.co.uk

Laura Simmonds | laura@molokini.co.uk  

Tel: +44 (0) 1903 207408 | www.molokini.co.uk