Professor Stavros Xanthopoylos, presented the first case study on behalf of Embraer, described how the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer successfully developed a time-efficient supply chain that enables it to co-ordinate effectively with suppliers and customers. The result is that Embraer currently produces 22 aircraft a month, almost one a day.

PricewaterhouseCoopers then presented an objective look at Brazil’s logistical infrastructure, using case study material to compare the reality with the requirements. Rogério Toledo discussed the strengths and weaknesses present in each modal area – shipping and ports; railways; roads and aviation - with the emphasis on the huge potential Brazil has for growth in internal and external markets.

Lunch saw the seminar guests move upstairs to ‘The Bridge’ restaurant where the morning’s topics were discussed and the delegates had the opportunity to network.

The afternoon opened with the second keynote address which was delivered by Professor Stavros Xanthopoylos of the Logistics Research Centre at Fundação Getúlio Vargas. He compared supply chain design for internal and external markets. Stavros looked at the challenges faced in particular by those companies relying on the global supply chain, the consequent importance of collaboration, and the experience of some leading Brazilian organisations.

Andrew Morgan, Managing Director of Supply Chain Europe presented the third case study based on experiences in the international food supply chain between Brazil and Europe. He demonstrated how focus on time management reduced cost and improved service – especially through better delivery reliability – and illustrated the need to define and understand customers’ needs in order to design and operate supply chains that preserve margins and deliver appropriate service levels.

The final case study was handled by Humberto Dominoni, Supply Chain Director, Amanco. After outlining the company’s success in the Brazilian market he emphasised the value of effective information systems to manage demand and deliver customer service in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Proper scenario planning when related to accurate customer segmentation and good supply chain visibility was shown to be essential for the delivery of service that was pro-active and not reactive.

The day’s session closed with an open forum where the delegates were able to direct specific and general questions to a panel made up of the day’s speakers. Questions were raised on a wide range of issues including how to develop a suitable approach to channel segmentation and what was required to achieve a fresh approach to logistical management in Brazil. This opportunity to address specific issues was very well received by all the delegates.

This was followed by a drinks reception where the guests could meet the speakers personally in a more informal environment and go over the areas which were of most interest.

Andrew Morgan, Managing Director of Supply Chain Europe then provided an overview of the changes that the British High Street has seen over the past few decades. He described what the latest innovations mean in terms of how retailers are targeting their customers and the consequent supply chain implications for their suppliers. He concluded with a review of how Brazilian companies should be positioning themselves to become international suppliers.

Lunch saw the seminar guests move upstairs to ‘The Bridge’ restaurant where the morning’s topics were discussed and everyone had a chance to make contacts and friends.

The afternoon session was opened by Carolina Santoro, Export Manager in Brazil for the Mexican fruit juice company Sucos Del Valle. Carolina provided an alternative view to that of the morning’s speakers, in that she was approaching the subject of logistics from the perspective of a Brazilian company which has seen tremendous growth during its initial years in the market. She stressed the need to understand logistics requirements by country, by market and by individual client.

Carolina was followed by another perspective, this time from another UK based speaker, Nick Hawkins, Head of Development (Food and Consumer) with DHL Exel ISC (International Supply Chain). He looked first at the scope of the global supply chain. Then, through a series of revealing case studies Nick looked at how DHL has risen to the challenge of an ever more competitive international logistics market.

The afternoon’s session closed with an open forum where the guests were able to direct specific and general questions to a panel made up of the day’s speakers. This session was ably chaired by Alexandre Oliveira of Cebralog. This was followed by cocktails where the guests could meet the speakers personally in a more informal environment and go over the areas which were of most interest.