Baltic Logistic Solutions (BLS) continuously strives for progress and success not only in the realms of technology and innovation but also in human resources and sustainability. CEO Rolandas Plieda shared insights on the key factors of success in today’s logistics industry, strategies for adapting to changing challenges, utilization of innovation and technology, and the company’s perspective on sustainability and responsible business. By leveraging a strong team and cutting-edge technologies, BLS aims not only to meet client needs but also to be a responsible, sustainable enterprise grounded in community values and employee commitment to professional development.
We present the insights provided by CEO Rolandas Plieda in response to key questions regarding contemporary challenges and success factors in the logistics industry. His responses cover various areas, from technological advancement to sustainability and employee engagement, offering a comprehensive view of the company’s vision and operational strategy:
1. How would you assess the success factors of BLS in today’s logistics industry?
In today’s discussions surrounding the automation and digitization of processes and operations, the importance of human involvement is often overlooked. Regardless of how modern a company may be, its strength lies in the team that drives it forward. Therefore, the primary factor for BLS success is its people, leading the company. Of course, innovation, technology, and adaptation to each customer’s needs are crucial, and successful operations are impossible without them. One of the most important factors is technological development and the pursuit of efficiency at every step/operation. With a strong team and technological/digital solutions, high-quality services can be ensured, which are key to success in modern logistics for BLS.
2. How does the company plan to adapt to the changing challenges in the logistics sector?
I believe there are three strategic tasks: investing in personnel, technology, and sustainability. The logistics industry, like any other, faces a shortage of workforce, making the issue of both quantity and quality of employees increasingly relevant. Therefore, attention to personnel and continuous improvement of working conditions are crucial factors for staying competitive and successful. Alongside personnel focus, technological solutions are essential to maintain high efficiency and quality. BLS has been dedicating considerable attention to technological advancements and system improvements, enabling adaptation to the evolving market landscape.
3. How do you promote innovation and utilize technology in logistics processes?
Innovation and technology are integral to logistics processes. We regularly attend expos and technology service fairs, visit warehouses with the latest solutions, analyze the benefits and their potential impact on our processes. Therefore, innovation and technology are constant companions in our quest for efficient solutions in our processes.
4. What is your approach to sustainability and responsible business in the logistics sector? Does the company have plans to reduce environmental impact and contribute to sustainability?
As a company, we seek sustainable solutions in all processes, from the technical aspects of transportation to the disposal of hazardous products. We are continually surprised by the opportunities for improvement in sustainability within our routine processes. For instance, replacing a single sheet of paper with an electronic form for X orders has a significant impact, saving paper usage. Reusable order picking containers, automatic pallet wrapping machines, and similar solutions are sustainable, enhancing efficiency while conserving resources. As a responsible employer, we educate our employees on sustainable practices in their daily lives, such as waste sorting, replacing disposable coffee cups with reusable ones, using reusable drinkware instead of plastic bottles, and providing lessons on economic driving for both work and personal vehicles. We also consider our energy consumption, utilizing methods like hall electricity, geothermal heating, recuperative ventilation systems, modern lighting control systems, and proper building maintenance, aiming to be a responsible and sustainable company.
5. How does the company encourage employee commitment and professional development?
Recognizing the direct impact of employee engagement on organizational business indicators, we aim to create a work environment and culture that maximizes each employee’s potential. The behavior of managers plays a crucial role in shaping the work environment, and we provide them with continuous training to ensure responsible interactions with employees, proper evaluation, encouragement, and development. Periodically, we conduct leadership assessment surveys, aiding leaders in growth and improvement. We foster growth and career progression, with 107 employees changing their roles in the past year, 54 experiencing vertical career advancements, while others pursued horizontal changes to find more suitable positions. We continuously improve working conditions, streamline processes for easier and more efficient work, and reward good performance. Open, respectful, and friendly communication with employees is essential, creating a strong team where engagement contributes to achieving the highest results.
6. What core values does the company emphasize to create a strong employee community?
While perks like table football, collective celebrations, relaxation zones, fruits, pizza days, or a day off on birthdays might not surprise employees of IT companies, these benefits are not yet commonplace in manufacturing or logistics. However, employees value the company’s culture, openness, opportunities for growth, and career advancement even more. A positive atmosphere, healthy, respectful, and friendly relationships among colleagues and managers form the foundational values. An open company encourages employees to express their opinions freely and communicate openly with managers, fostering a strong team.
7. How does the company handle cultural and logistical challenges when operating in different countries?
Working in different Baltic countries is seen not as challenges but as opportunities to analyze good and bad practices and adapt them. Differences in each country’s practices or processes serve as additional tools for sharing experiences and learning from other countries, adapting practices to different processes, and sharing cultural aspects that socially unite us by exchanging habits.
8. How does the company manage logistics process risks, especially during periods of instability and unpredictability? What is your company’s crisis management strategy?
Process risks are identified at the project’s start, with plans or processes in place to avoid them. Other risks from past experiences are identified, with periodic plans prepared and executed based on various scenarios.
9. How do you strive to meet customer needs and ensure high service quality?
Quality is a daily commitment, with set goals and prompt addressing of any deviations to maintain direction.
10. What are the key principles of customer service that the company considers essential?
Effective communication, fostering close relationships in daily processes, and finding solutions to fulfill any service requirements are fundamental principles.
11. What valuable lessons have you learned from collaborating with various partners?
Every country, project, or client is unique, offering numerous lessons that we learn with each new or different process, and we also teach our partners/clients.
12. Favorite projects and achievements: Could you share some examples from the company’s past that you consider outstanding or successful?
Each project is interesting and favorite due to its specifics or processes. Challenges or distinctiveness make it more interesting than just favorite, and achievements come when maximum quality goals are achieved. Therefore, every project or client is special.