OPTIMISING THE CHAIN
This title will look at two different forms of optimisation. Firstly, optimal cooperation in the chain, which will result in innovations being introduced to the market much more quickly = Time to market. We will also take a more in-depth look at the following question: how will optimal cooperation in the chain contribute to minimising the costs in the complete chain = Cost effective. The latter will need to be the modern answer to the continuously growing raw material costs. After spending years trying to make our companies run more efficiently, this is now the only option open to us.
The importance of innovation is clear. Research conducted by Arthur D. Little (Innovation Excellence Studies 2005) has shown that companies which realise successful innovations enjoy much higher returns compared to companies who are less successful at this. Consultants and representatives from companies and universities will share their successful innovations with us during the Smurfit Kappa Zedek 2007 Innovation Day. The entire programme will be conducted in English.
Smurfit Kappa Zedek will be hosting this event, which we are offering you completely free of charge. All we ask from you is an active participation in assessing a series of innovations we will be showing you during the lunch break. We will also have the winning innovation of the SK Zedek 2006 Innovation Day on display: the Sirocco 1 sec display.
The 6 elements
Network – People
A day like this offers you the opportunity to extend your network. You can exchange thoughts and ideas during presentations and discussions with people who are facing the same challenges as you. The fact that everyone is from different lines of business only makes it more interesting.
Knowledge – Experience
Knowledge is built up through learning from experiences. Sharing this knowledge will result in excellent time savings and the wheel would subsequently not need to be reinvented. We can learn from other people’s experiences and use this to further develop ourselves towards the next level.
Two speakers from Groningen and Rotterdam Universities will be sharing their specific knowledge regarding successful innovations and consumer purchasing behaviour. The emphasis is on pure practical experience, which has been analysed and turned into practical knowledge.
Innovation – Future
We won’t be able to create any innovations without wanting to change anything. Without innovations we will simply be repeating the past. As stated previously, companies who can successfully innovate are much more profitable compared to companies who are less successful at this. You will be able to see examples and successful innovation methods on 1st June. This can help you to become even more successful with your company too.
In addition to the chain optimisations, a sketch will also be provided regarding the expected developments in retail country. After all, this is exactly where the majority of our developments will eventually end up!
Look forward to seeing you on 1st June 2007!
Jeroen Alkemade
The programme
As a new employee I am responsible for Marketing and PR within Smurfit Kappa Zedek and have been tasked with the organisation and content of the innovation day. You are more than welcome to contact me with any questions either during or before this event.
The programme will consist of 4 different themes:
1. Review, developments and the importance of successful innovations
• EyeOn, Profitable New Product Introductions
• State University of Groningen, project focused management of innovation projects and reconciliation with partners within an innovation project
• Elmwood Design, Global Trends in
Packaging Design
2. Cases
• Corporate Development Centre Smurfit Kappa Group - Determining and optimizing retail performance in the detergent market
• Smurfit Kappa Zedek Packaging- First Choice, the revolution in in-flight catering
• Smurfit Kappa Zedek Innovations
3. Retail
• Erasmus University Rotterdam, Colours on the shelf
• Smurfit Kappa Zedek Display department – Nestlé integrated chain solutions
• Elsevier Food International, developments in Retail country
4. General
• Richard Lewis Communications, Intercultural management in Europe
Now it only remains for me to strongly advise you to accept this invitation and don’t leave this building block for the future unused.
You can register for this event via our website: www.thepowerofexpression.nl, where you can find our contact information and soon also a detailed programme description.
Guests who are travelling from far will be given the opportunity to arrive on Thursday 31st May and spend the night on one of the luxurious boats which are moored up around the island. Information on these boats and the evening programme will soon be available on our website.
I look forward to welcoming you on 1st June 2007!
Bernard ten Berge
The location and history
The event will take place on Pampus Island. This fort island was built in 1887 as the last chain in the line of defence which was supposed to protect Amsterdam from attacks from the outside world. The completion of the fort finished off the entire line of defence, a chain of well connected defence works. It was decided to build a permanent fort at Muiderzand in 1879. This was the last chain in the line of defence which was built to protect Amsterdam in times of war. The fort was completed in 1895 and handed over to the 4th company corps armour fort artillery. However, the fort has never been truly operational and was officially closed down as a fortification in 1952. The Pampus ownership was transferred to the Pampus foundation in 1990 and was opened up to the public the following year. The Fort Island was granted National Monument status at the start of 2004. A Recommendation Committee was set up and the daily running became the responsibility of the three-headed Pampus Management Team.
Before Pampus?
The sandbank which the Pampus fort island has been built on used to represent an obstacle, which couldn’t be passed or sailed around at low tide, during the times of large sailing vessels. Incoming or outgoing ships couldn’t sail over the shallow sandbank during low tide and were therefore forced to wait for high tide. They would literally be lying in front of Pampus, an expression still used today in the Dutch language.