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the supply chain drove up the cost of shipping and supply chain in general . Moreover , we had to face a 250 percent rise in energy costs , which was already a big expense in itself , but it has been especially challenging this year . And , of course , there is also the shortage in labor in the UK . Skilled people don ’ t want to work in warehouses anymore , and if they do , they ’ d rather be fixing the robots in the warehouse , not doing what the robot does ,” he states .
Despite advances in technology , Viking relies on human workers as part of its commitment to premium customer service . “ There is still a need for people to physically move and deliver products . Brexit has changed the way that we source skilled drivers with a high number of our Eastern European colleagues returning to that part of Europe , which led to a severe lack of drivers . Furthermore , the pressure on next day delivery in the B2C world has seen heightened productivity expectations on drivers . Today , it is common for drivers to do 150-to-200 deliveries per day , which is physically demanding when you consider that they must repeat the process of opening and closing their vehicle ’ s doors , knock on the customer ’ s door and walk back to the vehicle over 300 times a day . As a result , many have lost the art of talking to customers , because they simply don ’ t have time to form a great customer relationship ,” he ends .
Simon argues that losing that customer relationship at the doorstep and reception desk is one of Viking ’ s biggest challenges to date , as it strives to reinstate dialog between couriers and customers while making supply chain operations more attractive to young generations . As it looks to the future , Simon is positive that the four core initiatives will support Viking as it aims to become the number one office solutions provider across the UK , Ireland , and the rest of Europe . ■
Simon Allan-Brooks
www . viking-direct . co . uk www . vikingoffice . eu
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