b'S P E C I A L F O C U S : L O G I S T I C S C O N T I N U E DNavigating Confidently Amidst appropriately and smoothly in accordance with company rules and compliance. Our biggest day-to-day challenge is to provide Changing Conditions smooth and reliable logistics operations for the projects that our business units are working on.Kato notes that the biggest challenge over the pandemic has been staying positive, focusing on the tasks at hand, andTakashi Tobiya, Director of Logistics Group and Dept. Head keeping the Logistics Group working effectively even during aof Logistics Business Department, sees his most important time of uncertainty. The Logistics Group learned how to becomeresponsibility as discovering new technologies and services more streamlined, and to utilize technology wherever possible toin the logistics domain, and then developing new businesses increase productivity.while drawing up a partner strategy. To that end, he values what his teams are learning from SCOA-invested start-up We think Logistics will continue to transition to a more DX formcompanies such as Transfix and Locix, whose disruptive spirit of operations, Kato said. Some protocols initiated during theand services were not commonplace.pandemic may remain in place. One notable adaptation is our development of a remote inventory check for SCOAs physicalThe logistics business of physically storing and transport-inventory counts, and a Robotics Process Automationwith SCSKing goods will not disappear, but more efficient, safer, and which e-mails monthly reconciliations to each Business Unit atenvironmentally friendly logistics tasks that utilize data will be SCOA. important in the future. We would like to develop our business by building platforms or new business plans that can differen-No matter how convenient the world becomes, logistics will al- tiate us from others in a certain area and contribute to solving ways be necessary in every aspect, remarked Hiroshi Ono, Dep- social issues. The keyword of our smart logistics concept is uty General Manager, Logistics Department, Sumitomo Corpora- digitalization. We have seen how digitalization leads to im-tion Mexico. Logistics is the foundation that supports peoplesproved services and cost reduction at Sumisho Global Logistics lives and the economy. As a corporate unit, our responsibility isand InCompass, which already have proven track records in to support business units in conducting their business activitiesthe logistics field.For us, logistics means giving corporative service to business units and helping Sumitomo group companies with the implementation of new projects, search for new suppliers, inventory management and determination Below, Karina Navarro andof appropriate forecast, preventive revision of foreignSCMX Logistics Team memberstrade files in order to avoid discrepancies in case of audits from authority, and general support to clarify legal doubts about import and exports. This involves following the laws and regulations as applicable and looking for cost reduction, quality and risk management. Our biggest day-to-day challenges often deal with urgent requirements for complex operations and finding appropriate and reliable vendors that provide the level of service that SCMX look for. Foreign trade laws are changing constantly in Mexico, so we have to be ready to support our colleagues in order to face these changes and be always in compliance.- Karina Navarro,Manager, Logistics Department,Sumitomo Corporation Mexico6 visions Summer 2021'