Whether traveling long or short distances, flying has not only made our lives easier but also more international. Today, you can traverse the globe in just a few hours by plane, enabling direct interaction with diverse cultures and people, and fostering relationships across borders. As a result, our vast world has transformed into a global village. Globalization is thus in full swing, permeating even the aviation sector itself.
As drastically as the aviation industry has transformed people’s everyday lives, it is also heavily influenced by globalization. It is now entirely for airports and suppliers from different continents to collaborate. This international cooperation is also reflected in the supply chains of these companies.
Think global, act local
At Materna IPS, we prioritize collaboration with local suppliers tailored to specific regional markets as an integral part of our supply chain strategy. While the design and strategy for our hardware primarily originate from Germany, we also offer the flexibility for local customization when necessary. Subsequent production is then entrusted to local manufacturers, with support from our on-ground employees across different continents. These employees oversee communication with suppliers and monitor progress at the production sites.
One significant advantage of this approach is that our local employees operate within the same time zone as the suppliers, enabling swift responses to any incidents or requirements arising from the customer. Additionally, their understanding of local cultural circumstances facilitates smoother operations.
Moreover, geographical proximity reduces the need for extensive and environmentally damaging transportation of products across long distances, benefiting both our finances and the planet.
Furthermore, shortening the supply chain minimizes the risks associated with external factors. Recent events such as piracy incidents, disruptions in the Suez Canal, and the COVID-19 pandemic have underscored the vulnerability of global supply chains to such influences.
Realizing Global Supply Chain at KUL Airport
Our project at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) in Malaysia serves as a tangible example of best practices in international supply chain management. In April 2023, we installed and commissioned there our Flex.Go self bag drop machines.
For this project, close collaboration with our team from Materna IPS India was essential. While the design and technical support originated from Germany, the manufacturing of the Flex.Go machines was entirely carried out by our production partner in India. Our local employees supervised the production process, ensuring efficient and timely execution. Additionally, the conveyor belts for baggage transport after drop-off were sourced locally from Malaysia.
This approach not only minimized costs and environmental impact but also accelerated the project timeline significantly. By leveraging the expertise of our global teams and sourcing components locally, we were able to achieve optimal results for the conversion at KUL.
Global Connectivity: The Future of Supply Chains
In a world where distances are shrinking and borders seem to be blurring, the aviation sector stands as a prime example of the transformative power of globalization on supply chains. As they become increasingly international through the integration of local expertise, they not only streamline operations but also foster cultural understanding and environmental responsibility. We are therefore flying towards an interconnected, culturally open, and sustainable future.
