This issue of ‘Our Highlights’ features Yiannis Sarantitis,
Chairman & CEO of
SARMED Logistics!
Q: Mr. Sarantitis, could you give us a summary of your company’s activities and the services you offer?
A: SARMED is a pioneering Hellenic company, with a leading position in 3rd Party Logistics (3PL) sector. It provides a full range of vertical 3PL services with modern technological solutions, handled by highly skilled people, thus ensuring top quality customer experience and satisfaction. From warehousing and transport (domestic and international), to repackaging, value-added services and IT support & automation, the services provided by SARMED cover the entire supply chain functions. SARMED also specializes in the provision of integrated tax and customs warehouse management services (WMS). It manages covered storage facilities of almost 200.000 sq.m. (25.000 of refrigerated temperature) in nodal cities of Greece, thus covering the needs of its clients with efficiency and flexibility.
Q: In what ways do you see digital transformation influencing the logistics and supply chain industry, especially in terms of operational efficiency?
A: Data management is the driver for efficient logistics operations. The volume, complexity and processing of data is enormous, thus digitalization in enterprises is a game changer in data collection & processing, tracking, evaluation & decision making, and may lead to a productivity boost and a more streamlined operation.
Q: Which emerging technologies do you consider to be game changers for the logistics industry, and could you detail how your company is integrating these technologies into its operations?
A: Of course, AI is a major catalyst in large data processing, in all forms of applications, such as WMS, rooting & tracking suites, information security tools and all kinds of supporting functions. 5G and 6G promise an IoT revolution in tracking and real-time data sharing. For small, fast-moving items, warehouse automation is a key. Our highly skilled 15-person IT team, along with our partners, ensure that SARMED applies the right tools at the right time for the right case.
Q: The specialized technological solutions required for warehouse management, mean advanced specialized skills for your staff. How is this approached?
A: Our cutting-edge technology is powerful, but only in the hands of a skilled team. At SARMED, our employees are the foundation of our vision, the key to unlocking the potential of any innovation we integrate into our services. We continuously invest in fortifying the expertise of our already qualified staff through comprehensive training programs in warehouse management systems and automation. We prioritize clear communication, ensuring everyone has a deep understanding of the specialized technology we implement. To guarantee both the effectiveness of the technology and our staff’s competence, we conduct regular evaluations of both. We are not just about implementing tech we are about building a future-proof workforce.
Q: What unique challenges does the logistics sector face and what strategies has your company implemented to address them?
A: Major well known disruptions, applying to all geographies and economies, will continue to shake and challenge global trade and supply chain continuity. We invest heavily in infrastructure, expert guidance, cutting-edge tech, security and employee training. This fortifies our resilience, agility and operational excellence, empowering our people to navigate challenges and ensure long-term success.
Q: What upcoming projects or innovations is your company focusing on, and what potential impacts do you foresee these having on your logistics operations?
A: We are currently working on further improving real time visibility on all our operations and providing faster fully functional onboarding to our clients, while optimizing our warehouse and transportation operations. Especially in e-commerce where speed and efficiency are the main goals this will be an advantage for both our customers and our operations. Of course, we are continuously focusing on automations that will support our people with their daily tasks and improve working conditions.