What do you do if your Import/Export Operations encounter a problem that requires creative problem solving?

In import/export operations, when a problem requires creative problem-solving, it's essential to identify the issue accurately, understand its impact, and then brainstorm and evaluate potential solutions. This approach ensures that resources are effectively allocated to innovative yet practical solutions, addressing the problem efficiently.

You need to identify if it really is a problem that you can control, or is it just part of the movement that has not been anticipated. A strike, a grounded aircraft, port congestion is out of your control generally, but if it is standard road traffic congestion, a requirement for a different vehicle, or moving a non lodged shipment to a different airline then you can have control to put the fix in.

SWOT method allows for a comprehensive understanding of both internal and external factors impacting the problem. Gather and scrutinize relevant data, considering regulatory, logistical, and market dynamics. Then, brainstorm potential solutions, assessing their feasibility and impact through a SWOT lens to ensure a strategic fit. This structured approach facilitates the identification of innovative and effective strategies, enhancing problem resolution efficiency.

When you relise your problem, ascertain what is required to make the problem a solution. Look at what is the simplest form to work around the problem or add / deduct a process that gives the same result in the end. Do not overlook too much as you could end up giving yourself a bigger problem.

Gerar brainstorming é fundamental no caso de buscar ideias e solu??es para encontrar caminhos criativos no mundo dos negócios internacionais. Sugiro utilizar a ferramenta Miro para esse desenho da busca das solu??es via brainstorming. Realmente é uma ferramenta atual, e que ajuda muito a desenhar os caminhos e pensar em solu??es. Para a utiliza??o do módulo básico o uso do Miro é gratuito, eu super indico.

A criatividade é muito importante em todo o processo de exporta??o e importa??o. Todos os dias, nos deparamos com os mais complexos temas, com situa??es das mais diversas. Sempre incentivo as equipes a minha volta que usem e exercitem a criatividade o tempo todo. é necessário olhar a sua volta, analisar todos os detalhes do problema, chamar pessoas dd várias áreas e tratar dos assuntos em forma de brainstorming. Com certeza trazer várias pessoas, dos mais variados setores para auxiliar na troca de ideias, pode ser muito importante na busca de solu??es. Ative as equipes, trate dos temas com muito entusiasmo, pratique o pensamento fora da caixa!

To generate possible solutions, leverage your creativity and innovation by facilitating brainstorming sessions, encouraging out-of-the-box thinking, and considering unconventional approaches that might circumvent traditional barriers. Techniques such as mind mapping can visually organize thoughts and ideas, while design thinking encourages empathy with stakeholders, leading to more user-centric solutions. Evaluate the generated ideas through the SWOT lens to gauge their feasibility, impact, and alignment with your strategic objectives, ensuring a selection of effective, innovative solutions tailored to the problem's unique context.

Cost-benefit analysis is crucial for understanding the financial implications of each solution, comparing the expected benefits with the associated costs to determine the net value or return on investment. This analysis is particularly important in operations where budget constraints are a significant consideration

To plan and execute a solution in import/export operations, start by defining clear, achievable goals and breaking down the solution into actionable steps. Assign responsibilities to team members with the appropriate expertise, and establish timelines for each task. Utilize project management tools to monitor progress and adapt as necessary, ensuring communication is maintained with all stakeholders throughout the process. This structured approach helps in efficiently implementing the solution, with regular assessments to address any challenges promptly.

Learning from the problem is the most important thing. Did you choose the best logistics partner, or the cheapest? Did you choose the right route option or the cheapest? Did you ask the question, is this the right option, or just the cheapest? Are you receiving the help you need, or did you just choose the cheapest? I don't think these questions actually need an answer to make my point. Sometimes the cheapest is the correct choice. Sometimes it's simply the cheap option. Cheap doesn't necessarily mean value for money in every situation.

Fixing a problem is often a lesson learned; Think, was the initial deployment of the movement correct, could there have been something different done or was it just a one off issue for a particular shipment. Implement a new solution for future as required. Import/Export is ever evolving and as new systems come in, learning and staying up to date is key for a problem not happening in the future.