Read the article by Nikos Lazoulas, Chief Operating Officer & Logistics Director, EXELIXIS-HO.RE.CA, published in the newsletter of the Hellenic Logistics Association, “LOGISTICS NEWS.”
The Greek summer and holidays in Greece have long been a dream destination for tourists from around the world. The incredible beauty of our country seems to attract more and more visitors each year (27.8 million in 2022, with increasing trends for this year), who stay and consume for a few days to several weeks during each tourist season.
Logistics, as an industry, is tasked with connecting the production of any product to its consumption. It is therefore understandable that in a country that nearly quadruples its population and demand for a few months each year, the challenges to ensure smooth and efficient operations multiply.
This article examines the main challenges as well as the solutions required to address the increased flow of goods during the summer period.
Increased Inventory and Workforce Needs
During the summer season, increased demand inevitably leads to a need for larger inventories and, consequently, more storage space. This challenge weighs heavily on logistics companies since physical facilities are a limited resource that cannot expand or contract according to demand. Accurate forecasting by demand planning departments, minimizing overstocking, and more efficient inventory cycle management can certainly help optimize warehouse space utilization. At the same time, cooperation and communication between logistics companies — facilitated and achieved through the Hellenic Logistics Association — have repeatedly provided practical solutions aimed at maintaining high-quality service and customer satisfaction.
Employee Safety
Employee safety during the summer months is a critical issue, especially given the strain caused by high temperatures. This holds true whether someone works in a warehouse, delivery vehicle, port, airport, or elsewhere. To combat heat stress and ensure workers’ health and safety, a specific framework of guidelines must be followed, including identifying high-risk groups (e.g., people with cardiovascular or chronic illnesses), allowing more frequent breaks in cool areas, monitoring temperature and humidity in workspaces, and installing infrastructure to create microclimates where employees spend considerable time.
Product Safety
It is crucial during summer that logistics service providers maintain the integrity of stored and transported products according to partners’ instructions and specifications.
High temperatures and sun exposure can quickly damage or spoil dry goods and, even more critically, temperature-controlled shipments. Strengthening infrastructure and facilities with appropriate materials, training staff for efficient and rapid handling of receipts and shipments, and employing advanced technology systems to monitor warehouse conditions can ensure optimal treatment of goods during handling.
Regarding transportation, the challenges are even greater. Companies are advised to use temperature-controlled vehicles to protect goods and schedule deliveries during cooler hours with less traffic.
Last Mile Delivery Consistency – On-Time Delivery
The daily influx of tourists throughout the country during summer — especially in major cities with ports, airports, and tourist destinations — causes significant delays in goods distribution. Traffic congestion often makes certain routes nearly impassable in many areas. Gradual use of traffic data and GPS systems can help identify alternative routes and create special summer delivery schedules to avoid delays and maintain high service quality for customers and recipients. Additionally, the large number of cooperating carriers adds flexibility, especially when increased traffic coincides with the need to handle large volumes. Another cause of delivery inconsistency is sudden product shortages, a phenomenon that has heavily challenged businesses in recent years.
Visibility, through technology and the many available systems for tracking location and movement of goods among different stakeholders in the supply chain, can optimize planning and communication, providing alternative solutions.
Summary
In conclusion, the strong seasonality and increased demand of Greece’s tourist season represent a multifaceted issue. The specialization of logistics companies in different product categories, combined with the unique structure and organization of their human and physical resources, can provide the resilience needed to meet these high demands.
With preparation, effective communication, and adherence to procedures, logistics companies manage to meet the increased market needs and play a vital role in supporting and growing the economy.