Preparing for the digital Supply Chain – IEA High-level seminar on the digital transformation of the traditional Supply Chain

Series run in partnership with Rhenus Logistics, Iarnród Eireann – Irish Rail and Fleet Transport Magazine

Dundalk, 17 April 2019: The Irish Exporters Association (IEA), in association with Rhenus Logistics Ireland, Iarnród Éireann – Irish Rail and Fleet Transport Magazine this morning ran the second seminar of its 2019 Supply Chain Series with a focus on “Digitalisation and the Supply Chain”. The event brought together key stakeholders from Government, State Agencies and the exporting sector, discuss with participants the opportunities and challenges of the digital supply chain and Ireland’s response through the upcoming National Digital Strategy.

Held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dundalk, the seminar attracted over 40 industry professionals from the manufacturing, services and logistics sectors. The 2019 Series focuses on practical and operational challenges for importers and exporters, addressing issues around customs, skills and training, transport, digitalisation, R&D and competitiveness.

With keynotes by Barry Vaughan, Principle Officer, Department of the Taoiseach and John Conway, Senior Security and Governance Analyst, Office of the Data Protection Commissioner; seminar participants were briefed on the Government’s plans to promote the digital supply chain through the upcoming National Digital Strategy and the associated opportunities and challenges of securing the digital supply chain and personal data.

Two industry-experts panels featuring high-level speakers from Rhenus Logistics Ireland, Dolmen Design and Innovation, Turmec Teoranta, Microfocus and Assurehedge addressed the hands-on challenges and future opportunities of digitally transforming their traditional supply chains.

Commenting during the event, Simon McKeever, Chief Executive of the Irish Exporters Association, said: “Digitalisation is already transforming how businesses manage and streamline their internal and external operations. Current developments and upcoming advancements in 5G technology, autonomous driving, blockchain and distributed ledgers, artificial intelligence and cloud computing will only further transform the traditional business supply chain. To stay competitive in this changing environment, Ireland and Irish exporting businesses face significant challenges and opportunities when digitally transforming their business operations and supply chain.”

Declan Sinnott, Managing Director, Rhenus Logistics Ireland stated: “Rhenus Logistics is both proud and excited to continue our sponsorship the IEA Supply Chain Series for a third year. Over the past two years the series has been a real platform for companies from many and varied industries to demonstrate true innovation and collaboration, share experiences and knowhow as we each take on the challenge of growing our respective businesses in often difficult circumstances. Rhenus Logistics and our colleagues in Avant Air and Sea look forward to supporting and helping IEA members address any challenges that lie ahead in 2019 and beyond.”

Glenn Carr, General Manager Freight Rail/Road & Rosslare Europort and Iarnród Éireann – Irish Rail commented: “The Irish Exporters Association Supply Chain programme offered the opportunity for us to showcase our Rail Freight, Navigator Road Agency and Rosslare Europort businesses. We are delighted to again have been a partner of Supply Chain Ireland in sponsoring the exciting and informative range of events and seminars organised for 2019. In particular, in sponsoring the events this year, we look forward to promoting in particular Rosslare Europort as the gateway port to Europe and the UK.”

Jarlath Sweeney, Group Editor/Director, Fleet Transport said: “As we know, there are two sides to the Brexit issue, with the island of Ireland caught in-between. The IEA Supply Chain Series is assisting in trying to bring clarity into the matter with opinions and viewpoints from those at the coal face. These gatherings also provide attendees to let their voices be heard and Fleet Transport is more than obliged to report on the developments as they happen.”

Keynote Speakers:

  • Barry Vaughan, Principle Officer, Department of the Taoiseach
  • John Conway, Senior Security and Governance Analyst, Office of the Data Protection Commissioner

Advisory Panel:

  • David Sadlier, Director Customer Solutions, Rhenus Logistics Ireland
  • Frances Mitchell, Director of Business Development, Dolmen Design and Innovation
  • Paddy Devlin, Commercial and Business Development Manager, Turmec Teoranta
  • David Collins, OneSource and GPAS Business Consultant, Micro Focus
  • Kevin Murray, Currency Risk Analyst, Assure Hedge

 Ends/

For Further information contact:

Pascal Koenig, Communications & Public Affairs Manager

E-mail: pascalkoenig@irishexporters.ie

Tel:  01 642 4171 / 086 142 3310

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