Exchange instead of gut feeling: How decisions in logistics are made today

even: Leonard, how has the exchange in the logistics industry changed from your perspective?

"Of course, people still meet at trade fairs or traditional events. But a lot of this is organized by companies and there's automatically a certain sales focus involved. Exchange happens, but not always freely. New spaces, like the even Community, where you can speak much more casually, are good for the exchange."

even: Many say that places are needed where you can speak without pressure. How do you experience that?

"It helps enormously to be able to ask questions openly or simply read along with what's on others' minds. You get real insights from practice. And the mix is exciting: from deputy warehouse manager to supply chain director, everything is represented. People discuss everyday topics just as much as complex automation or software. This breadth makes it valuable."

even: How did you get into the Community back then?

"Through LinkedIn. I was in loose contact with Andreas, at some point the invitation came – and that's how I slipped in."

even: Personal meetings also emerged through the Community. How did that happen?

"It happens quite naturally. You get to know people, exchange ideas and at some point someone asks: 'Would you like to come by?' That's how we got into conversation with companies from e-commerce and automation, for example. We had facilities shown to us, compared processes and talked about challenges. Without these channels, that probably would never have happened."

even: Were there also moments when concrete help actually resulted from this?

"Yes, there were situations where companies spontaneously supported each other, for example when something had just failed before a peak or certain spare parts were urgently needed. Such things only work if you know each other and have built trust."

even: Why are informal spaces often more honest than public formats in your experience?

"In such groups you speak differently than in public. Sharing reviews or critical experiences publicly is often difficult – because of relationships, contracts or ongoing projects. In direct exchange you can still speak honestly about experiences, including the difficult things. That's helpful without it immediately becoming widely known."

even: You also received impulses for your system selection through the exchange. How did that work?

"The first ideas came from various brainstorming sessions and market research, but through the Community we got into conversation with users who have the systems in question in operation. That's exactly what makes the difference: you get real experience reports. I know many systems and yet there are vendors you don't have on your radar. Through such conversations your view becomes broader. You notice where you yourself are blind."

even: How important to you is looking beyond your own industry focus?

"Exchange across industries is very exciting. At TEVEO we're clearly in e-commerce, but through the Community I talk to people from production, medical technology or other areas. Especially now, as we're integrating our brand fayn into central logistics processing and topics like batch management are becoming more relevant to us, that helps enormously. You get perspectives you wouldn't otherwise reach."

even: Were there moments when you particularly noticed how much logistics is currently changing?

"Yes. When new solutions are presented, for example in the automation area, and you see how others assess them – then you very quickly get a feel for how the industry is currently moving. Events are often more suitable for deeper discussions, but the quick line through such groups shows well which topics are really relevant right now."

Conclusion

Exchange works, especially when it happens honestly, in an uncomplicated way and on equal footing. For Leonard this resulted in clear added value: new contacts, practical help, expanded perspectives and impulses for decisions. For logistics decision-makers it shows how valuable a community and genuine exchange can be, across company and industry boundaries.

You make logistics decisions? Then become part of the even Community – a space for users who want to exchange openly and learn from each other.

Simply write to us at info@even-logistics.com.