15 Jun GUESTBLOG: ARTHUR VAN DIJK – TLN
The logistics sector is known for its problem-solving mode. Thinking in solutions is core business, together with room for flexibility and client service at a high level. Over the last years, the demand on this service has never been so high, with next-day-delivery turning into same-day-delivery and tracking and tracing possibilities throughout the supply chain. On the other hand, the preconditions for doing business haven’t facilitated business initiatives, looking at ever increasing terms of payments and added liabilities due to changing labour laws. This leads to an increasing interest in business solutions related to financing working capital. Moreover, getting access to financing is a challenge, as this sector isn’t known for long-term contracts and banks do favour contractual security.
Talking with entrepreneurs about Fintech-solutions is difficult, as they don’t know this term and are reluctant to invest time and money in finding out the worth and waste of such an innovative term. Once they realize that Fintech is actually synonymous for smart IT-solutions that facilitate financial control, they want to know more about it, is my experience from the conversations I’ve had.
This example shows that it’s difficult to see the world through a different pair of glasses and to talk a different language. TLN sees it as its core business to bridge the gap between these different worlds. On one hand, understanding the business needs of its members in the logistics sector and at the same time, scanning the developments within our society which have impact on the logistics sector. TLN can only do this by investing time in discussions with start-ups in the Fintech-world and facilitate the exchange of information, together with Dinalog who does relevant research within this field. By translating these new developments into business solutions, the implementation of Fintech products is stimulated.
New technologies and business models often require other rules and therefore, TLN is discussing these developments with governmental parties in order to have additional or changed regulation in place in time. I believe that Fintech solutions are important for our members and enable them to stay successful in the future. That’s why TLN takes the role of bridging the gap between smart solutions and current business and by doing that, entrepreneurs in the logistics sector can continue with problem solving, but on a higher level!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Arthur van Dijk has been president of TLN for the last 4 years and is an important member of the topteam Topsector Logistiek. With a strong belief in cooperation and an everlasting enthusiasm, he is committed to connect logistics with other parts of the supply chain. Problem solving is part of his nature; he has shown these skills not only within the TLN organisation, but also as alderman for the city council of Haarlemmermeer, where he was responsible for the cooperation between Schiphol Airport and the cities surrounding this main port of the Netherlands.