Philip Declat joins ERA Group as a partner. He will participate in the analysis of logistics processes and costs for clients from various sectors. He will draw on his background in finance and his in-depth experience in the logistics sector.
Philip Declat is fluent in the language of logistics
In concrete terms; Philip Declat will analyze and optimise logistics processes for ERA's clients; from ordering and warehousing (internal or external) to transport and delivery. Thanks to his detailed analysis; he is able to make realistic proposals to reduce logistics costs; optimise the network and/or implement improvements to their processes.
Logistics in Belgium faces major challenges in terms of profitability and budgets. It is also confronted with a considerable increase in transport costs in general; and container costs in particular; not to mention the uncertainty of finding availability. Such developments lead to adjustments in the supply chain; which are costly for companies.
Savings can usually be made in insurance; energy; import duties; machinery; fleet management and facilities. ERA can take into account more than 45 cost categories and work with the client to determine which ones are most significant.
Philip Declat's career path
Fresh out of university; Philip Declat began his career as a risk underwriter for credit insurer Euler Hermes. It was there that he learned to analyze companies and groups critically from the perspective of a financial institution. He developed numerous contacts with his clients' CFOs; who were very interested in the credit insurer's position with regard to their own client portfolios. He then became a Business Controller at Accenture and Deloitte. He successfully completed projects for UCB; Inbev; Japan Tobacco International and BASF; among others. He then entered the logistics sector as Business Controller for XPO Logistics; where he progressed to managerial positions. He later joined the Ahlers Group; first as Chief Financial Officer and then as General Manager.
Potential efficiency gains
ERA has the knowledge to help companies find a targeted solution. Here are some possible avenues for optimisation:
- optimisation/redefinition of the supply chain; with or without alternative suppliers; but always based on good communication with the parties involved;
- optimisation of the network and search for new hubs;
- reduction of CO2 emissions and renewal of the vehicle fleet;
- exploration of other transport options.
