Holcim PH continues focus on improving logistics operations

MANILA: Cement manufacturer Holcim Philippines, Inc. has implemented improvement initiatives and programs for logistics operations to contribute to safer roads. The company considers logistics as a key part of its business as it drives the ability to provide a reliable supply to clients.

In a statement, Holcim Philippines Senior Vice President for Logistics Edwin Villas said, “Improving safety in logistics leads to better business results as we reduce the risk of delivery delays due to poorly maintained vehicles or accidents with our transportation partners.”

Through Holcim’s program for logistics safety, transporters are required to observe strict standards for roadworthiness and maintenance for trucks. The company conducts route assessments to determine hazards and advises drivers on precautionary measures. It also holds a debriefing and coaching session after each trip where they reward safe drivers and help the unsafe ones to improve.

Holcim Philippines has also worked together with the LafargeHolcim Group to introduce digitalization for drive improvements. The company uses an in-vehicle monitoring system (IVMS) to monitor the performance of fleets and drivers and measure driving behavior such as speeding, harsh braking, and fatigue. The recorded information is received by the company’s transport analytics center (TAC), which analyzes the data to optimize routes for improvements in safety and efficiency.

Holcim Philippines has also launched a driver training program as part of its logistics safety efforts. It became the anchor client of the first truck driver academy in the Philippines, operated by TDC-Uyeno.

Since its launch five years ago, 907 drivers of transporters have finished the four-day driving program. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, 257 people were able to complete the course virtually last year.

One of the drivers who completed the course is Alex Villasfir, a professional driver for 14 years. He learned to drive while working as a helper for his father, but it was only during the four-day course that he had a formal training.

“Malaki ang naitulong lalo na sa pagiging defensive at responsableng driver. Mas naintindihan ko yung mga sa safety rules sa kalsada. Yung mga maliliit na sasakyan na singit ng singit pinapabayaan ko na. Mas doble ingat na kasi malaki yung dala namin. (The training sessions have been a big help in becoming a defensive and responsible driver. I understood better the safety rules on the road. Now I give way to smaller vehicles that want to pass me. I have to be more careful because I’m driving a bigger vehicle),” Villasfir stated.

The company’s initiatives to improve its logistics operations have led to positive results. In 2020, road transport incidents declined by 60% compared to 2017. During the same period, Holcim’s fleet covered about 18 million kilometers without any fatality. Since the program has started, the company’s logistics costs have also reduced.

Holcim Philippines Vice President for Health, Safety, and Security Richard Cruz said, “Road accidents remain one of the leading causes of death in the country. We are proud to help address this challenge by following the best practices for transporting our goods and improving the skills of Filipino truck drivers.” He also mentioned that the company is planning to further improve their logistics operation by upgrading the driver rewards program and developing a mobile app that will monitor driving performance.

“This is part of our overall commitment to health and safety in the company. We want to ensure that everyone involved in our business can go home safely after work. Logistics is a key part of our business, and it is only right that we ensure our partners are fully equipped to do their work safely,” Cruz said.

Photo from Holcim Philippines

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