Supply Chain & Logistics Forum Timișoara 2025 – key takeaways. This is the moment when we need to be more proactive than reactive – organizations should take advantage of the context and prepare their teams.

Experts emphasized the need to move from strictly “just-in-time” logistics to flexible models, based on safety stocks and an organizational culture where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities.

The event included two presentation sessions and two panels, moderated by Daniel Drăgan, Managing Partner, BusinessMark.

FIRST SESSION

Daniel Enache, Director Aftersales Supply Chain Central Europe, Dacia, opened the first session by discussing the power of adaptability and the transformation project initiated within the company.

"We launched a joint project with our colleagues in sales, aiming to provide top-notch services to our clients. Over the past two years, we tried various strategies to forecast auto parts, but this year we completely changed the inputs we considered in forecasting. We gather information from marketing, sales, market trends, and prices, and integrate all of it to improve forecast accuracy. In 2024, we undertook a major digitalization project in our warehouses, implementing Warehouse Management Systems. When we started extracting digital reports and objectives, we realized only 40% of our warehouse data was accurate. In reality, we had been focusing more on warehouse efficiency than on meeting deadlines. We redesigned the layout, and after 5-6 months, we are now close to 100% – the warehouses can deliver almost all daily orders on time. Our goal was to stay one step ahead of change, to drive the change ourselves. It was a team effort, and we managed to provide added value to our clients," he explained.

Next, Flavius Creț, Regional Branch Manager, Raben Group Romania, Vice President of ARILOG, presented the Association’s projects. He emphasized: "The most important part of ARILOG’s work is students and how we can give back. It is crucial for young professionals to connect with the business environment and truly understand supply chain. Students need guidance and motivation. We have internship programs and career orientation initiatives. Next year, we will have a project dedicated to students, offering opportunities to learn and shadow professionals. Beyond procedures and business, the human element is essential. We also organize networking events so students can socialize with the business community and see where theory meets practice. The summer school is one of the Association’s most exciting events, where students can visit warehouses and witness operations not covered in university."

Miruna Rad, Supply Chain Business Unit Manager, Eastern Europe, Manhattan Associates, discussed how automation can facilitate work in supply chain departments:

"Software is a tool, but it’s us, the people, who make the difference. Our goal is to provide solutions and platforms to help you excel. Over the past ten years, our focus has been unification – one platform, infinite connectivity. Our local team has over 15 years of experience. We work on numerous projects in Romania and abroad. Our expertise helps the Romanian market because clients trust our implementation capabilities. We work with local teams and clients from all industries, learning something new each time. Seven out of ten global retailers use Manhattan, and 14 out of 25 global fashion companies chose us. The newly built Jumbo warehouse in Popești-Leordeni was designed for automation from the start, with an automated line handling online orders. Preparing a package takes 15 minutes on average for an order of 30 items," she explained.

Sorin Virtosu, Logistics Manager, RURIS, addressed the importance of accuracy in logistics:

"In 2022, we decided to implement WMS. We evaluated multiple providers and chose Mantis. The project began in 2023, and it was a team effort. The implementers advised a phased rollout, but we opted to do it in parallel. Implementation took nine months. Configuring the system requires hands-on experimentation to achieve efficiency. Without prior testing, you end up testing live. Now, onboarding staff in logistics is much faster. We are at a point where we instruct implementers on reports and scanner steps. Accuracy and clear location mapping are critical. After a year of system implementation, our efficiency is 35-40% higher. We respond faster to transport partners and clients. Implementers must understand needs thoroughly, achieved through testing. I recommend dedicating time to each chapter instead of overlapping tasks."

Cosmin Băroiu, Regional Director, Mantis Romania, Poland, and the Baltic States, spoke on AI success in supply chain:

"The current reality and available data require preparation to align with future trends. In warehousing, AI is being implemented for data flow, robotics, and AI agents to optimize processes. By next year, global AI investments will be 60% higher than five years ago. By 2030, robotic AI analytics will be standard. AI robots could act like highly experienced logistics employees. Video detection and analysis systems will succeed by monitoring warehouses for errors or capacity issues. Infrastructure and managing unprecedented data volumes will be key challenges. Investment in these technologies must increase."

The session concluded with a discussion between Daniel Drăgan, Nicu Boangiu (Chief Technical Officer, Smart ID), and Szabolcs Török (Senior Sales Engineer EMEA, SOTI). Nicu Boangiu explained automation from the integrator’s perspective, covering AI, machine learning, middleware for data exchange, autonomous robots, and HR process automation for workforce planning. Szabolcs Török added that AI improves reporting, databases, and user experience globally, speeding up operations.

SECOND SESSION

Peter Zuber, CEO, Kuchinox Romania, opened the second session, discussing supply chain challenges today:

"In extremely volatile times, maintaining a healthy supply chain system is essential, always with a focus on profit maximization while ensuring cash flow. Recent challenges included the Suez Canal blockage, which delayed key supply chains reliant on 'just-in-time' logistics, impacting industries like automotive and electronics. About $9 billion worth of goods per day were blocked. Companies reevaluated logistics strategies, diversifying routes, regional production, and buffer stocks. The pandemic caused raw material shortages and logistical delays, highlighting the need for diversified sourcing, localized production, and resilient inventory strategies. These crises were also learning opportunities. Making the right decisions consistently is crucial."

Stelian Ciorogariu, Regional Manager CEE, Slimstock, discussed stock management pragmatically:

"Each company is different, with unique needs. We must find an optimal balance between costs and opportunities. Excess stock can lead to higher storage costs despite reducing transport costs. Human factors also play a role; daily decisions can impact inventory levels. Multiple suppliers and items provide more data to optimize stock. Stock management strategy should start from management, guiding employees’ daily focus."

Andreea Selin, Site General Manager, Celestica, Oradea, Romania, emphasized skills development:

"Continuous improvement focuses on refining processes to increase efficiency and reduce waste, while innovation develops new ideas or processes to generate value. Both approaches revolve around people. Knowing team members through 1-to-1 discussions, 360-degree feedback, and skip-levels is crucial. Placing employees in suitable roles, encouraging development, and fostering trust is essential. Mistakes should be learning opportunities, and new ideas should be recognized. People respond well to change when they understand its purpose and impact."

Marius Maier, Partner, General Manager, CMC GRUP RISK ADVISOR, discussed risk management:

"Every day, you deal with physical laws and psychological factors. Risks can significantly impact organizational or personal well-being. Effective risk management must cover all levels, from top management to shift supervisors. The pandemic demonstrated the complexity of supply chain management. Functional risk management processes reduce threats, preventing unfortunate events from endangering organizational integrity, reputation, or survival."

The final panel, moderated by Daniel Drăgan, featured Alin Cuc (FORVIA HELLA), Adrienne Abrudan (Plexus Oradea), Andrei Marian (CTP România), and Flavius Creț (Raben Logistics Romania, ARILOG Vice President).

Panel discussions focused on preparing teams for automation. Adrienne Abrudan stated:

"The human factor is most important. Investing in people and culture is essential. Companies may have the same tools, but people make the difference. Preparing staff for automation, explaining tool value, and reducing repetitive tasks is critical. Clear top-down communication ensures effective change management. Organizations must be proactive, preparing teams for upcoming opportunities."

Alin Cuc emphasized adaptability and innovation:

"We are in a unique context, requiring new approaches. Innovation drives progress. AI and automation are important, but human intelligence remains critical. Digitalization can enhance results, but experienced colleagues are key. Romania presents opportunities for reinvention, innovation, and competition with products from abroad."

Flavius Creț reinforced this perspective:

"Focus remains on people. Innovation and culture must leverage technology so future colleagues can adapt and continue our work. From 2026-2030, strategic investment, planning tools, and trust in teams will be decisive. AI is a tool, but humans are behind its development."

Andrei Marian, Business Development Director, CTP România, highlighted adaptability:

"We must look ahead, attract investments, and seize opportunities. Romania is well-positioned geographically and geopolitically, with latent potential in emerging industrial parks. Defence-related projects and regional development create demand for factories, warehouses, and workforce. Political instability and lack of government support are risks, but there are opportunities for growth."

“Supply Chain & Logistics Forum” is a BusinessMark project, with 2025 editions held in Cluj-Napoca, Iași, Bucharest, and Timișoara.

Official partners: Mantis, Manhattan

Partners: CTP, Slimstock, Smart ID, SOTI, CMC Risk Advisor Grup

Supported by: ARILOG Association, USER – Union of Forwarding Companies in Romania

Technology partner: 4pay.ro

Monitoring partner: mediaTrust

Media partners: Ziua de Vest, Timiș Online, Agenda, Arad24.net, Spotmedia.ro, Express de Banat, Bănățeanul, Ziarul Clujean, Ziua Cargo, Daibau.ro, Instalnews.ro, Logistic Post, Spațiulconstruit.ro, Depozitinfo.ro, Birouinfo.ro, Jurnalul de Afaceri, EventsMax, Piața, Debizz, MATEK, Transilvania Business, BusinessVoice, AngajatorulMeu.ro, Business Press, PRwave, Digital-business.ro, România Durabilă, Economistul, Club Economic

About BusinessMark:

Since 2013, BusinessMark organizes proprietary business events with an “all-industries” approach, creating contexts for experience exchange, development, and inspiration. They also design customized events for partners, offering consultancy, concept creation, event management, and budget optimization for B2B events. https://business-mark.ro/