may2024 - 12

Industry Expert Column
The Business Case for Proximity for
Efficient Ground Support Operations
Ground support operations that utilize local sourcing of partners, especially for
supplies like coatings, can stay ahead of issues and remain ready for takeoff.
BY MIKE FROMM
I
n the face of escalating challenges
such as rising shipping
costs and unexpected delays,
ground support operations -
from tugs, pushback tractors,
and deicing vehicles to luggage
carts and fueling trucks - have
increasingly prioritized sourcing
supplies, particularly coatings,
from local or nearby suppliers.
Efficiency and cost-effectiveness
remain imperatives for success.
Rising Global Shipping Costs
From pandemic-induced disruptions
to recent geopolitical tensions, various
factors from the past few years
have increased shipping costs. For
ground support operations, sourcing
supplies from distant locations is no
longer as cost-effective. Given that
ground support equipment requires
timely maintenance and the application
of specialized coatings to ensure
longevity and performance, delays in
the supply chain for these coatings
will create more downtime costs.
Build Supply Chain Resiliency
By choosing to source from nearby
or local suppliers, ground support
operations can realize multiple
benefits, including faster access to
essential supplies, reduced costs
and enhanced supplier partnerships.
Delays in receiving crucial
materials or equipment can lead to
operational backlogs.
Sourcing from nearby suppliers
minimizes the reliance on long,
unpredictable shipping routes. This
can be especially valuable during
sudden demand spikes or unforeseen
equipment failures. Having a local
supplier means replenishments can
be received in hours rather than
days or weeks.
Local sourcing often means lower
transportation costs and fewer logistical
headaches, leading to savings.
Furthermore, shorter transportation
routes mean fewer carbon emissions,
aligning with the aviation industry's
increasing emphasis on sustainability.
Find the Right Partner
Proximity often leads to stronger
relationships between suppliers and
buyers. Being in the same region
or time zone facilitates communication
and understanding. Over
time, this can result in better deals,
faster response times to issues, and
a deeper understanding of each
party's needs and capabilities. For
example, PPG has local experts who
can visit and work with all customer
locations to offer the right solutions,
including a personalized inventory
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
MIKE FROMM
Mike Fromm has 37 years of experience in the paint and
coatings industry. To learn more about how PPG meets the
aviation industry's needs, visit www.ppgrefinish.com
12 || Ground Support Worldwide || May 2024
management program ensuring
timely deliveries from local service
centers and authorized distributors
to support steady operations.
What's Ahead?
The recent global events have underscored
the vulnerabilities in extended
supply chains. Relying on distant
suppliers can expose operations to
geopolitical upheavals, trade disputes
or global health crises. Local sourcing
acts as a buffer, ensuring that external
global disruptions have a minimal
impact on the day-to-day functioning
of ground support operations.
A global partner with local distribution
and service can provide local
on-ground technical support, training
and assessments, ensuring that
the coatings - from electrocoats and
pretreatment to liquid coatings and
powder coatings - are applied effectively
and yield the desired results.
Ground support operations that
recognize the business benefits of
locally sourcing quality partners,
especially for crucial supplies like
coatings, will likely stay ahead
of these issues and remain ready
for takeoff.
PPG
http://www.ppgrefinish.com
may2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of may2024
