supply chains have not been configured to handling individual items close to the consumer point . Fijman continues : “ Telecommunications companies have been lagging behind some of the retailers . We are now starting to look into the concept of micro logistics networks , which is essentially facilitating the efficient sourcing and delivery of these items and devices to an end-user .” It is not necessary for telecommunications providers to own these micro logistics networks . As with reverse logistics , it is better entrusted to third-party specialists , Fijman believes . Customer expectations have been shaped by the ‘ Amazon experience ’, and they have become used to next-day or even same-day fulfillment of orders . These expectations are beginning to impact the telecommunications supply chain . The only practical solution , he says , is partnering with innovative providers that can bring the capability to directly fulfill consumer demand .

The strategy has delivered stellar results , not all of it from procurement , but in every case with a strong procurement component . Since 2014 the company reduced its costs by

— Martin Fijman , VP and Head of Product and Supply Chain

16 May 2018