12 / 07
Success stories from «DAMU Logistics»: individual approach and achievement of goals
Each interview with leaders of the DAMU industrial and logistics center, being a part of the "Success Stories" project, is a story of victories and personal growth, strategies for achieving goals and effective motivation. Our today’s interviewee is Bakhytzhan Suleimenov, - the director of «AFTOS» logistics company at “DAMU Logistics” industrial park.
Bakhytzhan Suilemenov is one of those leaders of a new formation who successfully apply many years of managerial experience and critical thinking, a creative approach to fulfillment of tasks. All this allows us to bring the company to a qualitatively new level of development in a short time, improve labor efficiency indicators, as well as identify strategic objectives. Thanks to a team of like-minded professionals, continuous improvement of business processes and high quality of services provided, AFTOS has established itself as a reliable, responsible and long-term customer-oriented partner.
- Bakhytzhan, tell us more about AFTOS. What exactly does the company do? What is the role of the company in ‘DAMU Logistics’ industrial park? ?
“AFTOS” Logistics company was established in 2020. During this time, we managed to form a strong team of professionals, to increase the efficiency of work processes, to achieve our goals and define new ones. In our industrial park, AFTOS provides a full range of transport and logistics services. The main activity is urban, intercity, international logistics. In addition, there is a customs control zone on the DAMU Logistics territory, which is very convenient for us and our partners. A big advantage of DAMU Logistics is a good location - we are located on one of the main transport arteries of the region. Our company in the shortest possible time can solve any issues on the movement, delivery of goods both on the territory of Kazakhstan, the CIS countries, and far abroad. Of course, first of all, we provide logistics services to our resident partners. The tenants of the industrial zone have at their disposal our own stocked fleet of more than 20 modern vehicles with a carrying capacity of 1.5 to 20 tons and a volume of 10 to 120 cubic meters. All our vehicles are insured and equipped with a GPS tracker for product monitoring. The reputation of the company and the high class of service are important to us, we pay great attention to these issues.
- You have said that the partners - residents of “DAMU Logistics” industrial park have your own AFTOS fleet of vehicles at their disposal. What other advantages does the company have today?
One of the main advantages is our professional team. All of our foreign-educated employees are fluent in two foreign languages: English, Chinese. This helps a lot in our work, considering that we provide services to large international companies. In addition to our own fleet of vehicles, we have long-term contracts with transport companies in Kazakhstan, Russia and Europe. We can provide prompt transportation of goods in almost any direction. This helps our residents to expand the geography of business. In addition, some of them have periods of seasonal decline in sales followed by a sharp increase. We must be prepared for such situations. During the cooperation, I can confidently say that we understand and feel our customers. Plus, for partners of the DAMU Logistics industrial park we offer optimal tariffs, which is also important. We do not have a repetition work. We are ready to provide each client with special conditions, the necessary transport and escort from point A to point B.
- As for the best rates. Now, according to various estimates, all logistics services have risen in price by 20 - 40%. How do you manage to keep tariffs down?
Indeed, the cost of services has risen significantly in percentage terms. As I said above, we are purposefully working to improve the efficiency of business processes, and our reputation as a reliable and responsible partner is important to us. Of course, we cannot influence some challenges, for example, those associated with a sharp change in international transport corridors. Nevertheless, we accept these challenges and are looking for a way out, new logistical ways. To solve problems, we develop plans with our team to reduce the cost of our services and immediately start implementing them. These measures help keep prices down.
- Can you give an example of such?
- It is known that logistics is associated with high costs for consumables for vehicles. These are various filters, spare parts for cars and more. We enter into partnership agreements directly with large manufacturers in Europe and from there we are directly delivered all the necessary goods for our fleet. We conduct all negotiations directly, without intermediaries. This is where knowledge of foreign languages helps. We have recently invited representatives of a European company, a manufacturer of various goods for cars to Almaty. During their visit, we carefully discussed each item of our contract and successfully concluded a long-term cooperation agreement with them. Having signed a contract, we managed to avoid raising tariffs for some services. If we cannot influence the cost of the same fuels and lubricants or toll roads in any way, then we are making every effort to resolve other issues. We are fulfilling the tasks set to improve the efficiency of the business process and hold down the tariff prices.
- What does the company do? What modern approaches do you use in AFTOS business activities?
Of course, in the first place we provide the services for residents of the industrial park – “DAMU Logistics”, this is the first and foremost priority. We have a separate park for foreign clients. Own park works with corporate clients, domestic companies. The attracted fleet is engaged in third-party clients. We make a transportation plan for each car on a daily basis. Not once a month, but daily. We take into account the correlation, possible changes in traffic volumes, depending on the circumstances of the client. We successfully apply modern, creative approaches to work, carried out a full delegation of duties. In AFTOS some employees are engaged in third-party companies, others are corporate, others are responsible for providing transport with everything necessary. Our entire team works smoothly like clockwork, like a single mechanism. Each employee has their own tasks. At the same time, in our company, managers are involved in all daily processes. For example, in addition to managers, including the head of the transport logistics department, controls the issuance of a railway bill of lading. All cargoes go through the checkpoint system, then dispatching work plus customs clearance. After unloading, each machine goes under the control of the chief mechanic. It checks the fleet readiness factor for cargo transportation. Technical means must always be ready. This process takes place every day. We work seven days a week and on an ongoing basis, 24/7 schedule. We are a young company, we approach everything fundamentally, employees absorb everything like a sponge. Our employees are aware of all the nuances of daily processes, in addition, they can contact me directly at any time. And all processes in the company are mirrored and transparent. In practice, all these methods have shown their effectiveness.
- Tell us what results has “AFTOS” managed to achieve to date?
We constantly monitor such important indicators as the utilization rate of the fleet. Now we have a ratio of 98% or more. That is, we have no downtime, we make the most of our fleet. This is urban logistics, and domestic, and container, and international. Our next indicator is the fleet readiness factor. To what extent we are ready to fulfill the tasks of our partners at any time. Timely unload, repair machines if necessary, check running parameters and characteristics. All parameters of our technical means must be in the best condition. We also attach great importance to this. These parameters are in the region of 85-90%. That is, in percentage terms, all our funds are ready to start work at any time. We came in the morning and we already know what our work plan is for today, by this time all the machines are already at the start, ready for operation. In March, we summed up the results of the work, calculated the margin for the month. This is an indicator of the effectiveness of our work. According to the results of calculations, our marginality is 70-80%. Thanks to this approach, we have a zero rate of emergencies, no loss of cars and cargo, none of that has ever happened. In percentage terms, the number of emergency situations we have is zero percent. These are very good numbers for our industry. Every month we increase volumes and client base.
-Bakhytzhan, based on your managerial experience, what long-term strategic goals do you set for the company? Tell us about your ambitious plans of AFTOS
I have been in logistics for about 15 years, including warehouse logistics, railway. And based on this experience, even at the beginning of work in the industrial parkk, I prepared a business plan. That includes my vision of the company development and long-term goals. We successfully presented it to the management of “DAMU Logistics” industrial park. The management of the industrial park has always supported the initiatives of its employees. They supported my business plan too. Now our goal is to become leaders in the container transportation market. We put great emphasis on the transportation of 20, 40-foot containers. The most important thing is to solve current problems, while focusing on the goals. We work according to modern standards and methods, which is very effective in our industry. Due to a responsible approach to our goals and projects, the support of DAMU Logistics, AFTOS has become a full-fledged player in the logistics market in a short time and we have systematically achieved all the goals of the company
- Share your opinion, considering the modern challenges. What is the potential for development of AFTOS and the logistics sector in Kazakhstan as a whole?
Despite all the challenges, I am convinced of our further successful development. Logistics never stands still. I take into account the geographical position of the country, opening of new transport corridors and development of railway logistics. It is important to understand the intricacies of our industry, including the railway industry. Today we have a lot of intermediary services in our country, so we plan to change this system. In general, my vision is that the company has great potential for a further successful future. With proper management, motivation, timely completion of tasks, continuous development and professional growth, all the strategic goals will be achieved. “AFTOS” and “DAMU Logistics” industrial park operates to bring convenience to our resident partners, current and future customers. Many years of experience in management, comfortable conditions of the industrial and logistics park, transparency of all processes, an increased level of security make it possible to guarantee a consistently high quality of service. We intend to follow these principles of activity in the future. If you are looking for a reliable, responsible partner in transport logistics, we will be happy to offer long-term and productive business cooperation with AFTOS. “AFTOS” Company offers its Clients the following services in cargo transportation: • Transportation of goods in Almaty and the region • Transportation in Kazakhstan • International shipping • Transportation of Containers • Transportation of oversized cargo • Refrigerated transportation • Tent transportation • Airborne transportation • Cargo transportation by trucks • Isothermal transportation • Freight forwarding and insurance
- Bakhytzhan, tell us more about AFTOS. What exactly does the company do? What is the role of the company in ‘DAMU Logistics’ industrial park? ?
“AFTOS” Logistics company was established in 2020. During this time, we managed to form a strong team of professionals, to increase the efficiency of work processes, to achieve our goals and define new ones. In our industrial park, AFTOS provides a full range of transport and logistics services. The main activity is urban, intercity, international logistics. In addition, there is a customs control zone on the DAMU Logistics territory, which is very convenient for us and our partners. A big advantage of DAMU Logistics is a good location - we are located on one of the main transport arteries of the region. Our company in the shortest possible time can solve any issues on the movement, delivery of goods both on the territory of Kazakhstan, the CIS countries, and far abroad. Of course, first of all, we provide logistics services to our resident partners. The tenants of the industrial zone have at their disposal our own stocked fleet of more than 20 modern vehicles with a carrying capacity of 1.5 to 20 tons and a volume of 10 to 120 cubic meters. All our vehicles are insured and equipped with a GPS tracker for product monitoring. The reputation of the company and the high class of service are important to us, we pay great attention to these issues.
- You have said that the partners - residents of “DAMU Logistics” industrial park have your own AFTOS fleet of vehicles at their disposal. What other advantages does the company have today?
One of the main advantages is our professional team. All of our foreign-educated employees are fluent in two foreign languages: English, Chinese. This helps a lot in our work, considering that we provide services to large international companies. In addition to our own fleet of vehicles, we have long-term contracts with transport companies in Kazakhstan, Russia and Europe. We can provide prompt transportation of goods in almost any direction. This helps our residents to expand the geography of business. In addition, some of them have periods of seasonal decline in sales followed by a sharp increase. We must be prepared for such situations. During the cooperation, I can confidently say that we understand and feel our customers. Plus, for partners of the DAMU Logistics industrial park we offer optimal tariffs, which is also important. We do not have a repetition work. We are ready to provide each client with special conditions, the necessary transport and escort from point A to point B.
- As for the best rates. Now, according to various estimates, all logistics services have risen in price by 20 - 40%. How do you manage to keep tariffs down?
Indeed, the cost of services has risen significantly in percentage terms. As I said above, we are purposefully working to improve the efficiency of business processes, and our reputation as a reliable and responsible partner is important to us. Of course, we cannot influence some challenges, for example, those associated with a sharp change in international transport corridors. Nevertheless, we accept these challenges and are looking for a way out, new logistical ways. To solve problems, we develop plans with our team to reduce the cost of our services and immediately start implementing them. These measures help keep prices down.
- Can you give an example of such?
- It is known that logistics is associated with high costs for consumables for vehicles. These are various filters, spare parts for cars and more. We enter into partnership agreements directly with large manufacturers in Europe and from there we are directly delivered all the necessary goods for our fleet. We conduct all negotiations directly, without intermediaries. This is where knowledge of foreign languages helps. We have recently invited representatives of a European company, a manufacturer of various goods for cars to Almaty. During their visit, we carefully discussed each item of our contract and successfully concluded a long-term cooperation agreement with them. Having signed a contract, we managed to avoid raising tariffs for some services. If we cannot influence the cost of the same fuels and lubricants or toll roads in any way, then we are making every effort to resolve other issues. We are fulfilling the tasks set to improve the efficiency of the business process and hold down the tariff prices.
- What does the company do? What modern approaches do you use in AFTOS business activities?
Of course, in the first place we provide the services for residents of the industrial park – “DAMU Logistics”, this is the first and foremost priority. We have a separate park for foreign clients. Own park works with corporate clients, domestic companies. The attracted fleet is engaged in third-party clients. We make a transportation plan for each car on a daily basis. Not once a month, but daily. We take into account the correlation, possible changes in traffic volumes, depending on the circumstances of the client. We successfully apply modern, creative approaches to work, carried out a full delegation of duties. In AFTOS some employees are engaged in third-party companies, others are corporate, others are responsible for providing transport with everything necessary. Our entire team works smoothly like clockwork, like a single mechanism. Each employee has their own tasks. At the same time, in our company, managers are involved in all daily processes. For example, in addition to managers, including the head of the transport logistics department, controls the issuance of a railway bill of lading. All cargoes go through the checkpoint system, then dispatching work plus customs clearance. After unloading, each machine goes under the control of the chief mechanic. It checks the fleet readiness factor for cargo transportation. Technical means must always be ready. This process takes place every day. We work seven days a week and on an ongoing basis, 24/7 schedule. We are a young company, we approach everything fundamentally, employees absorb everything like a sponge. Our employees are aware of all the nuances of daily processes, in addition, they can contact me directly at any time. And all processes in the company are mirrored and transparent. In practice, all these methods have shown their effectiveness.
- Tell us what results has “AFTOS” managed to achieve to date?
We constantly monitor such important indicators as the utilization rate of the fleet. Now we have a ratio of 98% or more. That is, we have no downtime, we make the most of our fleet. This is urban logistics, and domestic, and container, and international. Our next indicator is the fleet readiness factor. To what extent we are ready to fulfill the tasks of our partners at any time. Timely unload, repair machines if necessary, check running parameters and characteristics. All parameters of our technical means must be in the best condition. We also attach great importance to this. These parameters are in the region of 85-90%. That is, in percentage terms, all our funds are ready to start work at any time. We came in the morning and we already know what our work plan is for today, by this time all the machines are already at the start, ready for operation. In March, we summed up the results of the work, calculated the margin for the month. This is an indicator of the effectiveness of our work. According to the results of calculations, our marginality is 70-80%. Thanks to this approach, we have a zero rate of emergencies, no loss of cars and cargo, none of that has ever happened. In percentage terms, the number of emergency situations we have is zero percent. These are very good numbers for our industry. Every month we increase volumes and client base.
-Bakhytzhan, based on your managerial experience, what long-term strategic goals do you set for the company? Tell us about your ambitious plans of AFTOS
I have been in logistics for about 15 years, including warehouse logistics, railway. And based on this experience, even at the beginning of work in the industrial parkk, I prepared a business plan. That includes my vision of the company development and long-term goals. We successfully presented it to the management of “DAMU Logistics” industrial park. The management of the industrial park has always supported the initiatives of its employees. They supported my business plan too. Now our goal is to become leaders in the container transportation market. We put great emphasis on the transportation of 20, 40-foot containers. The most important thing is to solve current problems, while focusing on the goals. We work according to modern standards and methods, which is very effective in our industry. Due to a responsible approach to our goals and projects, the support of DAMU Logistics, AFTOS has become a full-fledged player in the logistics market in a short time and we have systematically achieved all the goals of the company
- Share your opinion, considering the modern challenges. What is the potential for development of AFTOS and the logistics sector in Kazakhstan as a whole?
Despite all the challenges, I am convinced of our further successful development. Logistics never stands still. I take into account the geographical position of the country, opening of new transport corridors and development of railway logistics. It is important to understand the intricacies of our industry, including the railway industry. Today we have a lot of intermediary services in our country, so we plan to change this system. In general, my vision is that the company has great potential for a further successful future. With proper management, motivation, timely completion of tasks, continuous development and professional growth, all the strategic goals will be achieved. “AFTOS” and “DAMU Logistics” industrial park operates to bring convenience to our resident partners, current and future customers. Many years of experience in management, comfortable conditions of the industrial and logistics park, transparency of all processes, an increased level of security make it possible to guarantee a consistently high quality of service. We intend to follow these principles of activity in the future. If you are looking for a reliable, responsible partner in transport logistics, we will be happy to offer long-term and productive business cooperation with AFTOS. “AFTOS” Company offers its Clients the following services in cargo transportation: • Transportation of goods in Almaty and the region • Transportation in Kazakhstan • International shipping • Transportation of Containers • Transportation of oversized cargo • Refrigerated transportation • Tent transportation • Airborne transportation • Cargo transportation by trucks • Isothermal transportation • Freight forwarding and insurance
