Consolidation in the Last Mile Summer 2023 - Final | Page 41

during the transition . Have contingency plans in place to handle any unforeseen disruptions .
• Approaches for legacy systems and technical debt : The goal is to avoid bottlenecks and inefficiencies . Determine whether to integrate , retire , or replace these systems based on their impact on the new organization .
• Review of Vendor Contracts : We look at all technology vendor contracts from both companies to identify overlaps and consolidate services where possible . We will then negotiate new contracts as needed and ensure smooth service transitions .
• Focus on data security and compliance : We seek ways to protect sensitive information during and after the transition . We want to ensure that both companies adhere to relevant regulations and industry standards . We will then present these initial findings to both companies to define a specific strategy , identify requirements , document costs , and establish a timeline to merge both companies properly .
CLDA Mag : When two companies consolidate , do they tend to move to the technology of one or the other or to bring in a whole new system ?
Kravtiz : When two companies merge , the approach to technology integration can vary depending on several factors , including the companies ’ size , technological capabilities , IT infrastructure , business needs , and overall strategy . There are no one-size-fits-all answers . Different companies choose different approaches .
Here are the three most common scenarios :
1 . Adopting the Technology of One Company : In some cases , the acquiring company or the dominant partner in the consolidation may have a more advanced , efficient , or suitable technology stack . In such situations , the decision may be made to migrate the other company ’ s systems and processes to the technology of the acquiring company . This approach is often chosen to achieve standardization , streamline operations , and leverage the technological strengths of the dominant entity .
2 . Combining the Best of Both Technologies : In other instances , the consolidation may involve an assessment of the technologies used by both companies , and the decision will be made to adopt a hybrid approach . In this case , the organizations aim to retain the best aspects of each technology and integrate them into a unified and optimized system . This approach seeks to capitalize on the strengths of both entities while minimizing disruptions and costs .
3 . Introducing a New System : Sometimes , a consolidation might lead to a decision to implement an entirely new technology stack that neither company previously used . This approach could be driven by the desire to adopt cutting-edge technology , address limitations in existing systems , or create a new technological foundation that aligns with the merged company ’ s future vision and goals .
The choice of the integration approach depends on various considerations , such as :
• Compatibility and Complexity : Adopting one technology over the other may be more practical if the two companies ’ technologies are vastly different and challenging to integrate . In some cases , they may continue to operate independently .
• Cost and Resources : Migrating to a new system or adopting one company ’ s technology may incur higher charges and require significant resources , which must be weighed against the benefits and efficiencies gained .
• Timeframe : The timeline and the merger budget will significantly influence the technology integration strategy .
• Strategic Goals : The consolidated company ’ s longterm vision and strategic goals may drive the technology choices , especially if there is a need for innovative capabilities or digital transformation .
summer 2023 I customized logistics & delivery Magazine 41