The open source movement in logistics continues to gain momentum among industry players. From IT service providers to logistics experts, organisations want to play a key role in advancing the industry’s efficiency, transparency and innovation. The Open Logistics Foundation has grown from 25 members in 2023 to more than 40 active member companies until November 2024. As we grow, we look forward to driving harmonised solutions and standards to tackle the industry’s pain points. To support this expanding community, the Foundation’s Head Office team has implemented an onboarding process that helps new members get involved and start making a difference.
Our onboarding process combines guidelines, detailed information, and personal support to help new members navigate our community, become actively involved in the Working Groups and Projects, and understand and maximise their membership’s value by leveraging the opportunities that come with being part of our Innovation Community. Tailored to each company, this process includes one-on-one interaction with our Head Office team to ensure a smooth and valuable experience.
While a lot of work and processes go on behind the scenes from the Head Office to coordinate and integrate a new member, the following are key steps during the onboarding process that help new members integrate and participate effectively.
1. Topic onboarding
Our Working Groups, projects, and topics drive the progress and outcomes of this cooperation. As the most crucial reason for participating in the Foundation, your onboarding journey begins with the topics. Here, you will be briefed about the current status and work of our groups, as well as projects and ideation topics. This enables you to understand what we do operationally and how we do it. This will help you decide where your company might best contribute and what agenda(s) you want to push moving forward. The topic onboarding is done virtually with our topic experts, and follow-up calls can be scheduled as needed to help you get started and involved.
“Engaging with our Working Groups gives new members an immediate way to make an impact in areas that align with their expertise and goals. It is a hands-on approach to open source collaboration.”, explains Nathalie Böhning, Innovation and Project Manager, Open Logistics Foundation.
After this session, you’ll have insight into meeting schedules and upcoming discussions that you can join to start making a difference.
2. Communications onboarding
Open, transparent communication is central to our work. This applies not only to the Working Group and Ideation Process setting but also to our day-to-day operations. As part of your onboarding, the Head Office’s Communications and Marketing team offer a virtual meeting to inform you about our communication tools, guidelines, practices, and company and personal positioning possibilities. This is also an opportunity for us to learn about your communication goals, expertise, and collaboration interests and have all your questions answered. At this stage, if you have a marketing department, they can also be integrated and informed about the Foundation, setting the stage for collaborative communication activities. After this step, you will have access to the Open Logistics Foundation’s communications circle network and the resources you need to put your membership into value.
“Our communication channels and resources are designed to help you get your voice heard, share your insights, and connect with peers across the Foundation. It is up to each member to utilise the tools and resources available and put their membership to value through communications and outreach. Our team is always open to your new ideas and eager to work closely with you. Just tell us what you need, and we will make it happen!” – Angel Drawe, Communications and Marketing Manager, Open Logistics Foundation.
3. Follow-up and continued support
A few weeks after you complete the above steps, we will follow up to see if you need further assistance. If you have additional questions or concerns, we are happy to help and schedule further discussions. If no further support is required, the onboarding process is complete, and you will receive your membership invoice. Feel free to request it sooner if needed.
With this onboarding process, we aim to give all new members a smooth start, equipping them not only to engage in our community but also to actively push the topics that matter most to them. We aim to ensure that every member has the tools and support to contribute meaningfully to the projects and standards that drive our shared vision for logistics and supply chains. If you have any questions about membership or the onboarding process, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
