The sixth traditional Supplier's and Partners' Day was the event that took place Ericsson Nikola Tesla premises on May 29, 2012. The event gathered all key suppliers and partners of the company. This year the topic dealt with a strengthening of the competitiveness and activities that we need to undertake in order to adjust quickly to market conditions and challenges, as well as to regulatory changes regarding the Croatia accession to the EU. The event moderator, Zoran Zorić, the Strategic Sourcing Manger in Ericsson Nikola Tesla welcome the audience.

The first speech delivered Rafal Rybkowski, Finances director, and discussed “Efficiency always wins”. He presented in brief global trends in which data traffic is prevailing and effected via mobile device and the permanently increasing number of interconnected devices. He also presented good company results in 2011. He pointed out the importance of partnership, efficiency business performance condition and b2b relations, which are some of key prerequisites for the company business operations. Therefore, Mr. Rybkowski invited suppliers and partners to proactive behavior and good cooperation targeted to common business growth and good financial results.

Ivan Lupić, who is responsible for communications services in Ericsson Nikola Tesla, discussed the topic “Competitiveness in ICT industry“. Barriers for joining this industry are decreasing, which means that the number of “players” permanently increases and the competence grows and the uncertainty of the position in the industry is obvious. This industry realization reaches even 1000 billion dollars per year, and out of that some 70 per cent refer to voice services and messaging.  There are many companies offering alternative, partially free services in the given segment. this leads to decrease of earning for the classic operators. The growth of data traffic via mobile devices is obvious, along with the huge number of interconnected units (currently , it is some 15 billion) and their growth is unstoppable. The transmission of various contents (especially video) brings to mobile networks capacity problem, and the price of services is dropping. Therefore, operators turn to various savings, from the partnership in purchase, network outsourcing to their sharing. As of this demanding environment U our goal is to provide the best products and services in the industry, increase the number of services that operators offer their customers, and thus help in their growth and profitability. Our partners and suppliers are the ones that will, no doubt, be valuable assistance in achieving that goal.

Zoran Zorić discussed the topic “Criteria, Assessment, Selection and Monitoring the Suppliers’ Efficiency, as a Means to Strengthen the Competitiveness”. He presented comprehensive procedures, which are conducted towards the company’s suppliers and partners. The initial selection of a supplier is based on demanding criteria such as: references, solvency and high ethical standards in business performance. Of course, commercial conditions, such as prices, total cost of ownership (TCO), terms of payment, delivery times, quality, liquidated damages etc. are also of utmost importance. But the status of the preferred suppliers shall be nourished since their efficiency is permanently monitored and often self-assessed and audited. He underlined that the communication between the company and suppliers is of utmost importance. Within the frame of regulations, we shall witness a wide range of novelties in 2012. Thus, it is about the possibility of financing a supplier on a particular project of common interest, as well as the introduction of e-invoices. This means a vide range of opportunities that will simplify the cooperation, which require additional effort by ETK and its suppliers and partner, thus being able to achieve the goals to the mutual satisfaction and efficient performance. 

Zorica Kučić Vitaljić, an advisor to the Croatian Exporters Association,  who has a long time experience in customs operations, and the active participants in negotiations relation to the Stabilization and Association Agreement and the Central European Free Trade Association– CEFTA, talked on the topic “Croatia - EU - CEFTA: Tariff Adjustments“. The accession to EU requires many adjustments and enterprises shall be well acquainted with that, thus being able to use the advantages of the given changes, and adjust their business performance wherever necessary. She offered the audience a wide range of actual data and references to useful internet links, since the subject is pretty extensive and requires considerable attention.

 

Ericsson Nikola Tesla Company Communications