THE LINK BETWEEN ALL DEPARTMENTS: SUPPLY CHAIN

In order to build a ship and allow production to fulfill its role, an entity is needed to supply parts and manage operational problems: logistics. We discussed this with Julie Assanto, the logistics manager for 4 years now at Iguana Yachts. Learn more about logistics and how we build our amazing amphibious boats.

WHAT IS YOUR EXPERIENCE AND CONNECTION WITH LOGISTICS?

“I did a DUT GEA (University Technology Diploma for Technical Management) in Caen. Then I did a license in operations management at the IAE of Caen (University of Management). I started with La Poste’s Quality Service. This is where I discovered logistics and wanted to specialize in it for my Master’s degree. That’s when I integrated logistics into Magneti Marelli’s (international automotive industry company) work-study program.

I liked the Logistics department because it seems to be the only department that works with others. During my master’s degree, I focused on operational logistics, which is day-to-day management. In terms of logistics (and even more operationally), my first client is production. They need all the parts to build a product, whether in the car industry or boats. There is also project logistics, putting in place things to improve daily production, such as automation projects. It was interesting to work in a large international group with many branches and understand how it works in the automotive market which is a reference.”

I love operational logistics because I love dealing with emergencies. It motivates me and sparks added pressure. I also like to see the impact of what I do and what comes out of my decisions. It's not just me who takes out this boat, but everyone who does, and my role is that.

HOW DID YOU START AT IGUANA YACHTS?

“Before coming to Iguana, I did operational and project work. However, I lost some of that spark due to project logistics. I knew everything I wanted was at Iguana Yachts. I’ve been here for four years now. In the beginning, I was mainly involved in logistics and purchasing.

As I became more familiar with the tools and as the company evolved, I got closer to the financial side, which I didn’t know at all before. In the end, it’s entirely a supply chain, depending on budgets or optimization of production.”

The supply chain has an even more global perspective because we see the impact on the customer with priorities and production. This provides an internal company strategy that allows me to grow professionally. When I arrived, I was directly in charge. It was the first time I manage a small team, which brings an additional dimension to me.

As soon as I learned about the product and the production workshop during the first presentation, I was delighted. I was really impressed by the product and the system, which I thought was very innovative. However, I was thrilled by the logistics or supply chain aspect of seeing a complete production line with the final product with so much technology, which is quite rare. I could see the beginning of the project in the design office right up to the moment of purchase and then finally the departure. That’s when I knew the company that was right for me. It’s crazy to work on such technologically advanced products in the luxury market. This is with responsibilities and a fairly young team with the desire to do well.”

From the left to the right: Nicolas Treuscor, Julie Assanto & Théo Arzur

At Iguana, we work with 150 suppliers every year. And between 800 and 1,200 references per boat. It depends on the model and the options chosen by the customer.

WHAT IS IT LIKE TO WORK AT IGUANA YACHTS?

“Logistics receives the parts ordered with references and receipt dates. With each repair for a specific aspect of the boat, we deliver well-defined boxes or shelves. Parts are delivered throughout the boat construction cycle, including decking, after decking, electricity, and painting. Finally, there is the shipping of parts for missions abroad and for after-sales service, which is more in line with the carriers. This part is handled better by Nicolas and Théo who do a great job.

I manage the emergency aspect. If a part is missing and I find the reason, I place orders on what needs to be done in production: this is the purely operational aspect that I manage. I also monitor stocks so as not to have too much stock stored up. I also coordinate with the design office. Our boats are constantly evolving and I have to have meetings and discuss the purchases we need to make for each upcoming option.

To divide up my work I manage my short-term emergency and then I manage my long-term projects. There is also a lot of work to do in terms of analysis and understanding key indicators to follow up completely.”

The Logistic Team : 

  • Julie Assanto (manager)
  • Nicolas Treuscor
  • Théo Arzur

Interested in joining our team? Check out our latest positions.

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