From Paraíba to the UK – The internationalization of craftsman by Brami
November 30, -0001 00:00 By
In today’s globalized world the necessity
for the internationalization of professionals in organizations is the base for
market survival. The internationalization process does not necessarily demand
active participation in foreign trade, but yes, planning and preparation to
satisfy market demands in general. After all, companies today compete in a
landscape that includes local, regional and international competitors, both
directly and indirectly. The internationalization of a company requires
investment and market knowledge, with this second item being available by
acquiring the help of an export trading company. An export trading company can
help with some of the challenges faced like: the excess of bureaucracy, the
lack of knowledge and experience on behalf of the bodies and teams responsible
for the export documentation process, customs barriers, different tax rates,
difficulties in obtaining financing, the need for specific packaging, and
exchange rate fluctuations, amongst others.
Amongst the diverse projects related to
internationalization that Brazilliant Consultancy has worked on, over the next
few paragraphs we are going to go into a little more detail about a project
that was, and continues to be carried out for a large restaurant chain in the
UK, whereby Brazilliant works as an export trading company.
One of this UK restaurant chain’s selling
points is that it serves the Latin American dishes it prepares in durable,
handmade, ceramic serving pans and bases. To help sustain this selling point,
Brazilliant’s export trading services were hired, and Brazilliant began by
evaluating suppliers, followed by the sending of product samples for approval.
Once the supplier was chosen the export preparation process for the craftsman’s
pan and bases was initiated.
Up until this point, the craftsman hadn’t
had any experience in producing his products on such a large scale, nor with
such a high level of standardization and quality. Brazilliant’s initial work
with the craftsman was to help in the structuring and management of his
workshop. Once in possession of the restaurant chain’s purchase order of the
ceramic items (containing quantities, size and colour specifications, and
production due date) the next step was to undertake production planning and
quality testing.
Before the production of the pieces
themselves there was a period of quality tests. This was carried out through
the production of a small lot of products to verify the standards of colour,
size and durability. Only a few minor adjustments were needed to achieve the
standardization of the products.
Production planning was carried out
following on from the quality testing stage and one of the results of this was
the establishment of weekly production goals for the goods ordered. During this
planning, some cost calculations were carried out to ensure that the production
was leaner and more efficient. Brazilliant also helped in the creation of the
packaging designs for the transport of the products together with a packaging
company partner. The packaging was custom produced, taking into consideration
the sizes and fragility of the items to be transported.
Upon completion of production and product
packaging, the entire legal process for the exportation and customs’ clearance
of the products was carried out, including amongst other things, support in the
elaboration of the export documentation necessary, such as: the packing list,
pro forma invoice, commercial invoice, the contracting of export transportation
and insurance, etc. Brazilliant also helped in the final stages of packing,
inspection and the filling of the container in readiness for transportation.
The first export order was for only 300
items, but after this first shipment, the client increased his order quantity
year upon year, and for all these orders, Brazilliant organizes, together with
the client, all the export procedures, always respecting the unique
characteristics of handmade products, structural limits of the craftsman and
his team, thereby maintaining the level of quality required for the products
that will be sent to the client. As a result of the annual growth in the
quantities ordered, the last order involved the exportation of a 40-foot
container filled with just under 7,000 handmade ceramic items, and destined for
the tables of more than 20 restaurants throughout the UK that form this
restaurant chain.
By opening their borders to
internationalization, countries can come in contact with new potential
suppliers and customers that are always on the search for new products that can
satisfy their needs. In the case of this restaurant chain in the UK, the search
for suppliers in Brazil was possible through the hiring of the export trading
company, Brazilliant for the identification of possible suppliers, and the
long-term testing and development of the supplier chosen, so that the client
could continue with supplying of handmade products for its entire chain.
The fact that Brazilliant’s professionals
have experience of the buyer’s market and culture, ample knowledge of the
possible suppliers in the local market, as well as technical knowledge and
competencies developed in associated courses, helps aid in successful order
completion year after year. Based on this, the preparation for
internationalization and the decision to internationalize is possible for any
organization, as long as it is planned and implemented within the constraints
of existing resources and the reality of the different stakeholders
involved.
Brami Consultants - Gareth Butcher and Max
Santos
Source: Redação 
Português