Hello Reader,
I would like to share an in-depth look at my third internship experience at Zuellig Pharma’s Distribution Centre in 2024. This internship provided a comprehensive view of both operational and human resource processes, significantly enriching my understanding of supply chain management. Here’s an overview of my responsibilities, key highlights, and the challenges I faced.
Although an internship was not a requirement for my bachelor's program, I felt that gaining an industry experience was vital in truly appreciating what the supply chain industry has to offer, which was a decision I risked for. Fortunately, Zuellig Pharma took me in and provided me with a holistic view of the warehousing and distribution section, including projects that interns would typically not be exposed to.
With my available capacity, I took it upon myself to review documents and gather feedback to suggest appropriate changes in line with the organizational strategy.
Overview of the Internship
My internship was at Zuellig Pharma’s Regional Distribution Centre. My role spanned across the Regional Distribution Centre's Program Team and the Human Resource Department. This dual role allowed me to engage in a variety of tasks, providing a well-rounded experience. Here’s a breakdown of what I did:
Key Responsibilities
Account Support: Over 2 weeks, I supported two accounts for inbound, redressing, and outbound orders. This involved the interaction with clients, internal stakeholders, and forwarders. SAP was used to process orders.
Manual Reviews: I reviewed a client manual and four program operational manuals to ensure they were up-to-date and effective.
Onboarding Guide Improvement: I proposed an improved onboarding guide to facilitate a smoother integration process from both the HR and Program team’s perspectives.
Process Documentation: I reviewed and proposed a leaner set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Work Instructions (WI), Troubleshooting guides, Knowledge documents, and SAP User Guide to streamline the Handover-Takeover process. (For non-EDI accounts)
Time Attendance Module Implementation: I facilitated the implementation of a time attendance module, coordinating with internal stakeholders, overseas offices, and an overseas-based vendor.
Training Facilitation: I planned and facilitated training sessions for managers and supervisors on software usage.
Process Flow Understanding: I gained a fundamental understanding of the warehouse, production, and quality process flow, enhancing my overall comprehension of the distribution center’s operations.
Achievements
Client and Stakeholder Interaction: Successfully supported two accounts by managing inbound, redressing, and outbound orders, demonstrating effective communication and SAP skills.
Documentation Improvement: Improved onboarding and process documentation, contributing to more efficient operations and smoother transitions.
Training and Implementation: Effectively facilitated the implementation of a time attendance module and conducted training sessions, ensuring smooth adoption of new software tools to ease payroll processes.
Process Flow Insight: Acquired a comprehensive understanding of the warehouse, production, and quality processes, enhancing my overall knowledge of supply chain operations.
Challenges Faced
Balancing Dual Roles: Managing responsibilities across both the Program Team and HR Department required effective time management and adaptability.
Documentation Review: Reviewing and proposing improvements for multiple operational manuals and guides was a meticulous task that required attention to detail and a thorough understanding of current processes, which required support from the team.
Stakeholder Coordination: Coordinating the implementation of the time attendance module involved extensive communication with various internal and external stakeholders, which was challenging but ultimately rewarding.
Training Facilitation: Planning and conducting training sessions for managers and supervisors required clear communication skills and the ability to address diverse questions and concerns.
Reflection and Takeaways
This internship at Zuellig Pharma’s Distribution Centre was an enriching experience that provided valuable insights into both operational and HR processes. From supporting client accounts to improving documentation and facilitating software implementation, each task contributed to my professional growth. The challenges I faced, particularly in balancing dual roles and coordinating stakeholder communication, have equipped me with essential skills for my future career in supply chain management.
From a program team's intern perspective, it was challenging to support the accounts or review existing documentation due to the lack of understanding of the end-to-end process, requiring constant feedback and review from the team amidst their busy schedule. This exposure provided more visibility over the process, allowing me to highlight gaps that were required to streamline.
From a HR intern's perspective, it was challenging due to the short timeframe of one month to implement the time attendance module. With little information and lack of understanding of the operational or HR processes, I had to gather all relevant stakeholders to understand the concerns before coordinating with the vendor in ensuring the required features were present, or otherwise alternatives. This provided a huge insight in managing a project, dealing with stakeholders, and communicating the timeline and expectations.
A big thank you to my colleagues from other departments who welcomed me to their working space and invited me to events and meals.
I hope this insight into my third internship provides valuable perspectives on the practical aspects of working in a distribution center. Stay tuned for more detailed posts about my other internship experiences and professional journey.
Thank you for reading!
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