He believes that the world of science should go hand in hand with the world of business and he implements this model with Lodz University of Technology. Piotr Wolankiewicz, President's Plenipotentiary for Operations in Rossmann SDP, tells the story of how he built his professional path already at the stage of double degree studies in applied mathematics and logistics.
You have completed two fields of study at the same time: A 5-year master's degree in applied mathematics and an engineering degree in logistics. Is the knowledge gained from both study programs equally useful to you at work?
Yes, but I use each of them in a different way. Studying applied mathematics is a real workout for the mind - lots of theory that teaches you to think logically and see the world through numbers. Thanks to it, I have acquired analytical skills and a valuable ability to search for dependencies and prepare data for business analyzes. On the other hand, my studies in logistics gave me practical knowledge that I have been using so far. Thanks to that, I mastered such issues, which I now use on a daily basis, as process mapping, process optimization and time consumption measurement, while still at university.
You got involved with the labor market very quickly, already at the stage of your diploma thesis ...
Yes, studying at Lodz University of Technology is not only theory, piles of notes and books. Lodz University of Technology is a symbiosis of the world of science and business. As a student, I ran many projects in manufacturing companies. It was an invaluable experience. I carried out my engineering diploma thesis at ABB Sp. z o. o. I built a tool for computerized management of spare parts, which operated in the company ABB Sp. z o. o. for several years. Implementation of projects directly in companies and the possibility of writing a thesis analyzing real problems faced by companies is an additional plus at the beginning of a professional career.
You are ambitious and you are still looking for new challenges. Was the desire to gain inspiring experience the reason why you chose Rossmann SDP?
I must admit that it was an important motivation also in this case. In order to use the knowledge gained during my studies, I started looking for a job in the field of logistics process analytics. Back then, I did not even think that starting work at Rossmann SDP would be a decision that would allow me to increase my possibilities to such an extent. Work at Rossmann SDP gives you a huge variety of tasks and challenges, the opportunity to initiate changes and test new solutions. It allows you to learn from experienced managers and specialists, and also cares about the employees. Thanks to one of our programs, "Pozytywnie Zakręceni” [Positively Twisted], I had the opportunity to learn to ski, took a ferry to visit Sweden or learned to dance tango. Interestingly, the programme has not expired nowadays, it has moved to the Internet.
You are the President's Representative for Operations in the form of Rossmann SDP. What does your job look like?
On a daily basis, I manage the work of the Analysis and Business Process Planning Department at Rossmann SDP. In the department we deal with the planning of store processes - we determine the time-consuming nature of these processes and analyze their implementation, we actively participate in optimization processes and create reports for the company's management. Since mid-December, I have been supporting the President of the Management Board in operational activities related to logistics and sales.
What was your promotion path to this position?
I started working at Rossmann SDP as an analyst of transport processes. I analyzed the timeliness of deliveries to stores, the profitability of routes, the level of filling cars with transport units. Participation in numerous optimization projects allowed me to go beyond the current comfort zone and learn about the inventory management and warehousing processes. I started implementing new solutions, such as an algorithm for automatic route planning, which was developed in cooperation with scientists from Lodz University of Technology. As a result, after 3.5 years I was in charge of the flow planning section in the logistics chain. Rossmann SDP is developing very dynamically, which enables me to constantly develop and explore new areas.
You like to share your practical knowledge. For many years you have been successfully conducting classes with students of Lodz University of Technology. You have been nominated several times for the Teacher of the Year award and were named the 2013/2014 Teacher of the Year. What goals do you set for yourself as a working practitioner at the university?
I feel great satisfaction when I have the opportunity to pass on to someone the skills that they will use in the future at work. I conduct classes in Fixed Assets Management and Computer Aided Production Management - where I show the possibilities of using Ms Excel in a practical way and exchange practical knowledge with my students - according to the principle of my "excel mentor", doc. Marek Sekieta - "A day without Excel is a day wasted"J . I often notice that my students improve tools in their workplaces during classes. Then I feel that I have reached the goal - the maximum level of practical training.
Interviewer: dr Aleksandra Pawlik
Pictures: Firma Rossmann
Rossmann is the leader of the drugstore market in Poland. Every day over 820 thousand Poles do the shopping in our drugstores, and currently we have 1,470 stores - in each there is at least one self-service checkout. We form a well-coordinated team of 19 thousand. employees. The heart of our company beats in Lodz, because here we have our headquarters, IT center and the main logistics center.