example, how many people we put in meeting rooms, making sure we have the right amount of disinfectant and sanitiser, making sure people are wearing masks. “Thermal cameras were installed at the entry and exit points of our building to measure the temperatures of staff coming to the office. “It’s highlighted simple things in our HR system to understand where people live so we can notify the right people and understand where our people are coming from. “Simple things like making sure that people keep the phone numbers up to date, and other things that brings on a new importance, that we’ve not had to deal with previously.” Thales was also constantly looking to new ways to attract and retain key staff. “This ranges from clearly remuneration, but also the need for flexibility and also development opportunities,” Powell said. “A recent internal survey revealed that by far the most needed investment is in development opportunities, not just in training but also in diversity of role. “No longer are our people content to have the same position for a long time, they are looking for new challenges and diversity of opportunity. Many people don’t want to be rewarded for good performance by staying in the same role.
“If an organisation will not provide opportunities they will simply find it elsewhere. Sometimes this diversity of opportunity can be at the detriment of particular project, but losing people is by far the bigger loss. “So this flexibility and attention to the development of our people is critical for our future.” THE SUPPLY CHAIN Powell said that during COVID, the situation of customers was also changing, with some projects delayed and some accelerated depending on their project stage. “This means the need for a more flexible and adaptable workforce,” he said. “The demand for high performers is extremely high and these high performers are needing different skills than before.” As a contractor aligned with many small to medium enterprises, Thales has also taken on a corporate responsibility to keep the economy flowing. “There’s been a big push to involve more businesses in our work, to ensure that we’re giving them contracts to keep them engaged,” Powell said. “In fact, during the pandemic, Thales Australia reduced our payment terms to support small to medium enterprises, to help them stay in business. “I think it’s incumbent on companies which have the capacity to do so, like Thales, to be able
to do that. I am sure this was well received by our suppliers.” ON THE UPSIDE Thales even sees a silver lining in the COVID clouds as it makes the most of the situation. Powell said the circumstances could be viewed as an accelerator for digital transformation. “For example, in a pre-COVID time, it would have been hard for companies to progress into digital technologies and processes because different customers and different suppliers would be working in different stages,” he said. “But with the necessity to work remotely, the transition into the digital world would be speeded up. “Sorry, I was on mute” has become a very common remark in the workplace, and the importance of technologies from headsets to speakers to collaboration tools has taken on a new and different importance.” And that would be a big leap forward for efficiencies within the rail sector, as well as a benefit for Thales itself. “It can be autonomy, big data, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity – by championing digital technologies and combining them with our rail applications expertise, Thales is a natural partner to accompany its transport customers in their digital transformation,” Powell said.
MCHW20 Mobile Column Lift
IKON Equipment Pty Ltd Email: sales@ikonequipment.com.au
LIGHT RAIL LIFT
WIRELESS COMMUNICATION
Operate lift from any column using the exclusive, intuitive control panel found on each column. The MACH FLEX model powered with Red Fire, uses a remote allowing user to move around the bay to more closely observe the lift operation. • 3 Configurations: 4, 6 or 8 columns - lift up to 160,000 lbs. • Accepts a variety of adapters • AC or DC power options • Designs registered in Australia in compliance with Aust. Standards. Large, solid base lifting pad for maximum stability under load. Universal carriage for custom pick-up adapters for use in special conditions such as lifting of rolling stock or light rail.
WIRELESS BATTERY OPERATED LIGHT RAIL LIFT 20,000 lbs. COLUMN CAPACITY Since 2011 IKON LIFTING EQUIPMENT has become well known for its innovative approaches to wagon lifting and recently to locomotives with mobile battery powered wireless column lifts. Success in all states has been related to coal, grain or ore wagons and IKON is now focussing on passenger rail applications.