S P E C I A L FE ATUR E The reality is that for many companies the model was broken before and will still be broken after the rebound Disinfecting cargo containers to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Every aspect of an operation is likely to be aected by the pandemic technologies to ensure stable connectivity and access to company systems, so that people can work safely from home, and think about how you can properly secure data when people are working remotely. Some of FIDIs Affiliates have already made steps that will help this process, he adds. During our FAIM audits, we noticed that many Affiliates have already transformed from paper-based procedures to an entirely digital environment. Digitally enabled business allows continuity, both during the crisis and after it, he says. The pre-move survey, for example, currently carries with it a high risk of contamination a risk that can be mitigated easily though a simple video call with the client, or more sophisticated app-based technology to scan properties and make virtual inventories. Paperless packing lists allow the noting of items for packing electronically. One of the advantages is that this tool often gives you the opportunity to translate the information into a different language, which could be more convenient for the destination agent, says Deweerdt. You can also make the signature box on this packing list mandatory and, in this way, you will be compliant with FAIM requirements. Oakeshott says he expects tech to replace premove surveys and inventories, and platforms for customer reviews and business meetings. The notion FIDI GUIDE: BEST PRACTICES IN A POST-PANDEMIC WORLD FIDI has released a guide to help Aliates steer their businesses through the COVID-19 crisis. Best practices for business in a post-pandemic world is available on FIDINET under My Tools > Business Tools 26 FF297 JunJul20 pp22-30 Best p1.indd 26 of the road warrior in this industry is dead, he says. Only travel when it is necessary. Adopting tech-based measures can facilitate your business running smoothly now but they can also be used in the future, says Deweerdt. There are clear environmental benefits, in addition to improvements in time and efficiency, for those who adopt tech-based solutions, he adds. LOOK FOR LIQUIDITY To ride out the crisis and inevitable aftershocks, businesses need to ensure they are liquid enough to cope, by focusing on effective cash and tax management for the future, says Deweerdt. If applicable, explore government support such as liquidity support and bridge loans; think about capital requirements and consider potential additional cash sources, such as banks, bonds and/or private debt funds, he says. It is important for each Affiliate to assess its liquidity situation in this new and volatile market environment that is characterised by uncertain supply, diminishing or fluctuating demand and delayed payments. It is vital for companies to build more resilient supply chains to cope with upheavals, present and future, Deweerdt adds. This should involve mapping of current internal and external points of failure that may cause the entire collapse of your supply chain. Make sure you put in place mitigating measures in case a second wave of the pandemic occurs. Also, dont hesitate to take advantage of payment protection plans available to you when the going gets tough. FIDIs FASI (FIDI Affiliate Secured Invoice) scheme was designed to protect Affiliates working capital against the financial default of a fellow FIDI agent. The scheme enables affiliated companies to report overdue invoices, and the payment protection plan covers up to 90 per cent of unpaid invoices WW W. F I D I FOC U S . OR G 01/06/2020 14:54 *