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Web-only Exclusives November 30, 2000 From Our Correspondent: Hirohito and the War A conversation with biographer Herbert Bix From Our Correspondent: A Rough Road Ahead Bad news for the Philippines - and some others From Our Correspondent: Making Enemies Indonesia needs friends. So why is it picking fights? |
Survival Tactics
Technology and training are key
AT THE TIME, HE was ridiculed for predicting what people now think was inevitable. As early as 1990, Raymond Eaton, chairman of Bangkok's Integra Group, was telling anyone who would listen that Thailand's roaring economy was in danger of sagging. Australian-born Eaton prepared for leaner times by streamlining operations, diversifying products and upgrading technologies. Today, the four Integra companies, which are involved in textiles, footwear, food products and transportation, have become among the kingdom's most competitive firms. And Eaton is making a new prediction: "Those companies that have invested in new technology and training are the ones getting ahead. Most of the others won't survive."
His group is well-placed to pick up the pieces. As a buyer and exporter, Integra has set up computer links with many of Thailand's garment makers and other industry players. The network allows the company to track inventories, orders, delivery times, tariffs and quotas, giving it the capability to make sourcing decisions in a matter of minutes. "I can have 1,000 orders in hand and find out at once what the best options are for each client," boasts Eaton. Integra has also established its own quality-control group with 15 overseas-trained employees. Thailand's major department stores have hired the unit to assist them with their operations.
Integra is launching other ventures. Eaton has started importing components for assembly into a "black box" for trucks and buses. Similar to devices installed in airplanes, the box will monitor the moves of the driver in the hope of increasing his efficiency and ensuring his adherence to traffic rules. "That could mean huge savings for the transport sector," Eaton says.
And yes, he continues to sound off on the economy. "The government should ask each sector about their plans for the next five to 10 years, and then incorporate these in national strategies designed by experts from the business community, the public sector and academia," he urges. "The cabinet must fully endorse the bitter medicine they may prescribe. The nation's political leaders must be prepared to stick by so-called unpopular actions." Given last week's baht devaluation, the prophet of doom may finally be getting a hearing.
-- By Jose Manuel Tesoro and Mick Vannisse / Bangkok
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