Cultivating Culture through Control
Say hello to our PPIC Rotogravure, Tomas! A tenacious individual who harbours modesty and discipline in everything he does, and constantly seeking the best in the worst as lessons for future growth.
Tomas Arvian had a quite humble beginning at BMJ. Started as a packer in 2004, Tomas had been an assistant operator, an operator, and pursuing his degree in between working. Never in a million years would he have thought he’d be able to climb the ladder, yet here he is 16 years later supervising the Rotogravure’s Production Planning and Inventory Control (PPIC). It took him modesty, discipline, and commitment to stand where he is now.
“Looking back, this has been one of a kind journey.”
The Axis of Production
I transferred to PPIC in 2013. This function plays a pivotal role in the production process as we monitor every detail and progress regarding Rotogravure’s operation from start to finish. The extent of our duty varies from planning production schedules, ordering the raw materials, managing the key resource to product delivery. Furthermore, PPIC also overlooks the output’s quality and their shipment in accordance to the agreed timeline with the client. With the help of a tech , it makes the job simpler and more practical to control and monitor the overall production process until they are finished at the warehouse.
“We are the playmaker.”
Everything in production revolves around us. It is crucial for us to maintain an impeccable flow of communication with the other functions. We collaborate with the procurement and the purchasing functions prior to the production and working together with the quality control department and the commercial department at the end. We also working together with logistics department to overlook the end-products shipment to finish. All of the steps have to be in line, and we have to be present with the utmost attention at every step of the process.
As there is a lot of cross-functional communication, misunderstandings are bound to happen. Clashing opinions ensues in every meeting, but we try to make the best out of what has happened within the forum. The tension never goes out of the room and I think it has brought a better result for us professionally.
Adventuring Day-to-day Risks
There are plenty of ups and downs throughout my days in PPIC.We have to be careful on a daily basis as we work with solvent that works like a ticking bomb — highly susceptible to fire accidents at normal working. We always evaluate the best prevention to stop any future occurrence. Right now, we have a thorough safety protocol from A toZ. We proposed a special handle attached to the machine, where the solvent is at, to neutralize body static electricity. We also have annual fire training for quick flame prevention and since, we experienced zero fire related incidents here at the warehouse this year.
Several years ago, a big project to increase our production capacity, by installing new rotogravure machine was commenced. It was difficult to maintain a long distance communication and direct a premature establishment. As time went by, I learned how to nurture good coordination. We gave everything we got to help the new PPIC personnel. and it was a monumental period for me to experience.
I would say PPIC is facing the biggest challenge amidst the current situation. As of now, during this pandemic the five of us in PPIC are alternately working in a smaller team of three and two. Again, communication is critical even in small groups of people. It was hard for us to adapt at the beginning as we are used to working as a team. We were overwhelmed by the international lockdown which made it hard for us to have the raw material. Thereafter, we thought fast and rigorously looked for another supplier to meet the production date. If we failed to get the material or meet the client request, we would discuss any possible solution. It is up to us to protect the client’s loyalty.
Talk, Bond, and Lunch
“I am surrounded by family.”
I feel lucky, I really am. During my years as a part of PPIC, we have almost never had any argument. The five of us treat each other as a family, and that’s what motivates me to go to work each morning. We enable one another in a way how we share more, work more, and rely more as a team. Working remotely makes me feel out of place as the clock feels ticking real slow without my colleagues. Office is just a delightful and pleasant place to be when you are surrounded by family.
The enthusiasm and bond we share was infectious. Words have been running around about our famous meals, such as rujak and liwet,. In times like that, we usually chat about our personal interest, and it’s such a coincidence that the five of us share the same love in bicycling. Our love for food and cycling binds us outside the working hours pre remote cycle.
Dedication Above All
Of course, I want to leave a bigger footprint at BMJ. I have a greed to learn. This dream of mine, I believe, is not idle when BMJ acts as the shelter. I was given the opportunity to continue my study as an undergraduate several years ago while still pursuing my career. Discouragements came in a lot of form, yet I persevere through the support I got from all around BMJ. I am encouraged to pursue my dreams and interests at BMJ. My experience after working for 16 years has convinced me that BMJ really caters to each and every of their employees — we were given what we need. It is a simple right and obligation, really.
I believe that people need to embrace discipline. It is a continuous learning process that enables me to always learn. People of discipline can be of use no matter where they are placed. Through BMJ, I learned it all.