In a free market, competition is supposed to benefit everyone. Monopolies are discouraged, manufacturers are encouraged to improve products, and prices are kept reasonable.
Are the principles of competition applicable to the management of people? Numerous studies on this topic suggest that a free-market, competitive approach is not as successful when dealing with internal teams whose members put their self-interest ahead of a collective goal. This model of competitive interaction is known as Win-Lose.
The AsstrA international corporate group promotes another cooperative model: Win-Win. Each of the company's 1,000 experts knows that achieving record results starts with cooperation and mutual assistance. The whole team works wonders and does the impossible for clients.
An oversize cargo transport project from Ukraine to Belarus was an example of success achieved thanks to the cooperation of experts of several departments. They delivered two transformers and components from the manufacturer's plant to AsstrA’s client at the largest solar power panel construction site in Belarus.
The project measured up impressively with a single transformer weighing 56 tons at a height of more than 4 meters and a length of 3.7 meters. 13 tons worth of components were attached to each transformer. Railway transportation with subsequent transshipment and delivery by road met the client’s requirements in terms of both time and cost.
Irina Zaika, an AsstrA Railway Transportation Specialist, described the project:
"We successfully solved challenges at every stage. The first challenge was quickly finding appropriate railway transport. Locating 6 available universal rail platforms and two conveyors seemed like mission impossible. But thanks to our established relationships with owners of the rolling stock, the transformers and components were loaded and secured on time."
Upon arrival of the cargo at the destination station, prompt release of the cargo was required.
"For safety, the transformers and accessories had been welded to the platform. At the destination station, the AsstrA team had therefore organized an experienced team of welders with oxyacetylene burners to help removed the cargo from the platform.
Another nuance that made this project highly complex was that each transformer had a displaced center of gravity. Oil flowing to one side could cause the crane to overturn with the load. To avoid such a dangerous situation, AsstrA Heavy Lift experts therefore developed a unique removable hoisting mechanism allowing the crane’s load to be distributed," says Yuri Dunaev, a Rail Transport Specialist in AsstrA’s China Division.
Handling the transformers required special attention. Therefore, the company's experts mapped out the loading and unloading plans several months in advance.
"In Belarus, the availability of special equipment for the transshipment and transportation of oversized cargo was limited. The AsstrA team managed to book a window of time between the European Games preparatory work and the construction of a new branch of the Minsk Metro. The slightest deviation from this schedule could have put the project in jeopardy due to seasonal restrictions. During such a restricted season, moving cargo with heavy or oversize vehicles is restricted or prohibited,” says Irina Kapuso, an AsstrA Heavy Lift Specialist.
“Several times, AsstrA experts examined the route to the unloading site to ensure the safe cross-country transport of the cargo. Based on our expert advice, the additional strengthening of the dirt road at the construction site entrance allowed the safe unloading of transformers and components."
