Catom Annual Report 2020 EN

Details and repetitive action

Catom’s business operations are charac terized by many daily processes, repetitive actions. Catom focuses on the details of these daily operations and considers each repetitive action as an opportunity for improvement. Every year, the company processes two hundred thousand orders, each of which are delivered and invoiced within 24 hours. In addition, five million cash register transactions take place in its petrol stations on an annual basis. Therefore, it is crucial for Catom to focus on the details of daily operations. By constantly looking at and analysing every element in this chain of actions and then searching for improvements, the company strives for perfection in the entire process. Catom’s intention is to achieve this level of perfection and the road leading to it is a continuous creative process. Employees are encouraged to look at the work process from that perspective. This creative process is in some ways similar to the work of a visual artist, who also loves details and strives for perfection, often by means of repetition, for example on the basis of the seasons, the daily rhythm or within a specific style period.

Catom’s annual reports over the past few years have included works of art and sources of inspiration by artist Marc Mulders, as an example of the strive for perfection. Last year, the focus was on his glass work. Glass is transparent, it breaks the light, and it has the power to show things in a different perspective. Being able to look at the real world in a different way forms the basis for creativity and innovation, and increases the ability to find solutions. Transparent business operations also have a binding effect, and they are a precondition for being successful on the whole.

Marc Mulders, Ouroboros – 15 -11-20 , 2020, watercolour, 65 x 50 cm

This year, Marc Mulder’s watercolours are the pivotal point.

Watercolours require technical control and a lot of sensibility form the artist. It has to be perfect at once, there is no room for corrections. The left and right cerebral hemispheres must work together in perfect harmony. Each and every enterprise should strive for such superb teamwork in its problem-solving processes.

Left: Marc Mulders, Ouroboros – 19 -11-20 , 2020, watercolour, 65 x 50 cm

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