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Case Rhenus Logistics

Rhenus | UC Group team helped Rhenus Logistics achieve a smooth, successful relocation to a sustainable DC

Challenge

The opening of a new 60,000m2 site in Tilburg, alongside the A58, represented an important strategic step for Rhenus. As well as setting a new standard for sustainable distribution centres in the Netherlands, the new DC helps Rhenus to attract qualified staff and increases its attractiveness by creating scope for new customers.

Rhenus contacted UC Group for support before its DC went live.

The objective was to complete the relocation without disruptions for existing customers and to support the installation and launch of the AutoStore storage and picking system, including the light goods conveyor system, and migrating to a new WMS.

SOLUTION

After making a clear assessment of the situation we started looking at the structural changes and approach needed to ensure a successful launch.

Based on this assessment it was decided that the Rhenus team should be temporarily reinforced in the areas for which it could not release any capacity or expertise at that time. A programme manager who was highly experienced in relocations integrated the various workflows, set up a strong project management and consultations structure, and made sure all the stakeholders were committed and motivated to achieve the joint objective.

One of the elements that proved crucial was planning how to deal with the forecast volumes and related staff capacity needed. That involved building a customised resource and S&OP model for Rhenus. By modelling various databases and their complex interrelationships we were able to accurately forecast the capacity required throughout the project, make daily adjustments where needed and quickly compare various scenarios.

RESULT

  • Resource and S&OP model. Using this model in the project resulted in a 60% saving on relocation staff;
  • Introducing a mechanised solution resulted in a 10% cut in resource costs;
  • Ensuring continuity in the services Rhenus provides to its customers.

The UC Group team’s efforts substantially contributed to the success of our relocation. That meant we could immediately start benefiting from the envisaged optimisations as soon as we went live, as well as ensuring all our processes continued running smoothly.

Willem Boersbroek, Site Manager Rhenus Contract Logistics