According to finalist Erik van Wunnik (43), the logistics sector is far too modest. The Director Product Development at DSV Solutions Netherlands sees it partly as his job to put the sector in a positive light, for example by vlogging about the possibilities of 3D printing.
Van Wunnik is responsible for the development of new supply chain products at logistics service provider DSV. These can be certain services, but also markets with potential that DSV has not yet tapped into. About four years ago, Van Wunnik came across 3D printing in that role. The Director Product Development immersed himself in the concept and gave a workshop at DSV in which he explained to DSV country directors what 3D printing could bring to the industry.
'The enthusiasm spreads like an oil slick'
DSV's country directors - like Van Wunnik - were enthusiastic about the concept, but had numerous questions. "That's where I came up with the idea of setting up a 3D Exploration Lab, a place where logistics solutions are devised and printed directly." With that lab, we were able to answer the questions from DSV. By now, everyone is enthusiastic. That enthusiasm is spreading like an oil slick."
In the 3D Exploration Lab, logistics solutions are devised that DSV uses to improve its processes. As an example, Van Wunnik mentions the Pallet Support Tool, a tool around a pallet. "When we need to pick longer boxes in our operation, two people have to do the first few boxes together before one can drive on stably. One of the employees came up with the idea of making support around the pallet that is taken along during the picking process. Then a picker does not have to take an extra person along for the first boxes. He submitted that idea to us and two weeks later it was there."
To arrive at good 3D printed solutions for DSV, Van Wunnik depends largely on input from the shop floor. A clear protocol has therefore been drawn up to make giving input clear and approachable. "On a form, the employee fills in who the idea comes from, what the frustration is and what the solution should look like." They submit that form to the lab. There, they examine whether it is printable and what it will cost." In the department, they then decide what the business case is. They get that validated and then we go and print it and implement it."
"Ideas suddenly emerge because people are starting to understand that there is absolutely no limit," Van Wunnik continues. "Anything is possible. Because we do it ourselves, the cost of validating ideas is not high. Does something turn out not to work in practice? Then we can switch in an instant."
Director Product Development sees 3D printing as a 'huge opportunity for BV Nederland'. A year after setting up the lab, he has emerged as a true ambassador of the technology. Flogging has started from the 3D Exploration Lab and Van Wunnik is invited to speak worldwide. "I really enjoy doing that. Many people see 3D printing as a threat to logistics, when in fact it offers so many opportunities. That's why I engage with everyone, including competitors."
His participation in the Logistic Manager of the Year election is also right up his street. "It is important that the new Logistics Manager of the Year is concerned with the future and involves everyone in it. I think I am able to bring people along in my enthusiasm for the logistics profession. Our profession involves so much more than shifting pallets."
Logistics Manager of the Year
On 28 March, the three finalists will climb onto the stage to convince the professional jury and the public one last time. Logistic Manager of the Year takes place on 28 March in Media Plaza, Jaarbeurs Utrecht. More information about the programme and registrationfind here. Registration is free!
