Hartog & Bikker has implemented Boltrics’ warehouse management system at its warehouse in Vuren. This implementation follows on from previous roll-outs in Oss and Zoeterwoude. This gives the logistics service provider greater control over processes and data, with the WMS ensuring a single way of working that grows alongside the organisation.
Hartog & Bikker is a family-run business with several branches across the Netherlands. From its sites in Den Bosch, Oss, Zoeterwoude, Vuren and the glassworks in Leerdam, the company handles the storage, transhipment and distribution of bulk goods. Its largest clients include beer and glass manufacturers, for whom Hartog & Bikker handles both transport and warehousing. The company also has an extensive co-packing and repackaging department.
A single source of truth
The decision to go with Boltrics was made several years ago, but the reason remains the same. Several branches were still using Excel files and manual record-keeping. As the organisation grew, it became increasingly difficult to carry out processes in a consistent manner and to consolidate data from different sources. “We were still relying heavily on Excel at all three sites. That was no longer in keeping with the scale and professionalism of our organisation,” explains Rémon van Mourik, business analyst at Hartog & Bikker.
For Hartog & Bikker, another key factor was the desire to retain control over the software. The organisation was looking for a cloud solution that could be managed and configured by its own staff, so that key users could independently adapt and optimise processes. The way in which information was made available also needed to change. “I think it’s unnecessary to have to compile a single report from multiple sources. Now we retrieve all the information from a single source, which makes reporting much more efficient,” says Van Mourik.
First, the basics
By choosing Boltrics, Hartog & Bikker opted for a single centralised working environment for its warehouse processes. The implementation at the Vuren site built on the experience gained previously in Oss and Zoeterwoude, but started afresh from the basics: first the processes, then the configuration of the software. The project team therefore mapped out the entire operation in advance. This preparation not only ensured an efficient implementation but also provided new insights within the organisation.
“We documented our processes as comprehensively as possible in advance, so that the consultant immediately had a clear picture of how our organisation works. We had been maintaining some processes mainly out of habit. During the implementation, we took a critical look at them and found that a different approach was more efficient in many cases,” said van Mourik.
In addition to warehouse processes, Hartog & Bikker in Vuren also uses the Value Added Logistics module for its repackaging activities. This supports, amongst other things, bills of materials, material consumption and production orders from a single platform. The implementation in Vuren therefore directly forms the basis for the further roll-out of these processes to other sites.
Real-time insight
Hartog & Bikker has noticed the biggest change in the day-to-day use of data. Whereas staff previously had to gather information from various files, they now have access to up-to-date information from a single system. As a result, analyses are not only available more quickly, but are also more reliable. “We have much greater control over our figures. Analyses are available more quickly, are easier to carry out and are more reliable. Because all data is processed in real time, we always have up-to-date insights.”
There are also significant differences on the shop floor. Prior to implementation, the Vuren site operated largely without a warehouse management system. Van Mourik explains: “Our Vuren site made the transition from having no WMS to a fully digital process. Whereas CMRs used to be processed manually in Excel, everything is now handled via scanning. This gives us full control within Boltrics and has significantly reduced both the number of manual tasks and the risk of errors. It is precisely this control that represents the greatest benefit for us.”
The repackaging activities have also been organised more efficiently. Thanks to the Value Added Logistics module, the system automatically calculates which materials are required for production orders, giving staff greater flexibility in carrying out their work. That flexibility ties in with what Van Mourik considers to be the solution’s greatest strength. “What I find particularly strong about Boltrics is the freedom it offers within the system: we can manage and customise a great deal ourselves, which means we are less reliant on external support.”
Continuous improvement
With three sites now live, the focus is now on further optimising the existing environment. The next step is the implementation of a more comprehensive Value Added Logistics solution in Den Bosch. Hartog & Bikker then intends to apply the knowledge gained there to other sites as well. “The next step is to further optimise the sites that are now live, so that we can make even better use of the available data and analyses.” For Van Mourik, therefore, the next phase is not about new systems, but about further refining the existing processes.
The Hartog & Bikker case study demonstrates how digitalisation provides greater control over processes, data and day-to-day operations. At ICT&Logistiek and Logistica Next, too, the focus is on how technology helps logistics organisations to work smarter, more efficiently and with greater agility.
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