Custom DACHSER technology supports truly intelligent warehousing
In a challenging environment of escalating supply chain costs, the demand for intelligent logistics with optimal efficiency and a tailored offering is critical. The pandemic has only accelerated the development of logistics warehouses into flexible, specialised and digitally-enabled spaces to meet the evolving requirements of their customers.
“Intelligent warehousing can provide incredible value for clients,” says Detlev Duve, Managing Director of DACHSER South Africa. “For the logistics provider, this means honing warehousing into a specialised and highly customised offering, with the reliable, agile systems to facilitate this.”
In order to cater to customer-specific requirements across different industries beyond the necessary warehousing resources, attention to detail and a strong understanding of product requirements is essential. This can range from handling and storing the most sensitive of medical equipment, through to the ability to break bulk on mega machinery. To support this, systems should be accessible and streamlined in order to accurately and transparently manage product storage and transport.
As there were no transport and warehouse management systems available on the market that met the exacting requirements of intelligent information logistics, DACHSER developed its own IT solutions early on which can be used to manage even the most complex logistics processes. DACHSER South Africa has now implemented Mikado, a global warehouse management system that ensures safe operations while solving pandemic-induced challenges. With its globally consistent software standards, Mikado creates maximum transparency, continuity, and security. “The DACHSER IT network is now one of the most innovative in the entire industry and this makes a big difference in remaining competitive,” explains Duve.
Cost-saving and efficient
Contract logistics can take cost-saving and efficiencies even further. This entails the outsourcing of a company’s resource management tasks to a logistics company that can include strategic, client-specific planning and designing of supply chains and warehousing through to inventory management, order processing and even payment collection.
Detlev Duve says, that: “Businesses have found that contract logistics is a powerful way to save on business costs in that they don’t have to understand and manage inventory aspects and complex handling that are beyond the reach of their core competencies.”
DACHSER further has the capacity to source specific packaging for clients, and then to repack goods according to the clients specifications. This means that the client doesn’t have to unnecessarily interact with the product from origin to destination.
That being said, DACHSER has several clients with on-site offices. “Logistics companies have become an extension of the client’s operations in terms of having specialist knowledge of the product and ensuring that delivery capabilities meet the client’s supply chain requirements,” says Duve. “Working closely with client staff onsite who have in-depth knowledge of the products is helpful, particularly with products that are sensitive to climate and movement. We view this as a true partnership.”
The supply chain needs to evolve into a stronger, more agile and adaptable system that can respond quickly to challenges and implement solutions. “Being able to adapt to the needs of our customers and market situations to provide the best solutions is key to remaining a trusted logistics partner.”