Today, we're spotlighting Ziegler Group, a global logistics powerhouse with a history that spans over a century. Operating in more than 15 countries and extending its network to 80 more, Ziegler is a force to be reckoned with in the logistics sector.
Dion Ligtvoet, Information Management Supervisor at Ziegler Nederland BV, shared how they tackled a pressing issue of warehouse congestion with GoRamp's Warehouse Management System (WMS).
Founded in 1908 with headquarters in Brussels, Ziegler Group is a leading global logistics service provider offering road freight, airfreight, sea freight, rail freight, inland waterway, logistics, customs clearance, e-commerce, and other value-added services. With over 3,200 employees worldwide, Ziegler operates a close-knit global network with some 154 branches in more than 15 countries. In a further 80 countries, it cooperates closely with partner companies. For more details, visit their website.
The complexities from truck congestion
Ziegler was grappling with a multi-faceted problem that was affecting their warehouse operations. At the core, they faced two main challenges:
- Long Queues of Waiting Trucks: Trucks were frequently backed up at the warehouse, causing significant delays. This not only led to frustrated drivers but also had a domino effect on the entire supply chain.
- Complicated Internal Communication: The communication process within the company was cumbersome. Information was not flowing smoothly between different departments, which led to misunderstandings and errors.
These issues were not isolated; they were interconnected. The long queues were partly a symptom of the poor communication, and both problems fed into a cycle of inefficiency. Drivers faced long wait times, the loading team was overwhelmed with work, and the risk of human errors escalated. In an industry where time is often equated with money, these inefficiencies were costing Ziegler both.
The need for time slot management
To break this cycle, Ziegler turned to GoRamp's Time Slot Management System. The system served as a digital hub for all logistics operations, centralizing information and thereby streamlining communication. It also provided a virtual warehouse schedule, allowing Ziegler to allocate tasks realistically and avoid the bottlenecks that were causing congestion.
This wasn't just a software add-on; it was a strategic move to fundamentally change how they managed their logistics. Here's how the system addressed Ziegler's challenges:
- Centralized Information Hub: The Time Slot Management System served as a digital hub for all logistics operations. This centralization eliminated the need for back-and-forths between departments, streamlining communication and reducing the risk of errors.
- Virtual Warehouse Scheduling: The system provided a virtual warehouse schedule that allowed Ziegler to allocate tasks in a realistic timeframe. This feature was crucial in avoiding bottlenecks, as it ensured that only tasks that could be completed within the given time were scheduled.
- Real-time Insights: The system offered real-time performance indicators, enabling Ziegler to make data-driven decisions. This was a game-changer in identifying inefficiencies and areas for improvement.
A transformation beyond numbers
The implementation of GoRamp's WMS led to a range of tangible benefits for Ziegler:
- Congestion Resolution: The most immediate impact was the resolution of the truck congestion issue. The virtual scheduling and streamlined communication meant trucks were loaded and dispatched more efficiently, eliminating the long queues that had been plaguing the warehouse.
- Enhanced Communication: The centralized information hub improved internal communication dramatically. This led to fewer misunderstandings and errors, which in turn contributed to the overall efficiency.
- Time and Cost Savings: Numerically speaking, Ziegler achieved time savings of up to 50% and reduced operational costs by 25%. These aren't just numbers; they translate to real-world benefits like quicker turnarounds and increased profitability.
The quick integration and user-friendly interface of GoRamp's system were key factors in Ziegler's decision. These features aligned perfectly with Ziegler's need for efficient, straightforward solutions to their logistics challenges.
If you're facing similar logistics challenges and are interested in how GoRamp's WMS can be a game-changer for you, feel free to reach out for a demo. Ziegler Group's experience serves as a compelling testament to the transformative power of the right logistics solutions.
Additional Resources
For more insights on common challenges that can lead to warehouse inefficiencies, check out our blog post, "Your Warehouse Efficiency Killers and How to Avoid Them."
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