Case study

Nabuurs optimizes logistics network with smart software from More Optimal

More efficient planning, better loading, smarter combining
As a leading logistics provider in the FMCG sector, Nabuurs is fully committed to optimizing transport and warehousing. With the help of More Optimal‘s optimization platform , the Haps-based company is getting a better grip on its processes, making smarter use of its network and increasing customer satisfaction. Ard Nabuurs: “Thanks to More Optimal’s software, we can deploy our services in a modular and customer-oriented way – from co-packing to e-commerce – while at the same time bundling our goods flows efficiently.”

From chicken to city logistics: a complex network requires smart steering

Once started as a transporter of poultry, but today Nabuurs’ field of activity has expanded considerably. In addition to traditional transport, the organization now provides factory logistics, distribution concepts for retail, and urban delivery. With distribution centers in places such as Oosterhout and Hedel and eight regional hubs, and its own fleet of 350 vehicles, the logistics landscape is both broad and complex.

It is precisely this diversity of locations, vehicles and customers that necessitated the next step in optimization. Low margins are common in the industry, so efficiency is not a luxury but a necessity. The partnership with More Optimal, started in 2017, plays a key role in constantly optimizing and thus maintaining that efficiency.

trucks

100 +

locations

10 +

employees

900 +

Local and central control: planning that thinks ahead

Together, Nabuurs and More Optimal configured the planning module to fit Nabuurs’ landscape exactly. The software continuously weighs up the options: what is the most efficient route, combination or loading? This takes into account realistic constraints and possibilities in practice – even before any unnecessary mileage is taken into account, for example the scheduling of co-drivers, return cargo but also optimal utilization of the loading space.

In addition to transport planning, the software also plays a role in controlling warehouse activities. Is Nabuurs expecting more volume on a particular day? Then the system takes extra work in the warehouse into account at an earlier stage. This link between transport and warehousing enables optimal deployment of people, resources and vehicles.

Case study: fewer surprises, more control

From the distribution center in Oosterhout, about a hundred trucks depart daily. The volumes often seem stable on paper, but in reality there are fluctuations. These can have consequences for transport, staffing and customer appointments. Thanks to More Optimal’s software, Nabuurs can anticipate these fluctuations proactively. When deviations occur, adjustments are made immediately – or the customer is contacted where necessary.

Even better than adjustment is foresight, which is also achieved with More Optimal. Through timely detection of increases or decreases in the workload in both warehouse and transport, the work can be proactively balanced, such as bringing forward or postponing orders or combining orders more intelligently. The hiring of external warehouse personnel is adjusted based on the forecast in More Optimal.

Leveraging opportunities: from retail to city logistics

With greater insight also come new opportunities. Nabuurs is currently investigating how retail and inner-city logistics flows can be combined. Where retail volumes are larger, urban logistics often involve smaller shipments with specific requirements – such as deliveries to the hospitality industry within window times or with electric transport.

“Thanks to More Optimal’s tools, we can make better choices,” says Ard Nabuurs. “For example, where to combine or not, or where small customers can be added to increase efficiency.”

Savings and better service

The benefits of optimizations are not just financial. Yes, vehicles are better loaded and routes smarter planned, but service quality also increases. For example, warehouse personnel are better prepared for what is coming, and drivers and planners are better able to switch gears in a timely manner. This results in a predictable and high-quality service to Nabuurs’ customers.

Sustainable and future-oriented cooperation

“We want our customers to see combinations in the network as an advantage – not as a concession,” said Ard Nabuurs. “Sustainability plays an increasingly important role in this. By planning and bundling smarter, we not only reduce costs, but also our CO2 emissions.”

The partnership with More Optimal enables Nabuurs to flexibly adapt its network to changing customer demands and market conditions. From simulations to live applications – More Optimal’s tools deliver value every day.

Nabuurs ‘ website also explains how More Optimal frees up capacity:

Want to know more about collaboration?

The logistics world demands speed, insight and agility. The partnership between Nabuurs and More Optimal demonstrates how technology makes the difference in this. As a logistics service provider,would youalsolike toplan smarter, make better use of your network and at the same time serve your customers better?