Change in operational times does the trick AN EMPTY warehouse by day, but filled to capacity after hours is the aim of Hellmann Parcel Systems m.d. Niel Cowley - and it's a target which is being achieved.
The large warehouse situated directly behind the company's main entrance in Isando stands almost empty throughout the day, and Cowley looks on with approval.
We changed our operational times, he says, and it has proved very successful. Most parcels come in during the late afternoon and evening. We start the truck loading process at 5am and by 8am the warehouse is practically empty.
It means a far better delivery service to our clients. Barcode parcel tracking technology is now assisting in this concept, as well as the performance measurements we have implemented to drive an ongoing improvement process. For this purpose the company appointed Cheryl Mulder as a dedicated information systems manager and Stella Driver came in as national service quality co-ordinator, both working on improving customer satisfaction through information flow and quality structures within the organisation nationwide.
Coupled with this is the recent complete outsourcing of Hellmann's vehicle fleet, which has impacted positively on costs and reliability, according to Cowley.
Customers are appreciating our effort of delivering their goods up to two hours earlier than before on a consistent basis, he says.
Apart from their nationwide distribution operations through Hellmann Parcel Systems (HPS), Hellmann International Forwarders (HIF) are also able to take care of their customers short and medium term warehousing needs as part of their logistics process.
During this service HIF are able to combine warehousing and distribution under one roof resulting in a one-stop logistic solution. Helping the customer to save time and money by getting the goods to their destination in time at the right time with precise planning is the target, says Cowley.
