Seacon Logistics effortlessly handles growth in pallet flows with DCT

Warehousing activities are diverse. In addition to handling inbound and outbound flows and storing pallets, customers can make use of a wide range of Value Added Services (VAS), such as (re)packaging and labeling. Assembly, quality checks, returns handling, display building, kitting, and refurbishment are also among the possibilities. Storage itself takes place, depending on the load, in standard pallet or shuttle racking, or on floor locations.

Due to the growth in pallet movements and the need to accurately track every pallet, the company decided to implement a Time Slot Management (TSM) system. Jop Lommen, Supply Chain Engineer at Seacon Logistics, explains: “Previously, we handled all registrations and bookings ourselves. We used a simple schedule and managed all emails and phone calls manually. The number of working hours involved in this process was substantial and kept increasing. We were aware of the existence of TSM software, which, simply put, allows carriers to book their own loading and unloading times. This not only saves us a great deal of work, but it also ensures that carriers benefit from shorter waiting times and the guarantee that the driver will be served at the ‘agreed’ time slot. A true win-win solution.”

The experienced logistics team at Seacon Logistics, together with its own transport department, reviewed which providers offered this solution and also worked on defining expectations for the new system. Not only did all email communication need to be eliminated, but the solution also had to be intuitive and simple, ensuring that the adoption phase would be short and seamless.

Several demos were requested, including one from DCT in Capelle, already known to have a good reputation with some carriers. Jop continues:
“The software demonstration from DCT really stood out. The software is not only simple — in the best sense of the word — but also extremely flexible, allowing the booking screens and system setup to be perfectly tailored to your application. It shows confidence that the DCT solution can be used free of charge for a month before making a final decision.”

DCT supported Seacon Logistics, without any additional investment, in setting up the application — in line with DCT’s commitment to delivering a “Ready-to-Go” system. After the first warehouse, Seacon handled the setup for the next three locations internally, having by then trained three in-house DCT specialists. These four locations now account for the majority of bookings and pallet movements.

In addition to configuring the software, carriers had to be informed that they would now be booking their own loading or unloading slots. It was important to highlight the benefits for the carriers themselves. Seacon Logistics carried out this communication in cooperation with their customer, on whose behalf the carriers work.

The logistics service provider has now been using the TSM solution for several years since its introduction at the first warehouse and can safely conclude that all time-consuming tasks are a thing of the past. In addition, DCT offers the ability to monitor and adjust carrier performance. Finally, data from DCT is combined with information from the WMS, and using a BI tool, reports are generated for customers. Those same customers can, if desired, also book time slots themselves or view overviews directly in the application.