By Emmanuel Oluebube, Correspondent UK
The supply chain management specialist within DHL Global Forwarding, DHL International Supply Chain has developed and implemented a transport and supply chain solution for Plantagen. Plantagen currently operates 136 stores across Norway, Sweden and Finland, selling not only plants but other items for gardens including lighting, soft furnishings and furniture.
“Due to the timeline involved and the global situation regarding COVID-19, both Plantagen and DHL made commitments to ensure that the implementation was swift, effective and completed within the timeframe specified. I believe that this demonstrates our capability to meet customer expectations and I look forward to working on the upcoming projects we have in the pipeline,” noted DHL’s Head of ISC Nordics & CEE, Chris Arnold.
As part of the solution, DHL provides purchase order (PO) and item level visibility from PO placement to delivery at Plantagen’s warehouse in Sweden or directly to their stores in the Nordics. This service supports Plantagen’s ‘Direct to Store’ programme, ultimately resulting in improved efficiencies at destination and reduced costs within the overall supply chain. The programme is managed by DHL on behalf of Plantagen to ensure vendors deliver as expected to ensure on-time departure of shipments.
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) functionality is used to exchange data between Plantagen and DHL, which provides consistent and accurate data to all parties therefore enabling better management of the
Customs and Distribution Centre intake planning process. The overall solution is supported by a strong reporting suite that allows Plantagen and DHL’s account team to make proactive decisions and help maintain an efficient supply chain.
Logistics Manager, Plantagen Kristina Sonnerstedt reflects on the decision to go ahead with DHL, “Plantagen set high benchmark standards which DHL had to meet to be considered as our PO Management and Ocean Freight provider. They demonstrated strong engagement from the beginning, and this continued throughout the tight implementation window we gave them, with great success. I look forward to growing our partnership over the coming months.”
Another notable part of this partnership is that the whole process was completed virtually, with no face to face meetings taking place. From Day 1 of the engagement, all meetings, presentations and discussions have been on the phone or through WebEx platforms, making this the first virtual implementation completed by DHL International Supply Chain in EMEA.
