Simplify processes in logistics or stick to traditional working methods?
The customer Carharrt Work in Progress (WIP)
Carhartt Work in Progress (WIP) is a family-owned company specializing in the fashion industry. With more than 80 retail stores worldwide and online sales, the company presents innovative collections. Already 16 years ago, WIP reacted in good time to the increasing logistics requirements and has since relied on the variable shipping system HVS32 from Heidler Strichcode. For Mr. Geisler, Head of Logistics Technology, the reasons for the long-standing cooperation and successful partnership are obvious: “For us, it is simply a stable component. Especially for new projects, it is important to know that certain pillars simply work reliably,” says Geisler.
Over the last 5 years in particular, WIP has experienced enormous growth, which highlights the special nature of the company in terms of the systems used and the overall organization, which must be able to cope with permanent growth.
The initial situation
Logistikprozesse und der Versandlabeldruck wurden bis zum Jahr 2006 über das Lagerverwaltungssystem abgewickelt. Dies zeugte von einer speziellen Sonderprogrammierung des Softwareanbieters, um den Etikettendruck zu steuern und die Datenfernübertragung an die Carrier zu realisieren. Aus diesem Grund erwies sich der Prozess als äußerst anspruchsvoll, sich auf die ständig veränderten Anforderungen der KEP-Dienstleister anzupassen. Auch die Anzahl der Frachtführer war aufgrund begrenzter Kapazitäten eingeschränkt. WIP war daher auf der Suche nach einer Versandsoftware, welche im Standard alle von WIP genutzten Carrier integriert hat und den dynamischen Anforderungen gewachsen war. Ebenso sollte das System eine bestehende Schnittstelle zum eingesetzten LVS haben, was mit dem HVS32 entsprechend gegeben war. Seit 2007 ist das HVS32 nun im Unternehmen in Gebrauch.
The solution and modules used
With the help of the HVS32, it is now much easier to adapt your own operations to changing customer requirements or carriers. Since using the HVS32, relevant transport data is transferred directly from the corresponding system. The working time per package has been reduced considerably, which has generally enabled the company to save time and react more quickly to changes. Work in Progress also benefits from the use of additional modules such as automatic polling, monitoring and some special solutions that have been individually adapted to the company. Automatic polling speeds up work processes considerably, as shipping labels can be printed immediately and fully automatically. This function has also helped to minimize the risk of errors, as manual entries are no longer necessary in the shipping system.
Over 350 carrier modules are already implemented in the basic version of HVS32, which considerably simplifies the outbound processes. In the meantime, the number of carriers used by WIP has increased significantly. In the course of this, the company is also using the freight cost management system (HFMS) to obtain an optimum overview of the freight cost situation in the company and to identify and exploit potential savings. The overview of the shipping costs of the various carriers is one of the basic versions. Tariff values and basic factors such as transportation time can be seen at a glance. This in turn makes it easier to decide which service provider should be used for shipping. At the same time, tracking links and parcel status data can be used to ensure a high level of transparency for both sender and recipient throughout the entire process. Precise shipping cost calculations have enabled logistics processes to be significantly optimized and freight costs to be saved within the company.
WIP emphasizes that the numerous modules and adaptation options of the HVS32 make individual solutions possible. “The advantage of this software is that it is highly adaptable to individual requirements.”
The implementation
The preparation and implementation of the HVS32 shipping software went smoothly thanks to a good project structure. The requirements and areas of application were defined in advance together with the customer. Thanks to existing interfaces to the various merchandise management and warehouse management systems, the HVS32 could be seamlessly connected to existing systems. Depending on the interface technology used, it is possible to control not only data, but also functions such as daily closing, list printing, label reprinting and cancellation calls. Since 2006, continuous adaptations have been made in the form of updates, extensions to new carriers and the implementation of new functions. WIP has now been using HVS32 for 16 years, primarily for printing shipping labels and transferring EDI data in accordance with carrier specifications.
Mr. Geissler emphasizes that Heidler Strichcode GmbH has always been able to find a solution for all upcoming changes and problems of a technical nature. Extensions, modifications or configurations take place at least once a month. Heidler’s service is frequently called upon to ensure smooth functionality. According to Geissler, Heidler is characterized by a fast response time.
In a new WIP project, which requires a change of warehouse management software, the company once again opted for the HVS32 after comparing alternative solutions.