In the fast-paced logistics industry, efficient labour management is crucial. Warehouses are dynamic environments where every second counts, and optimizing workforce operations is essential to maintain a competitive edge. At Katoen Natie, we leverage technology to revolutionize labour management through an innovative, integrated approach.
Linking Labor Planning with Warehouse Operations
Labor planning extends beyond scheduling shifts; it involves aligning workforce resources with the real-time demands of warehouse activities. By integrating labour management with our Warehouse Management System (WMS), we create a seamless flow of information that transforms operations. Every scan, task, and movement is logged in real-time, providing unparalleled visibility into workforce performance.
This integration allows us to capture essential metrics, including:
• Hours worked per team or individual.
• Volumes of goods handled.
• Task lead times
With this data, we gain a comprehensive overview of operations, laying the foundation for data-driven decision-making that enhances efficiency and minimizes waste.
Advanced Planning for Peak Productivity
Effective labour management relies on robust planning. Our system uses advanced tools to:
• Optimize resource allocation based on demand patterns.
• Seamlessly assign tasks through the WMS
• Adjust schedules dynamically to minimize downtime.
By automating these processes, we ensure the right number of employees are available at the right time, whether during peak hours or off-peak shifts. This reduces manual intervention, prevents underutilization of resources, and improves overall warehouse productivity.
Automating Data Capture for Accuracy & Comprehensive Time Tracking
Our labour management solutions automate data capture for; productive tasks, overhead activities (like administrative or managerial work), volumes handled, and task completion. This ensures accurate and up-to-date data for analysis. Reliable data leads to better planning and sharper insights, helping us identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
This comprehensive system also tracks time utilization across the warehouse. Our system tracks not only productive hours, but also logs time spent on overhead activities by various profiles such as operational managers, key account managers and administrative staff. This holistic view of time utilization helps operational managers and HR teams pinpoint inefficiencies and implement targeted improvements.
Data-Driven Insights for Smarter Decisions
Analysing trends and performance data empowers our team to make informed, proactive decisions. By identifying productivity patterns, we can:
• Address bottlenecks before they escalate
• Reallocate resources to high-priority tasks
• Continuously refine workflows to achieve maximum efficiency
This approach ensures operations remain agile and responsive to changing demands.
Financial and HR Alignment
Our labour management solutions deliver tangible benefits for financial and HR processes. This is done by enabling accurate cost calculation through grouping worked hours by employee type (e.g., interim, fixed, overhead) for precise operational cost analysis, and ensuring payroll accuracy by linking paid hours to actual worked hours. This aligns HR and payroll data and acts as a reliable control mechanism. These features reduce administrative overhead while improving transparency and accuracy across departments.
Leading the Way in Labor Management
At Katoen Natie, we are not just adapting to industry trends—we are setting the standard. Our Integrated Labor Management Solutions combine cutting-edge technology with practical insights, delivering real value to our operations and clients. By connecting labour planning with warehouse systems, we ensure every action is efficient, every resource is optimized, and every decision is backed by data.
Curious to see how data-driven labour management can transform your operations?
Reach out to us and speak with an
expert today and take the first step toward a smarter, more efficient supply chain.
Sustainability is an ongoing journey for us at Katoen Natie. Our teams continuously collaborate to refine packaging practices that protect our environment while maintaining the highest quality standards. We see the challenges as opportunities to innovate, as we strive to ensure safe, sustainable operations for our customers, carriers and employees.