22.09.23

Katoen Natie Support Lifelong Learning

Exciting News: TOTARA Implementation

Founded in 1854, Katoen Natie started as a cotton guild and has since grown into one of the largest full-service suppliers of logistics and technical solutions. The company counts over 18000 employees in 35 countries. Despite its tremendous growth throughout the years, Katoen Natie remains a family business at heart that takes pride in the added value they deliver, their organisational culture and their employees.

The Challenge

Katoen Natie strongly believes that its people make the difference. Therefore, the company invests many resources in the development and performance of their employees in order to cultivate an environment where critical minds can flourish and feel supported.

 s emphasis on employee development and performance, as well as their expanding workforce prompted Katoen Natie business unit Consumer Goods & Industry to start their search for an LMS. Up until that point, all learning & development data was tracked manually in different spreadsheets, and performance evaluations were done on paper. This created a lot of administrative burden and complicated reporting and analysis. Consequently, the business unit Consumer Goods & Industry (CG&I) at Katoen Natie decided to investigate ways to digitize and automate these processes.

The Solution

After carefully considering various contenders, the CG&I business unit of Katoen Natie decided that Totara would best fit their needs. Totara was not unknown to Katoen Natie. Their location in Singapore had already been using this software since 2020. What really tipped the scales, though, was Totara’s great price/quality ratio and the flexibility it offers. In order to leverage this flexibility to the maximum, Katoen Natie Belgium decided to partner with Deloitte, which provided a team of Totara experts and developers that guided them through every step of the process.

“The nice thing about Totara is how customizable it is. It allows you to go beyond the standard functionalities of the platform, without having to touch the core code.”

Together with Deloitte, Katoen Natie implemented both Totara Learn and Totara Perform in their CG&I business unit. The combination of these two modules allows them to closely track and manage learning and performance, in order to help employees to grow their skill set and remain compliant with company requirements.

Katoen Natie offers training to both blue- and white-collar employees across multiple departments. Therefore, they make frequent use of (certification) programmes and audiences to provide tailored learning materials.

Thanks to Totara Perform, Katoen Natie can also follow up on coaching and feedback processes more easily, leaving evaluations on paper in the past. By setting up different audiences, they can tailor these processes to their diverse workforce. In addition, the platform automatically tracks competency development based on completed programmes and courses. This allows managers to keep an overview of their team’s development to identify and close skill gaps early on.

Furthermore, each business unit at Katoen Natie consists of multiple sites. This is no different for the CG&I business unit. Therefore, they decided to set up multitenancy on their platform. Segmenting the LMS into tenants enables each site to have its own way of working in terms of managing users, learning, and performance and ensures privacy protection. While the platform uses a general catalogue that allows each user to see which learning materials are on offer across the entire business unit, learners can only access those courses and programmes that belong to their tenant, and user data remains within each tenant. Similarly, each site manages its own performance evaluations, without having to share that data outside of its tenant.

The Result

The implementation of Totara Learn and Perform in the Consumer Goods & Industry business unit at Katoen Natie has upgraded, simplified and automated both learning and performance management. The administrative burden of tracking everything in various spreadsheets or on paper has been lifted. The business unit now has an easy overview of all internal and external training completed by their 5500 blue-and white-collar employees, as well as the employees’ competency development and performance data. This helps GC&I to ensure that their workforce keeps growing their skill set and remains compliant with training and certification requirements.

Thanks to Totara’s flexibility and Deloitte’s team of Totara experts, Katoen Natie was able to create a Talent Experience platform that is easy to use and completely tailored to their organizational structure and the needs of their diverse employees.

The implementation has been such a success, that other business units at Katoen Natie have now also started their own Totara implementation, relying again on the help of Totara Platinum Partner Deloitte.

“We’ve really enjoyed having Deloitte at our side throughout this process. They are fully engaged in every step of the way, to make sure our ideas and requirements are realized. They also ensure that we have a lot of autonomy on the platform. They share their knowledge, rather than keeping it in-house.”
Marijke De Paepe – Human Resources at Katoen Natie

 

 

Other news articles

  • 26.09.24
    Optimizing Automotive Logistics: The Power of Katoen Natie’s Inbound Consolidation Platforms
    Katoen Natie, a global leader in logistics and supply chain solutions, has established itself as a key player in the automotive industry through its specialized services. Among these services, one that stands out is the operation of Inbound Consolidation Platforms (ICPs). These platforms are critical for managing complex supply chains, ensuring the efficient and timely delivery of components to production lines. This article explores the role and significance of ICPs, with a focus on their application in serving a prominent global compressor manufacturer.

    The Role of Inbound Consolidation Platforms

    Inbound Consolidation Platforms play a pivotal role in streamlining the automotive supply chain by centralizing and organizing components from multiple suppliers into a single hub. In an industry where precision and timing are crucial, ICPs offer several important benefits: 1.      Efficiency in Logistics By consolidating multiple inbound shipments into one centralized platform, Katoen Natie reduces the complexity and costs involved in handling numerous deliveries. This ensures that all necessary components are available when needed, helping to prevent delays and disruptions in production. 2.      Enhanced Quality Control The consolidation process provides an opportunity for comprehensive quality checks, ensuring that only high-quality, approved parts reach the production line. This step is vital in the automotive industry, where the reliability of each component can significantly impact the overall performance and safety of vehicles. 3.      Improved Inventory Management ICPs offer a centralized system for managing inventory, allowing for better forecasting and control. This reduces the need for excess stock, frees up valuable warehouse space, and lowers the overall cost of inventory management.

    Katoen Natie’s Expertise in Automotive Logistics

    Katoen Natie’s Automotive & Industry division has a proven track record of delivering tailored logistics solutions to meet the specific needs of its clients. One prime example is the Single Inbound Platform developed for a global compressor manufacturer, which plays an integral role in their supply chain. In this 'single inbound platform' solution for a global compressor manufacturer, components from suppliers around the world are directed to a single inbound platform, expertly managed by Katoen Natie. Here, the components undergo several processes to prepare them for production or further distribution: 1.      Receiving and Inspection Upon arrival, each component is inspected to ensure it meets the manufacturer’s exacting quality standards. Any discrepancies are addressed immediately, ensuring that only the best parts move forward in the process. 2.      Sorting and Consolidation Components are sorted based on their destination or intended use. This critical step helps maintain an organized flow of materials to the production line or for distribution to other facilities. 3.      Packaging and Labelling Once sorted, the components are repackaged and accurately labeled. This ensures each part is easily identifiable and traceable, minimizing the risk of errors during assembly or further processing. 4.      Just-In-Time Delivery In automotive manufacturing, timing is everything. Katoen Natie ensures that components are delivered exactly when they are needed, aligning perfectly with the manufacturer’s production schedule. This approach minimizes storage needs at the production facility and ensures a smooth, uninterrupted assembly process.

    Benefits to the Customer

    The implementation of Katoen Natie’s Inbound Consolidation Platform provides several key advantages to the customer: 1.      Cost Savings By reducing the number of inbound shipments and optimizing logistics, manufacturers experience significant cost savings. This efficiency leads to lower operational costs and improved profit margins. 2.      Enhanced Production Efficiency With components arriving on time and in perfect condition, production lines can run smoothly without interruptions. This boosts overall productivity and ensures that manufacturers consistently meet their production targets. 3.      Scalability Katoen Natie’s ICP model is highly flexible, allowing manufacturers to scale operations up or down based on market demand. This adaptability is essential in responding to fluctuations in the market and maintaining a competitive edge.

    Conclusion

    Katoen Natie’s expertise in creating and managing Inbound Consolidation Platforms represents a game-changing approach to automotive and industrial logistics. By consolidating components from multiple suppliers into a single, streamlined platform, Katoen Natie ensures that its clients—such as the global compressor manufacturer—can maintain efficient, cost-effective, and high-quality production processes. This specialization not only improves operational efficiency, but also strengthens the manufacturer’s position in the highly competitive automotive market. For further insights and updates on the evolving landscape of Automotive and Industry, let’s stay connected. Thibaut Van den Berghe thibaut.vandenberghe@katoennatie.com Katoen Natie Automotive
    Read more
  • 16.09.24
    The Synergy of Automation, Innovation, and Sustainability
    At Katoen Natie BU Consumer Goods and Industry, continuous improvement is not just a goal—it's embedded in our operational DNA. Whether tackling quick wins or embarking on large-scale projects, we are dedicated to implementing automated solutions and driving innovation. Our commitment to sustainability is aligned with four key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that have a significant impact on the logistics industry. This ensures that our progress is both measurable and responsible.  

    SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being

    Automation at Katoen Natie is about more than just efficiency—it’s about improving the health, safety, and well-being of our workforce. Our focus on ergonomic solutions, such as automated picking platforms, significantly reduces the physical strain on our employees. Our goods-to-person systems minimize unnecessary walking and heavy lifting, allowing our teams to focus on more critical tasks. This boosts productivity while improving the overall well-being of our staff. Additionally, solutions like automated wrapping machines, box conveyors, and palletizing robots streamline operations, reducing manual handling and lowering the risk of injury. These innovations contribute to safer, more efficient processes across our sites.

    SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

    Our IT strategy is a reflection of our commitment to innovation. By centralizing the management of hardware and software while allowing individual business units to develop specialized systems like our Warehouse Management System (WMS), we offer flexibility and control. This unique approach ensures we stay competitive and cost-efficient. Our storage solutions are designed to maximize space and enhance efficiency, supporting both innovation and sustainable infrastructure.

    SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

    As part of our commitment to sustainability, we have embraced refurbishment services to optimize product flows and extend lifecycles, providing cost-effective solutions that align with circular economy principles. Our Box Machine systems create packaging tailored to the exact size of each product. This reduces packaging material, cuts costs, minimizes waste, and eliminates the need for extra filler materials—enhancing both efficiency and sustainability.

    SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

    Our mission is to provide flexible, high-quality logistics solutions that give our clients a competitive edge. We achieve this through on-time delivery, lean processes, and reduced inventory costs. With years of experience as a logistics service provider, we handle complex operations with precision, delivering the highest standards of quality in an ever-evolving global market.

    The Journey Ahead

    At Katoen Natie, we are committed to a future where automation, innovation, and sustainability come together seamlessly. By focusing on health, innovation, responsible consumption, and partnerships, we are transforming logistics for a sustainable tomorrow. Join us as we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in our industry.
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  • 10.09.24
    How Katoen Natie’s Innovative Software Makes The Difference For Our Customers
    Have you ever wondered how items of all shapes and dimensions makes their way to your local store, perfectly packaged alongside other products, without wasting space in the truck or causing inefficiencies in the warehouse? The answer lies in the advanced optimization technology driving modern logistics. At Katoen Natie, we’re at the forefront of this revolution, using innovative software tools that optimize every step of the logistics process. Our cutting-edge internal optimization algorithms are seamlessly integrated into our Warehouse Management System (WMS) ensuring that your products are shipped not only efficiently but also sustainably.

    The Power of Precubing

    Precubing is a game-changer in today’s logistics landscape. This critical process involves calculating the optimal parcel or pallet size for shipping orders, ensuring that every inch of space is utilized effectively. Here’s why precubing is essential:
    • Maximizing Space Utilization: By identifying the best parcel or pallet size for each order, our software minimizes wasted space and ensures that every shipment is packed efficiently.
    • Reducing Repacking Needs: With the right size determined from the start, we cut down on the need for repacking, saving both time and resources in the process.
    • Promoting Sustainability: By reducing the amount of "air" shipped in packages, we significantly lower our carbon footprint, aligning with environmentally-friendly practices
    [caption id="attachment_13012" align="alignnone" width="600"] An example of precubing rendering of a container[/caption]   Precubing not only improves our conventional warehouse operations but also empowers us to make data-driven decisions when it comes to parcel and conveying automation. This leads to smarter, more efficient logistics overall.

       

    Optimizing Every Step of the Process

    Our optimization software doesn’t stop at selecting the best shipping method for each order. It goes a step further by analyzing all the order lines that need to be picked and the dimensions of the final shipments. Here’s how it works:
    1. Efficient Multi-Order Picking Tours: The software allocates orders to picking carts and selects the best combination of orders for each picking tour. This reduces driving distances within the warehouse and optimizes productivity.
    2. Data-Driven Decisions: Using real-time data, our software ensures that every decision—from packing to shipping—is based on the most efficient and cost-effective approach.
    [caption id="attachment_13019" align="alignnone" width="556"] An example of a multiorder picking tour[/caption]  

    Real Results: Boosting Productivity and Reducing Waste

    The introduction of this optimization software has delivered impressive results:
    • Over 10% Improvement in Picking Productivity: Our optimized picking tours have streamlined the process, saving valuable time and effort.
    • 15% Reduction in Shipped Air: By minimizing the amount of air in shipments, we’ve reduced packaging waste and improved sustainability.
    These advancements highlight how innovation can lead to tangible benefits for both our clients and the environment.

    Join the Logistics Revolution with Katoen Natie

    At Katoen Natie, we're committed to revolutionizing the logistics industry through innovative solutions that save time, reduce costs, and promote sustainability. Our internal optimization algorithms are just one example of how we're helping clients stay ahead of the curve. Curious to learn more? Reach out to us and speak with an expert today and take the first step toward a smarter, more efficient supply chain.
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  • 30.08.24
    Market Insights: The World of Apparel
    In recent years, the apparel industry has been undergoing a transformation as sustainability has moved from being a buzzword to a core value. Consumers, brands, and policymakers alike are increasingly focused on the environmental and social impacts of fashion causing the market to shift towards more responsible practices. This shift is driven by several key factors that are reshaping the market in profound ways.

    Emergence of Sustainable Fashion

    Sustainability is no longer just a trend—it's becoming a necessity. Recent fashion events in 2023 and 2024 have highlighted the rise of sustainable brands that prioritize eco-friendly materials, ethical production processes, and transparency in their supply chains. These brands resonate with consumers who increasingly seek out clothing that aligns with their values. According to recent surveys by the Capgemini Research Institute, 79% of consumers prefer to purchase from brands that are committed to sustainability. Moreover, 63% of organisations have seen revenue growth through sustainability initiatives in 2023. [caption id="attachment_12977" align="alignnone" width="512"] Sustainable fashion industry statistics[/caption]

    The Conscious Consumer

    One of the most significant drivers of sustainability in the apparel industry is the rise of conscious consumers. Modern shoppers are no longer just interested in how clothes look or how much they cost. They are increasingly concerned with where their garments come from, how they are made, and what happens to them after they are discarded. This has forced companies to rethink their supply chains, materials, and business models.

    Digital Transformation in Fashion

    Technology is playing a crucial role in advancing sustainability in the apparel industry. From blockchain for supply chain transparency to AI-driven design tools that reduce waste, technological innovation is helping brands become more sustainable. For example, blockchain technology is being used to track organic cotton from farm to store, ensuring transparency, while AI-driven design tools help reduce fabric waste by optimizing patterns and minimizing excess production. Technology also empowers consumers to make more informed choices. Apps that track the sustainability of brands or allow consumers to resell or recycle their clothes are becoming popular, further promoting a circular economy in fashion. This is possible through what is termed as ‘connected products’. Through our partnership with Twintag, Katoen Natie assists our customers on their digital transformation journeys in creating 'connected products' with digital experiences.

    Conclusion

    Sustainability in the apparel industry is no longer optional—it’s essential. As consumer demand for ethical and environmentally friendly products continues to rise, brands that fail to adapt risk being left behind. However, those that embrace sustainability, innovate in materials and processes, and prioritize transparency stand to gain a competitive edge in this evolving market. The road to sustainability in fashion may be challenging, but it is also filled with opportunities for brands that are willing to lead the way. At Katoen Natie, we are committed to supporting your journey with innovative solutions that help you excel in this dynamic industry. For further insights, inquiries, or to discuss how Katoen Natie can support your sustainability journey, let's stay connected. Paul Boterman paul.boterman@katoennatie.com Katoen Natie Apparel, Sport and Leisure
    Read more
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