How Katoen Natie Bridges Precision and Flexibility In Warehousing

Order preparation, or picking, is at the heart of most warehouse operations. It’s a process that’s as dynamic as the demands of today’s fast-paced, customer-centric world.

Order preparation, or picking, is at the heart of most warehouse operations. It’s a process that’s as dynamic as the demands of today’s fast-paced, customer-centric world. Businesses face a growing list of specific requirements for how orders are prepared, packed, and shipped. Traditional methods often require either a rigid “fixed” approach or a fully “dynamic” system. Both have their benefits—and their limitations.

At Katoen Natie, we’ve developed an innovative solution that brings together the best of both worlds: Flex Locations. This unique setup blends the structure of fixed locations with the adaptability of dynamic picking, ensuring efficiency, precision, and scalability.

Understanding Fixed and Dynamic Locations

To fully appreciate the value of Flex Locations, it’s important to understand the strengths and challenges of fixed and dynamic systems.

	Benefits	Limitations
Fixed Locations	Control over where and how picking is executed Ideal for heavy or voluminous goods to ensure stable pallets and avoid damage Easier to train operators and manage inventory for specific zones	Requires manual work to analyze, manage, and adjust setup Often takes up more space when not needed daily Replenishment delays when locations are empty resulting in potential operator downtime Potentially longer picking routes if inventory is spread across warehouse
Dynamic locations	Greater flexiblility in item placements Better use of available space, reducing unused areas Automatically adjusts to changing inventory levels without manual intervention	Potentially longer picking routes if inventory is spread across warehouse Goods may be stored in hard-to-reach locations requiring specialized equipment Lack of control over picking order may posing challenges for palletizing

Now imagine you could combine the flexibility and availability of dynamic picking with the ability to control exactly where and how picking happens. That’s exactly what Flex Locations offers.

The Flex Locations Advantage

Flex Locations are predefined areas within the warehouse optimized for picking operations. These areas, often on the ground level or in easily accessible spots, can be configured to meet specific needs. By combining flexibility with control, Flex Locations provide a streamlined solution for modern warehousing challenges.

Here’s how it works:

Smart Allocation with Flex Batches
Warehouse operations can allocate any number of orders to a Flex Batch. Once assigned, the Warehouse Management System (WMS) takes over, automating the entire process.
Real-Time Replenishment
The WMS identifies stock availability in Flex Locations and initiates replenishment for any shortfalls. Replenishments are prioritized to ensure stock is ready as soon as possible.
Intelligent Placement
Algorithms determine the best placement of goods within Flex Locations, ensuring optimal organization for picking. For example, heavy items are placed first, followed by lighter ones to facilitate stable pallet building.
Demand-Driven Optimization
High-demand items are given multiple Flex Locations, ensuring continuous availability and reducing congestion during picking.
Automated Picking Instructions
Once the necessary stock is in place, picking assignments are generated automatically and directed to skilled operators.

Efficiency Without Compromise

Flex Locations deliver a picking process that is efficient, customer specific and sustainable. With benefits including a reduction in manual interventions, shorter picking routes, space optimization and a customizable setup that can meet even the most complex of requirements. Katoen Natie’s Flex Locations reflect our commitment to innovation and excellence in logistics. By integrating intelligent systems and cutting-edge technology, we’re helping our clients navigate the complexities of modern warehousing with ease.

Interested in learning more about how Flex Locations 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.

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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.
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1. Inventory Optimization: Leveraging your logistics partner as a fulfillment center for both B2B and B2C channels allows for optimized inventory management, reducing stock levels and lowering capital costs. With faster stock rotation, you minimize the risk of best-before-date issues, ensuring fresher products and fewer losses. This strategy enables seamless shifts between B2B and B2C markets, simplifying stock management while enhancing flexibility.
2. Cost Efficiency: Integrating B2B and B2C supply chain channels offers economic advantages by maximizing fixed costs across both operations. Shared overhead, ICT, and equipment expenses, combined with improved warehouse efficiency and lower staffing costs, create significant savings. Additionally, consolidated shipments help reduce transportation expenses and improve service coverage across Europe.
3. Market Adaptability and Flexibility: Market demands between B2B and B2C sectors often fluctuate with seasonal trends. A combined logistics system provides greater flexibility to adapt to these changes. During peak retail seasons, for instance, you can prioritize B2C orders while maintaining stable B2B operations. This adaptability helps ensure consistent quality across both channels.
4. Opportunities for Growth: The pet food market is evolving rapidly, and staying competitive requires the ability to seize growth opportunities. A streamlined warehouse setup for both B2B and B2C logistics provides the flexibility to scale and adapt as new opportunities emerge, making agility a key driver of success.
5. Enhanced Customer Satisfaction: Improving the customer journey is essential in today’s market. Implementing reliable track-and-trace systems empowers customers to choose delivery times and locations, providing a convenient experience that builds loyalty. A high-performing Warehouse Management System (WMS) simplifies stock management and brings added value to customer interactions.
Relying on a logistics partner to integrate your B2B and B2C channels effectively can simplify operations, build trust with your end-customers, and set the stage for sustainable growth. For further insights and updates on the evolving landscape of Pet Food and Pet Care, let’s stay connected. Bart Versprille bart.versprille@katoennatie.com Katoen Natie Pet Food and Pet Care
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Step one: Inputs
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Step two: Process
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Katoen Natie's Expertise in Advanced Value-Added Services in the Aftermarket Business

Katoen Natie is a global logistics leader, leveraging specialized “Advanced Value-Added Services” (VAS) within its Aftermarket Business Line. These services boost efficiency, reduce costs, and address key supply chain concerns for clients, helping to optimize the total cost of ownership (TCO).
1. Tailored Value-Added Services
Katoen Natie’s Aftermarket Business Line offers custom solutions that tackle challenges in getting spare parts, repair kits, and essential components to their destinations on time. Assembly, Kitting, & Packaging: By bundling components for shipping, Katoen Natie helps clients provide ready-to-use packages for customers, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing lead times. Quality Control: With checks at every step, Katoen Natie ensures that each part meets specifications, minimizing returns and customer complaints. Product Customization & Labelling: Custom labelling and market-specific branding streamline compliance and speed up delivery for clients.
2. Boosting Supply Chain Efficiency
Katoen Natie’s VAS solutions tackle common supply chain pain points in the aftermarket segment, enhancing service levels and reducing costs. Data Quality: Picture management, precise measurement, and master data cleanups build a reliable data foundation that reduces errors and enhances efficiency. Optimized Distribution: Katoen Natie’s engineering team helps clients establish the most efficient distribution model with ongoing adjustments to meet market demand. Integrated Service Workshops: In-warehouse workshops offer quality inspections, kit re-packaging, and compliance management, improving handling times and service quality.
3. Warehouse Optimization & Flexibility
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With a seamless Warehouse Management System (WMS) and Transportation Management System (TMS), Katoen Natie offers real-time tracking and custom reporting. This transparency empowers clients to manage inventory, track orders, and make informed decisions.
5. Delivering Competitive Advantage
Katoen Natie’s VAS offerings cut operational costs, reduce lead times, and enhance service levels. Clients can focus on their core strengths, leaving Katoen Natie to handle complex logistics, ultimately increasing customer satisfaction and strengthening competitive positioning.
Conclusion
Katoen Natie’s advanced VAS for the Aftermarket Business Line offers comprehensive solutions for enhancing supply chain efficiency and customer satisfaction. By prioritizing data quality, optimized distribution, integrated services, and transparency, Katoen Natie empowers partners to unlock greater value and potential. For further insights and updates on the evolving landscape of Aftermarket, let’s stay connected. Thibaut Van den Berghe thibaut.vandenberghe@katoennatie.com Katoen Natie Aftermarket
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