Navigating Warehouse Automation – Box Closing Solutions

Other news articles

• 28.11.24

  Efficient Labour Management in Logistics: How Katoen Natie Optimises Workforce Operations

  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.  

  Read more
• 13.11.24

  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. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Demand-Driven Optimization High-demand items are given multiple Flex Locations, ensuring continuous availability and reducing congestion during picking.
  5. 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.

  Read more
• 06.11.24

  Optimizing Pet Food Logistics: A Unified Approach to B2B and B2C Supply Chains

  In today’s competitive pet food market, success depends on expanding your product range and enhancing your direct-to-consumer (B2C) services. By streamlining logistics across both B2B and B2C channels, businesses can unlock significant cost savings and operational efficiencies. This integrated approach reduces expenses, improves response to customer demand, and positions your brand for long-term growth. Below are some of the key benefits of this combined logistics model:

  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  

  Read more
• 31.10.24

  Sustainable Packaging: Balancing Quality and Environmental Responsibility

  In today’s logistics world, packaging represents both a challenge and an opportunity. At Katoen Natie, we are committed to delivering the highest quality service while balancing environmental responsibility. We recognize that packaging plays a critical role in protecting goods and ensuring safe handling. However, we also understand the importance of minimizing packaging waste and reducing our environmental footprint. This dual focus not only enhances the sustainability of our operations, but also responds to the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly practices. By innovating our packaging solutions, we aim to set a new industry standard, demonstrating that it is possible to balance product quality and environmental responsibility.

  Step one: Inputs

  Our purchase department leads the charge in driving sustainable packaging solutions. By continuously seeking out eco-friendly packaging solutions, we ensure that our consumables not only protect our products and people, but also align with our environmental values. We prioritize recycled, clean consumables, ensuring our packaging is eco-friendly without compromising product safety. This approach extends to our entire supply chain, as we collaborate with partners who share our dedication to sustainability.          

  Step two: Process

  Packaging innovation is a joint effort and can be continuously improved. By working closely with customers, suppliers, and stakeholders, we reduce environmental impact through solutions that are sustainable and efficient. For example, reducing plastic usage is a key priority. Through supplier collaboration and extended reporting, we’ve cut plastic consumption by decreasing the thickness of plastic foil while maintaining product stability. We’ve also introduced eco-friendly materials like cardboard and recycled filling materials, and we use water-based adhesive eco-tape for packaging. This effort includes using 100% recycled materials for protection of the most fragile goods, ensuring both protection and sustainability.

  Step three: Output

  Our commitment to the circular economy means that we repair, recycle and reintroduce wooden pallets whenever possible. We collaborate closely with our suppliers to repair broken pallets, ensuring that no usable wood goes to waste. When it comes to purchasing pallets, we prioritize used pallets or first-choice pallets that maintain quality and safe standards. This approach not only supports sustainability, but also reinforces our dedication to reducing waste and promoting responsible resource management. 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.

  Read more