Optimizing Private Label Orders: How Katoen Natie’s WMS Streamlines Value-Added Services

Customers require agility and efficiency across their supply chains, especially when it comes to private label fulfilment.

Introduction:

In today’s competitive market, customers require agility and efficiency across their supply chains, especially when it comes to private label fulfilment. Katoen Natie is committed to providing innovative solutions that empower our clients to meet these demands. In this article, we discuss a recent project where we utilized our in-house Warehouse Management System (WMS) expertise to enhance private label order processing.

Understanding Private Labels:

Private labels, also known as store brands or own brands, are products manufactured by one company, but sold under another company’s brand. Retailers or wholesalers typically use private labels to offer customers exclusive products that differentiate them from competitors and often provide better profit margins. Managing private label products requires precise handling to ensure correct branding and packaging, making efficient supply chain processes crucial.

Identifying the Challenges:

Traditionally, private label orders involved manual handling, re-boxing, and separate labelling. These processes create several inefficiencies, including:

Excessive Packaging Waste: Traditional methods often involve re-boxing every order, regardless of content, leading to unnecessary carton consumption and environmental impact.
Bottlenecks and Slow Processing: Manual checks on items and separate labelling processes can create bottlenecks and slow down overall processing times.
Inefficient Sorting: The lack of automation in identifying private label needs can result in mixed boxes requiring extra handling in the packing area, further reducing efficiency.

The WMS Solution:

Our team developed a powerful solution within our WMS that empowers the system to pinpoint specific order lines within a larger order requiring additional branding. Here’s how it transforms the process:

Precision Identification: The WMS automatically identifies private label items within an order.
Automated Sorting: This data is then translated into actionable steps for the conveyor system. Boxes containing these designated items are automatically identified and separated for dedicated Value-Added Services (VAS) processing.
Streamlined VAS Area: A dedicated VAS area is equipped to handle these specific requirements efficiently.
Intelligent Reintegration: Upon completion of VAS activities, the system seamlessly integrates with the packing process, ensuring accurate sorting and delivery.

Benefits Realized:

This innovative WMS functionality offers significant advantages for our clients:

- Reduced Carton Waste: By eliminating unnecessary re-boxing for non-private label items, we can significantly decrease overall carton consumption.
- Enhanced Efficiency: Automated processes minimize manual intervention and expedite processing times in the VAS area.
- Improved Accuracy: Automatic identification and sorting ensure private label items receive the correct branding and labelling.

Conclusion:

Katoen Natie’s commitment to continuous WMS development empowers us to offer clients efficient and sustainable solutions. This project not only demonstrates our ability to streamline private label processing and reduce waste, but also underscores our dedication to enhancing overall customer satisfaction. This focus on innovation allows us to be a valued partner to leading brands across diverse industries, helping them achieve operational excellence and maintain a competitive edge in the market. Just another way how our people make the difference for our customers.

Reach out to us and speak with an expert today.

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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
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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
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