Real-time tracking by e-mail
Krummen Kerzers relies on telematics integration with LIS software WinSped
Every crisis impressively demonstrates the central role logistics services play for the economy and society. Hospitals, supermarkets and other facilities that are important for public supply must be supplied despite restrictions. The greater the pressure, the more important it is that the gears mesh smoothly. Optimized route planning is a key to success here. Krummen Kerzers AG has been using the Transport Management Software (TMS) WinSped from Logistische Informationssysteme AG (LIS) for years. Its modular design and high compatibility have convinced the Swiss transport and logistics company.
Refrigerated transports, for example of foodstuffs or medicines, present logisticians with special challenges. There is not much time for handling at container terminals if the temperature-sensitive goods are not to be endangered. The same applies to transportation, which requires not only appropriate vehicles but also the right know-how. Krummen Kerzers AG, which specializes in pan-European food and pharmaceutical transports, relies on the TMS WinSped from LIS for support.
“With today’s order volume and diverse requirements, quick adaptation of schedules is crucial,” explains Peter Krummen, managing director at Krummen Kerzers, adding, “Not all software allows for short-term reactions when something changes in the operational process.” In search of a solution that would allow for the greatest possible flexibility, the logistics service provider found what it was looking for at LIS in 2015. “Our telematics provider had recommended WinSped to us, as the existing interfaces of both systems enabled a smooth interaction,” says Krummen. In the five years that the software has now been in use at his company, he has never regretted the decision to use WinSped.
Individual connection thanks to modular architecture
.
Krummen Kerzers uses some of the numerous modules of the freight forwarding software. These include invoicing, dispatch, load traffic, order processing or document management. “The extensive portfolio enabled us to put together a product that meets our needs and accurately reflects our plan conditions,” explains the managing director. At the three Swiss locations in Kerzers, Pratteln (Basel) and Cadenazzo, as well as in Weil am Rhein in southern Baden, 18 employees work with the system – around 150,000 orders are processed via WinSped each year. Strategic planning and the ongoing evaluation of data thus save time and financial resources.
But it is not only the service provider who benefits from the software. There are also numerous advantages for the customers. “For data import and export, there are numerous interfaces that allow exchange with different systems of our customers,” explains Krummen. Orders or invoices can thus be received and sent electronically. In addition, companies have the option of viewing their order status or current tour data online. “Unfortunately, the use of the web application is not yet accepted on the customer side as we would like it to be,” says the managing director. In the future, however, the company wants to push this further in order to replace the paper economy.
Simple workflow from storage to transport
.
Most orders therefore still reach the freight forwarder by telephone or fax. The document management system captures the data electronically and passes it on to the scheduling department. Many loads are picked, packaged or labeled on site, because warehousing services and value-added services are also part of Krummen Kerzers’ range of services. WinSped automatically calculates the weight of loads and forwards the values immediately to the invoicing department. Unnecessary waiting times are thus avoided. Finally, the drivers receive orders and delivery bills digitally via telematics.
When the transports are on the road, the dispatching department is kept up to date via the telematic link in WinSped. Over 100 trucks are integrated into the system, and their position data and route progress are synchronized in real time. This allows dispatchers to instruct the most effective route and precisely predict when a load will arrive at its destination. “The system also calculates driving and rest times, optimizes routes and avoids empty runs. This allows us to plan in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way,” Krummen says. Customers also get a live view of all relevant shipment data, such as complete documentation of the refrigeration system.
Software based on the modular principle
The logistics company is always working to expand its business areas in line with customer needs. Just recently, for example, the container trucking department was expanded to include another office in Basel. So it is an advantage if the software can grow with it. Krummen is particularly looking forward to an enhancement that LIS will soon introduce at the Swiss forwarder: “We are already very excited to see how our groupage transports in Switzerland can be optimized with Graphic Scheduling.”