Constant improvments in logistics
| Anyone who has ever seen ships moving in and out of a busy port knows one thing for sure: the world of modern global trade is dominated by the world of containers. Our products, too, are shipped by container to customers throughout the world. In order to keep the stress on the climate and the environment to a minimum, our logistics experts have utilised all currently available technical optimisations. Frank Pätzold, Head of Logistics: “Without exaggerating, our use of containers is optimal. There is no room for improvement at the moment. And if in future improvements can be made, then we’ll immediately set about improving the situation.” Many steps are involved in this optimum use of containers, which in total lead to both ecological and economic success. The first step is taking an inventory of logistics: around 250 containers are available for import compared to over 550 for export. In the early days, the consequence of this was that there were many empty runs, because the full import containers were transported by ship to Hamburg and then by lorry to Melle, while the empty export containers had to be retrieved from the coast. By collaborating intelligently with just one more shipping company, the required empty containers can now be obtained from a warehouse close to Minden. This saves time and costs, reducing the impact on the environment. Furthermore, as many containers as possible are now transported by inland navigation vessels and by train, rather than by road, which saves almost 200,000 lorry kilometres on the road each year. As has been proved, inland water navigation and trains are the most environmentally friendly transport routes, which is why Tetra consistently focuses on waterways and rail. Goods are transported almost 150,000 kilometres annually using these routes. For any remaining unavoidable road transport, we use our inhouse fleet of lorries, comprising only state-of-the-art vehicles. The hauling capacity of three conventional lorries has been replaced by the use of just one innovative vehicle with three chassis. This factor, and the reorganisation and merging of several warehouses, have led to a reduction in kilometres driven per year, and therefore to a measurable reduction in pollutant emissions. |
The introduction of the pick-by-voice picking system represents a quantum leap in the company’s logistics. This groundbreaking system ensures that the logistics in this area is carried out without paper. Where previously lists had to be read from paper and executed, a friendly voice now states which product needs to be picked from where – similar to a satellite navigation system. This ultramodern way of picking ensures almost 100 per cent reliability. It also enables us to serve customers promptly and makes our internal operations as efficient as possible. Our ambitious goal is for all orders received overnight to leave our company for the customer’s address by the following afternoon at the latest. It is expected, and would be unavoidable in many other sectors, that this consistent optimisation of logistical processes might lead to job cuts. Tetra has enjoyed a stable growth curve for years. And due to this fact, and above all to the philosophy of the company, which is not only oriented towards generating profit, employees no longer required in logistics due to continual optimisations are deployed in other areas. The majority of Tetra products are transported by ship or rail |
