The increasing complexity of goods flows presents new challenges to both industry and logistics service providers. Greater performance requirements, tight delivery schedules, global production networks, a widespread customer base and high fuel and capital costs make the optimisation of distribution logistics essential. This does not only involve avoiding excessively high stocks, relocating goods and transporting empty containers – the complete distribution strategy must be reviewed regularly in order to optimise logistics costs on a sustained basis.

In this connection, the right selection and number of warehouse locations, their geographical location and their size must not be an arbitrary decision. On the basis of existing production locations, current orders, delivery points and customer requirements, the number, location and size of the logistics centres in a distribution network can be determined scientifically using business intelligence methods. The only remaining decision is whether to focus on optimising costs or optimising service, or to strike a happy medium.

METROPLAN ENGINEERING supports customers in optimising their distribution processes. For this purpose, and as preparation for the distribution optimisation, we perform an analysis and benchmarking of the existing logistics. We use these tools to understand order structures, delivery regions and production structures, and to identify the initial potentials in qualitative terms. This basis is then used as the foundation for developing alternative future scenarios. We apply a comprehensive approach to the optimisation of distribution processes. With the aid of modern mathematical methods and high-performance database systems, we determine the most efficient distribution structure with regard to costs and delivery service, using real order data. In addition to the transport costs, we therefore also take into account the warehousing costs, at which can vary greatly in terms of unit costs, depending on the stock levels, size, handling capacity and technical equipment at the warehouse.

Various software products can be used for the optimisation, which we individually select according to the scope and objective of the project. If important project requirements are not covered, we supplement these tools with our own developments. At the end of a successful distribution project, this ensures a logistics network which promises optimum performance capability for the future. We then carry out the tendering procedure for transport and warehousing services, adapt existing warehouses to the new requirements and plan new warehouse locations.

Through cooperation with companies that have comparable logistics requirements, we generate additional synergy potentials for our customers arising from economies of scale, planned synergies in transport, process standardisation and harmonisation in the warehouse, and by compensating for seasonal fluctuations. We identify potentials in all areas of logistics, explain the qualitative advantages, and – anonymously, if requested – calculate the financial benefits for the cooperation partners in comparison to the current status. We also monitor, supervise and manage ongoing cooperations, and ensure a balance of interests and a fair distribution of the monetary savings amongst the cooperation partners.