Logistics & SCM Consulting Carriers

Characteristics and particularities
Industry insight

The logistics services industry has become one of the world's strongest sectors. Freight carriers have evolved into international third-party logistics providers. Their products now include complex transport and line-side presentation networks, as well as comprehensive logistics assignments within the framework of contract logistics for the areas of scheduling, warehousing, order picking and shipping. As an increasing cost factor within the supply chain, logistics service providers are exposed to particular pressure to improve process efficiency and provide customized solutions. Infrastructural frameworks, transport bottlenecks and a rise in environmental awareness throughout society are influencing the industry more and more.

Challenges to
ensure competitiveness

Specific framework conditions and special challenges that are characteristic of the logistics service provider industry:

Globalisation of transport chains
Management of multimodal transport concepts (road, rail, ship, aircraft)
Green logistics, minimisation of the carbon footprint in transport and warehouse logistics
Permanent cost and performance optimisation to compensate for rising HR and transport costs
Transport planning and freight cost management
Provision of company-owned or leased properties
Lean logistics methods for self-optimisation (e.g. in regard to increasing productivity and reducing throughput times in contract logistics) and to support customer processes
Efficient supply chain management processes, supported by suitable IT tools in the areas of transport management (TMS) and warehouse management systems (WMS)
Multifaceted, customer-oriented services, e.g. operator models with division of labour
Increase in assembly and value added services within the framework of contract logistics
Strong growth in the areas of warehouse logistics and transport is plagued by regional HR bottlenecks
4PL providers are accepting increasing responsibility for the transport networks

ebp-consulting
Selected consulting focuses

Introduction of supply chain management strategies and processes
Support during tender procedures and bidding processes
Optimisation and simulation of transport networks
Design of multimodal transport routes
Route optimisation and planning
Transport and inventory optimisation using big data analytics tools
Planning of manual (man-to-goods principle), semiautomatic or highly automatic warehouses (high-bay warehouses, small parts warehouses, shuttle warehouses)
Warehouse and logistics optimisation
Outsourcing models for logistics
IT applications for warehouse, shipping and transport processes, especially WM systems such as SAP-EWM and SAP-TM
Business development and coaching of small to medium-sized logistics services providers
Start-up support within the framework of new services contracts
Interim management in contract logistics

Project examples
Customer benefits through industry expertise

A selection from our extensive range of products.

Start-up support and process optimisation for an international provider of contract Services:

A European contract services provider won the tender for the entire logistics at the German location of a Tier 1 supplier to the automotive industry. The contractual scope includes an external warehouse for inbound and outbound logistics, shuttle transports to the client and the supply of lines with more than 130 employees.

Onboarding support during takeover of processes and infrastructure from the previous service provider. Provision of an experienced interim head of logistics to protect the processes and build an effective team. Guarantee of trouble-free production supply and disposal.

Implementation of different process optimisation measures to boost efficiency and reduce the number of logistics staff. Development and implementation of quality Standards.
Preparation and calculation of a bid concept for an automotive logistics centre on behalf of an international logistics service Provider:

In an RFQ, an automotive manufacturer requested that an international logistics service provider submit a quotation with a complete concept for a new logistics centre close to its plant. Key services for the new logistics centre include order picking and sequencing for a large number of JiS modules and the provision of different tugger train variants.

Development of an integral logistics concept with warehouse/buffer zones, supermarkets for order picking, sequencing and tugger train stations. It was also necessary to integrate an empties handling system at the facility. Identification of HR requirements and logistical configuration. Implementation of feasibility analyses and calculation of cost rates for the logistics services provider’s Quotation.
Preparation and calculation of a bid concept for an automotive logistics centre on behalf of an international logistics service Provider:

In an RFQ, a fashion group requested that an international logistics service provider submit a quotation with a complete concept for a new European distribution warehouse. Besides the group’s proprietary stores, the centre is intended above all to supply retailer outlets. Moreover, part of the e-commerce business is to be managed at this location.

Development of an integral warehouse concept to cover all requirements of the various distribution channels. Comparative analysis of various automation solutions for order picking, shipping and warehouse and exit. Implementation of feasibility analyses and submission of a clear recommendation for overall design of the warehouse, including headcount.