DB Schenker has delivered 99.5% inventory accuracy to Siemens in the UK as a result of an intense focus on operational excellence and process streamlining within its warehouses. The 99.5% accuracy achievement is unprecedented in the history of the Siemens site at Congleton, Cheshire and is now being used as a blueprint for other Contract Logistics sites up and down the country.
Through constant enhancement of its digital tools for inventory management and order processing DB Schenker has successfully achieved inventory accuracy targets which have then enabled it to add new, additional value-added services for Siemens and other customers.
DB Schenker staff at the contract logistics sites are also making use of automatic tracking of consignments, advanced just-in-time and ‘kanban’ techniques – methods designed to ensure that every part arrives on the production line exactly when it is required. The ‘kanban’ scheduling system for LEAN manufacturing limits the build-up of excess inventory in any part of the production process and ultimately aligns inventory levels with actual consumption.
For this Siemens site DB Schenker teams are now picking and dispatching orders in half the daily target time and, also resolving all stock discrepancies within 24 hours.
“Our collaborative approach working to incredibly strict timelines combined with applying cloud computing technology, warehouse management systems and SaaS models is proving attractive to leading electronics production companies like Siemens and companies with spares operations. We are applying our core skills to add value to their businesses and we are now focused on ramping up this model across the UK,” says DB Schenker UK & Ireland CEO, Aaron Scott.
Says Billy Cartwright, Material Service Manager at Siemens UK: “DB Schenker has been an outstanding partner for us at Siemens. By providing exceptional logistics operations, flexible and resilient customer service, and industry leading expertise, their comprehensive approach ensures that our supply chain operates smoothly and efficiently. This has allowed us to focus on what we do best for our customers”.
