News
arvato services is optimizing the movement of goods with streamlined processes and new technology
Gütersloh/Karlstein, July 28, 2010 – Just one year after the takeover arvato services has successfully completed the modernization of the logistics branch of the insolvent ComBase Group at the Karlstein location. With new technology, streamlined processes and tailor-made IT solutions the experienced outsourcing specialist has optimized the warehousing and goods flow processes and thus secured jobs and the long-term competitiveness of the location. From Karlstein approximately 200 employees process the movement of goods for the telecommunications provider Telefónica O2 Germany in Germany.
For prepaid packages, SIM cards, pre-configured multimedia mobile phones or point-of-sale materials – the Karlstein location functions exclusively as a central logistics centre for Telefónica O2 Germany, through which the entire logistics for the telecommunications provider in Germany is processed. Over 1.5 million shipments are processed per year in a warehouse area measuring some 11,000 square meters. Deliveries to dealers and customers include mobile phones, netbooks, smartphones, routers, point-of-sale materials as well as over three million SIM cards. In total, over three million end devices are sent out each year. In addition to the forward logistics, the reverse logistics are also processed in Karlstein. This involves processing returns for shops and customers as well as providing a logistics hub for all repair services. In addition, arvato services performs Lettershop services and operates a customer hotline on behalf of Telefónica O2 Germany.
In order to make the logistics processes and added value chains more efficient, arvato services decided to modernize the location after the takeover. In order to do this, the full service provider invested in state-of-the-art automation technology and implemented new structures and sophisticated IT systems. Based on the “Goods to the customer” principle the previously four-stage order picking process was switched to a one-stage process. This made it possible to reduce error quotas, process orders more quickly and to significantly increase productivity. The decisive factor here was to have a comprehensive overview of the process, otherwise it would not have been possible to optimize all of the influencing factors along the entire supply chain. In this context, both the forward and the reverse logistics were transferred to an SAP platform which had been developed in-house.
Dealers and Telefónica O2 Germany call centers can now place repair orders efficiently, economically and directly via a recently created web portal which is linked to the SAP platform. The highly integrative, end-to-end solution not only means that the processes could be significantly streamlined, they could also be made more secure and transparent for all parties involved. Overall, arvato services has invested several million euros in the Karlstein location.
Despite intensive reconstruction work and process modifications within the ongoing business operation the delivery service has not been interrupted at any time
, adds Oliver Maasberg, Logistics Manager at Telefónica O2 Germany. Thanks to the modernization of the location we now have a state-of-the-art, high-performance infrastructure which provides optimum support for our processes.
About arvato services
arvato services, a subsidiary of arvato AG, is the leading service provider for effective solutions centering on supply chain management, customer communication, customer loyalty and financial services for markets located both inside and outside of Europe.
The mobile & communications division develops, implements and operates comprehensive SCM and repair solutions as a specialized solution and business process outsourcing partner for companies in the computing, communication and consumer electronics industry.