Denkavit uses Reflex WMS to manage logistics for its production operations

Industry:
Agri-food
Locations:
A 7,500 sq. m warehouse
Solution:
Reflex WMS for Factory

The standard version of Reflex met all our requirements and specifics. We only made one change request. Our operators are really happy with the product. Having our employees involved in the project was critical to its success.

François van Hal
Group Operations & QHSE/Plant Manager, Denkavit.

Denkavit, which produces feed for young animals in the livestock industry, has turned to Reflex WMS for Factory to manage logistics flows at a new high-bay ingredient storage warehouse close to its production facility in Voorthuizen (Netherlands). Following a successful initial deployment, the company will roll out Reflex WMS across all logistics activities at its sites in the town, in nine phases.

Context and objectives

Denkavit is a family-owned Dutch company that produces feed for young animals in the livestock industry. The firm serves customers in 60 countries from five plants (in the Netherlands, France, Italy, and the United States) and through two sales offices (in Spain and Germany).

The company decided to increase raw material storage capacity with a brand-new, high-bay warehouse (20 meters high) right by its production facility in Voorthuizen (Netherlands). Furthermore, the firm opted to manage logistics flows at the new site—measuring 7,500 sq. m and with a capacity of 15,000 pallet locations—with a warehouse management system (WMS).

Application

Denkavit invited 11 WMS vendors to submit competitive bids. In February 2020, after reviewing the technical and functional proposals and carrying out site visits, the firm announced Reflex WMS as the winner. Aside from the system itself, which was flexible enough out of the box to meet the company’s requirements, managers were impressed by the way Hardis Group’s experts listened to them and understood their needs. Having support available in Dutch and French was also an important factor, since Denkavit has a production facility in France.

The deployment began in February 2020, and Reflex WMS went live in mid-October. The major challenge was to have the system ready in time for the opening of the new warehouse in November 2020—incorporating all logistics and information flows between the WMS and the ERP, the manufacturing execution system (MES), and a semi-automated handling system (trucks for narrow aisles).

The benefits
  • Optimized raw material storage
  • Raw materials available at the production line at the right time
  • Rapid deployment despite extensive interfacing work
  • Standard version met all requirements and specifics
  • Short learning curve for operators