One year after launch, SolVin affirms e-logistics a success
With Transwide's logistics execution solutions, SolVin now has not only outstanding data to operate service and process improvements but also an important tool to further improve customer satisfaction.
Brussels, October 1, 2002 - In October 2001 SolVin announced the implementation of a supply chain execution platform from Transwide to improve customer satisfaction with its Supply Chain performance. At the occasion of the first anniversary of this implementation SolVin wants to take the opportunity to share what can be considered as a success in e-logistics.
Before implementing the Transwide solution, SolVin used emails and faxes to communicate transport orders to its dedicated logistics providers. Exception management and follow-up issues were handled manually.
Today, all these tasks are handled electronically via Transwide's private collaboration platform connecting SolVin's European PVC-factories and its logistics partners. Currently the system handles close to 90% of SolVin's 50,000 bulk and packed transport orders.
Historically, once trucks departed, SolVin had little visibility on non-conformity reservations carried out at pick up, on potential delays, on loading and unloading times, on non-conformity reservations carried out by the receiver, etc. All this vital execution data was time consuming to assemble and was only available days after the actual transport. Prohibiting a pro-active service towards SolVin's customers.
With Transwide's twDoc solution, SolVin has now implemented a solution which manages CMRs electronically. The CMR being the transport document where all the relevant execution data is recorded, SolVin has valuable execution data available at its fingers tips in real time. Currently, outgoing CMRs from Jemeppe, one of SolVin's major plants, are issued electronically.
Moreover SolVin will soon launch a new telephone access functionality from Transwide. The telephone functionality will enable parties to sign-off, to carry out non-conformity reservations and to update estimated times of arrival electronically via a simple telephone (mobile or fixed). One of the advantages for SolVin will be that truck drivers can update estimated times of arrival directly with their GSMs. SolVin can then automatically and proactively communicate potential delays to end customers.
"SolVin is committed to implement proven solutions which create value for all parties in the supply chain," said Erwin Tauber, Supply Chain Manager of SolVin. "Logistics is a key area in the supply chain where customers' loyalty can be won through improved service levels and where costs can be reduced. Transwide's technology has evolved with our needs, and it has met our high expectations. Therefore we have awarded Transwide the Innovator Price at our yearly Road Runner Award".
About SolVin
SolVin was set up in 1999, when Solvay and BASF joined their competences in the vinyl's sector. The synergies achieved in know-how and organization, the complementarities of product ranges as well as upstream integration have built up SolVin as a leader on the PVC and PVDC markets. The joint venture has operations in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the Benelux countries and a total capacity of 1.2 million tonnes of PVC in 2001. SolVin generated consolidated sales of 1 billion euros in 2001, with 1,950 employees. Solvay owns 75% of SolVin and BASF, the remaining 25%.
