Neele-Vat: “Track delivery progress in real time”

In addition to providing faster and better information, the Rotterdam-based family-owned business wanted to be able to plan more efficiently and automatically, have real-time insight into the status of shipments, and have better capabilities for communicating via Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). Another requirement was that the customer be able to see “proof of delivery” immediately.

The advanced graphical planning screen was a key factor in the decision. With this planning screen, Neele-Vat can plan automatically and also plan directly from the map. Miriam Winkel, IT manager at Neele-Vat: “We had a computer system that we could connect to driver apps and customer portals. It was sufficient, but we want more and to stay ahead of the curve.” Neele-Vat has chosen Centric’s Plan&Go. In combination with the fleet management app, trip information is transmitted from the home base to the drivers via the planning screen. This allows the progress and completion of the trip—including “proof of delivery”—to be tracked in real time. In addition, the planning screen allows for a quick response to disruptions in logistics operations.

Planning speed

“Anyone can transport goods from A to B; it’s about what extra value you can provide. Just as you can track a package when ordering or sending it privately, the same should apply for business shipments. Plan&Go aligns perfectly with our operations. We first group our shipments based on pickup and drop-off addresses, after which we can schedule the grouped shipments using available resources,” says Winkel, explaining the decision.

Neele-Vat is currently in the midst of implementation. The first two departments are scheduled to go live on November 1. “Setting up these processes takes time, but you’ll recoup that investment later, and it will increase acceptance of the new software because users immediately see the added value.” Winkel is referring, among other things, to the speed of planning. “Planning is currently still done by experienced planners; they do a great job, but it requires extra effort. By automating this process, that effort is eliminated. Moreover, we’ll have better insight into figures and margins.” With the implementation of Plan&Go, Neele-Vat is taking a major step toward paperless transportation.