Linfox streamlines operations with SAP

SAP has helped logistics and supply chain giant Linfox create a custom digital warehouse solution (DWS) to optimise the end-to-end operation of its warehouse sites, support multi-user functionality and scalability, and streamline its customer onboarding processes.

The creation of the custom DWS — using the SAP Warehouse Management (EWM) application — and the implementation across Linfox’s warehouse sites was completed at the end of 2020.

The deployment enabled Linfox to integrate various automation solutions that were running across different sites, centralising and streamlining crucial processes including inventory management, picking, putaway, cold chain storage, dock appointment scheduling, cross-docking and dangerous goods management.

Three of Linfox’s warehouse sites are now completely automated through DWS, with technology including automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS), robotic palletisers and the latest goods-to-person warehouse solutions.

Introducing DWS has streamlined Linfox’s customer onboarding process, condensing the previous onboarding timeline from four months to only four to six weeks. This allows Linfox to provide a cost-effective, speed-to-market solution that ultimately benefits its customers.

“DWS powered by SAP has freed our team members to focus on higher-value tasks, increasing our flexibility as a logistics partner. This was particularly crucial during the pandemic when managing distribution of vaccines,” said Nick Delija, Chief Information Officer, Linfox.

“DWS has also increased our speed to market, bolstering our competitiveness and exceeding customer expectations. When we work with SAP to seamlessly integrate with automation solutions, there’s a lot of benefits.”

The solution will play a vital part in standardising business processes across the organisation, enabling strategic reporting, the provision of real-time data and further investment in automation to better serve its customers.

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