Despite complex requirements, even medium-sized companies can modernize their processes and position themselves for future growth through digitalization and innovative approaches. This is shown by the example of Scheren Logistik, a family business that specializes in the storage of hazardous materials for the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

In addition to 40,000 pallet spaces and daily handling of around 50 trucks, the logistics company offers a wide range of additional services – including sampling, interface management and refrigerated storage. With innovative solutions, 32-year-old Managing Director Björn Scheren wants to master the key challenges facing his company and make operations efficient and future-proof. He describes personnel as the biggest challenge, referring not only to recruitment in his company, but also and especially to the haulage companies commissioned by customers.

“Staff turnover is increasing enormously, in our warehouse and especially among truck drivers. This is critical for us, because if drivers are dissatisfied or don’t understand processes, the entire process comes to a standstill,” explains Scheren. Waiting times are a frequent cause of frustration, which not only affects efficiency but also the satisfaction of everyone involved. And waiting times quickly arise when the variety of languages increases and makes everyday work more difficult on both sides, which is particularly true for the complex processes in chemical logistics. “The requirements for the drivers not only vary depending on the product group – for example with regard to load securing or seals – but also have to be communicated in different languages. In our dispatch office, it’s pure paperwork madness,” says Scheren, describing the situation.

Every notice is translated into five languages. In addition, regulations such as the signing of CMR documents or compliance with IMO guidelines for the transport of dangerous goods by sea required a lot of explanatory work.

Even though Scheren is trying to standardize processes, it remains a challenge to meet the requirements of all customers in a uniform and efficient manner. In addition, customer requirements vary considerably. A lot of information is only available in internal work instructions and notes, as there was previously no methodology for communicating the respective requirements at the loading points clearly and in multiple languages. A clear plan was developed to change this. With the help of innovative digital solutions such as Loady, a standardized data hub developed specifically for the requirements of supply chain and chemical logistics, processes and communication with customers, freight forwarders and drivers are to be sustainably improved.

In future, drivers should be able to access structured and multilingual information that is easy to understand thanks to clear displays and visual elements. It is also expected that this will create standardized processes for customers and haulage companies. “We no longer have to define the requirements for drivers individually for each customer but can use them across the board. With Loady, we enable our customers to use our requirements data. It takes very little effort and everything that applies to the delivery or collection of the respective products from our warehouse can be transferred directly to our customers’ communications with the haulage companies,” says Scheren. Customers and the haulage companies they commission are also informed directly of any changes. This minimizes waiting times and makes the processes more pleasant for the drivers, who now have access to the information in their own language and can understand it better. For Scheren, one thing is certain: “With the right digital tools and a clear focus on the needs of our customers and partners, we can not only master the current challenges but also remain successful in the long term.“