How global logistic firms optimize their information management

What are the top goals for logistics firms right now? Increased agility and efficiency of operations reign supreme with the increased demand from customers and growing global operations. Effective information management is the bread and butter of streamlined logistics operations.

In today's fast-paced global marketplace, the ability to access, analyze, and act upon accurate and timely information is paramount. A well-structured information management system ensures that data flows seamlessly across the supply chain, from procurement all the way through to distribution.

The benefits of a modern ECM in logistics

A modern ECM system empowers logistics professionals to

• make informed decisions,
• optimize routes,
• manage inventory levels,
• respond swiftly to unforeseen disruptions,
• improve operational efficiency, and
• increase adaptability required to thrive in dynamic logistics markets.

By centralizing information management, companies can also

• facilitate better collaboration between different stakeholders,
• foster a more synchronized and responsive logistical ecosystem, and
• pave the way for the integration of AI-driven and automation capabilities into the business ecosystem.

This is especially true for global logistics leaders like DHL, Kombiverkehr, TGW Logistics and Deutsche Bahn who have all embraced modern and intuitive ECM systems to streamline their operations. Let’s take a look at how they’re achieving their goals and paving the way as pioneers…

DHL currently houses the world’s largest global document archive. The international courier and logistics company faced a huge challenge though: decentralized systems resulted in inconsistent access to electronic documents, leading to high operating costs and limited functionality with no guaranteed performance of response times.

What were DHL’s goals? To achieve worldwide compliance with legal requirements, enhance flexibility, and give around 77,000 users immediate access to archived documents – no matter where in the world they work.  

To achieve this, they needed an efficient solution for document management that was scalable and standardized so everyone in the business could use it. The answer? SER’s platform, Doxis Intelligent Content Automation. Martin Treder, who was a part of the DHL Express team during the selection phase, exclaimed, "The answer was right in front of us all along – just across the Rhine river at SER." 

The implementation of the 'Global Imaging Archive (GIA)' heralded a new era for DHL. It was not just an archive; it was a high-availability lifeline for long-term document retention. It proved scalable for rapidly growing document volumes, functionalities, and users − ensuring global accessibility. 

With Doxis, DHL not only overcame its challenges but also set a new standard for global document management. Read the case study here.

Deutsche Bahn, a global railway giant, sought to standardize ECM across its diverse group of companies. With the BCM (Bahn Content Management) platform, they achieved just that. This platform has become the cornerstone of their ECM strategy, providing seamless document management across the entire DB Group.

With BCM, the goal was to create end-to-end and standardized information processes to improve process speeds and quality as well as to ensure and prove observance of legal and compliance requirements. 

Based on the requirements of Deutsche Bahn, the new ECM platform was to include workflow functionalities to enable assessors and regulatory authorities to track processes and workflows for documents that had been archived. Differentiated access rights were to provide effective protection for critical and confidential information. 

Deutsche Bahn companies now have quick access to the latest technologies. As a result, they can organize their business processes and procedures in an improved, much leaner and more up-to-date manner. As the number of applications implemented in the DB Group increases, so too does the expertise that can be passed on from one unit to another.

Presently, approximately 60,000 users are benefiting from this consolidated system. The BCM platform has already archived a staggering 0.8 billion documents.  

“With Doxis, we have succeeded in establishing a single electronic ECM infrastructure that can be integrated as a group standard,” commented Thomas Schnell, Head of Functional Operations for the BCM platform, DB Systel.  

Discover how Deutsche Bahn is powering their operations with Doxis.

For Kombiverkehr, a logistics services company specializing in combined road-rail transport across Europe, processing complex customs documentation was a huge bottleneck. Everything was done manually which meant operations were time-consuming, and paper-based processes meant lengthy transfer times and transport delays. Throw sales territories lacking access to the information they need into the mix and you have hampered customer support. 

With a cloud-based ECM platform, they found a future-proof solution to expedite customs procedures, enhance customer service, and minimize risks. Automated inbound invoicing and workflow-driven case processing meant order processes and claims management were improved; eFiles gave the people who needed it a 360-degree overview of business partners and claims. Archiving functionality means that all documents are kept compliant in line with audit requirements.   

How does Kombiverhekr process their invoices automatically? Find out in our case study.

This transformation streamlined their operations, enabling them to serve customers swiftly and efficiently. Now, time-consuming manual processes are a thing of the past, and they reap the benefits of prompt customs documentation. 

Christian Franz, the Commercial Manager, emphasizes, "With Doxis we have implemented a future-proof ECM SaaS solution." This transformation has been a game changer for improving customer service but has also reduced risks and ensured business continuity. 

TGW Logistics, a company specializing in internal logistics solutions, faced a challenge in managing CAD drawings across multiple teams and locations. Teams were at risk of working with files that were no longer up-to-date. They transitioned to a modern ECM platform, integrating the CAD Manager to efficiently manage and archive drawings created in AutoCAD. By doing this and discontinuing its legacy system, TGW ensured version control, global availability, and eliminated inconsistencies in data files.

Thanks to the CAD manager integration, TGW Logistics now enjoys a comprehensive overview of its project data, streamlining its internal processes. Global teams now have access to technical CAD drawings needed for calculations and control planning purposes. They’re always working with the most up-to-date version of documents and drawings, which reduces errors and the time required to create plant plans in teams. Read the TGW case study here.

In a nutshell, ECM solutions have emerged as powerful catalysts for efficiency and growth in the logistics industry. By embracing these technologies, logistics leaders are not only streamlining their information-based operations but also future-proofing their businesses in an ever-evolving market.