Nagel Group Optimizes Returnable Management with Logistikbude

The Nagel Group relies on Logistikbude GmbH to optimize its returnable management: The Dortmund start-up enables real-time digital management of returnable items such as pallets or Euro boxes at all 130 company locations with its namesake software solution. This marks another step for the group in its digitization and sustainability strategy and also simplifies internal administrative processes.

(Dortmund/Hamburg) As one of the leading food logistics companies in Europe, the Nagel Group transports goods in all shipment sizes and temperature classes. The full implementation of the solution is expected to be completed in the first half of the year. “Transforming the load carrier management for an industry giant like the Nagel Group is an exciting project for us – and it shows that there is a great need, especially in the transport and logistics sector, to digitize returnable management. Not only to save costs but primarily to relieve our employees,” says Dr. Philipp Hüning, CEO and co-founder of Logistikbude. The software solution developed at Fraunhofer IML makes all loading aids at the Nagel Group – from Euro pallets to plastic pallets (H1) to Euro boxes – digitally visible in real-time across locations. “Every load carrier that goes through the Nagel world will be booked and coordinated by Logistikbude in the future,” says Hüning. This optimizes coordination processes, allowing employees to be relieved and focus fully on their main tasks. Additionally, the digital visibility of loading aids reduces the repurchase rate, as Euro boxes can no longer simply “disappear” from the value chain. This saves emissions on one hand and costs for avoidable new purchases on the other.

Returnable Management of the Future: Transparency and Automation

“As one of the pioneers of digital transformation in the logistics industry, part of our strategy is to continuously optimize our processes to make work as easy as possible for our team and to use our resources efficiently,” says Jens Kleiner, COO of the Nagel Group. “The cloud-based software from Logistikbude can be directly integrated into our existing workflows and is therefore quickly ready for use – that convinced us right away.” In addition, the software solution offers numerous helpful tools – among other things, intelligent forecasting and inventory and demand planning facilitate the management of the own load carrier stock. With the help of automated booking, recurring entries can be easily automated. The customers of the Nagel Group also benefit from the digitized returnable management: Through a web link, they can also track where the booked loading aids are located, which significantly improves communication among themselves as well as customer satisfaction.

Adapted to On-Site Requirements

As a basis for collaboration, the Logistikbude team has deeply engaged in the processes at various locations of the Nagel Group in so-called deep dives and evaluated them. “This ensures that the functions of our software solution are optimally adapted to the on-site requirements. We also implement the wishes and suggestions of the employees. They know their own processes best and will ultimately use our software solution,” says Hüning.

Implementation Expected to be Completed in the First Half of the Year

The company-wide implementation is expected to be completed in the first half of the year. At the same time, the software is continuously being developed to respond to customer requirements, take advantage of technological developments, and evolve with the market. “Our software is based on current technologies, such as artificial intelligence in image processing or the Internet of Things (IoT), which will only get better and become more prevalent in the coming years. We will also continuously refine and optimize our software solution for our partners.”

Photo: © Nagel Group Image Caption (l.r.): Dr. Philipp Hüning – Co-Founder & CEO Logistikbude; Jens Kleiner – COO of the Nagel Group; Michael Koscharnyj – Co-Founder & COO Logistikbude; Björn Hobusch – Head of Business Services & OpEx of the Nagel Group