Jumbo optimizes e-commerce logistics with Greenplan from EPG

The reliable adherence to delivery time windows is crucial for customer satisfaction and economic success in online grocery retail. In light of the challenges posed by tight time frames, high order volumes, and increasing traffic density, the Dutch supermarket chain Jumbo has restructured its e-commerce logistics. The intelligent route planning and optimization solution Greenplan from Ehrhardt Partner Group (EPG) was implemented in this process. The transition resulted in higher delivery reliability, increased productivity, and a reduction in fleet requirements.

Jumbo is one of the largest grocery retailers in the Netherlands and operates an extensive delivery network for online sales. Over 600 vehicles are in operation daily to deliver orders directly to end customers. However, with the growth of e-commerce, the demands on route planning have also increased. Despite using established planning software in conjunction with a transport management system, there were frequent deviations in delivery times. The high manual effort in scheduling negatively impacted customer satisfaction. For this reason, Jumbo decided to implement Greenplan. The data-driven approach of the solution, which takes into account time-dependent traffic patterns, was a decisive factor in the choice.

Consider dynamic traffic conditions in planning

In grocery e-commerce, even a few minutes can determine compliance with a delivery time window. Traffic conditions change significantly throughout the day, which Greenplan already considers in the planning phase. The solution not only determines the optimal route but also the most favorable start time for a tour. Additionally, it supports scheduling in responding quickly to new orders or operational disruptions. Jan Leensen, Project Lead at Jumbo, emphasizes the efficient collaboration during the project and highlights that involving the right people from the beginning was crucial for swift progress.

The implementation of Greenplan was realized within five months across Jumbo’s entire Dutch delivery network. This was achieved through close cooperation between the departments, IT, and experts from Greenplan. Shortly after the go-live, significant improvements in operational performance were evident. Delivery reliability noticeably increased, positively impacting customer satisfaction. Furthermore, productivity rose by six percent, while the number of required vehicles could be reduced. Drivers benefit from the more realistically planned tours, which offer less time loss in traffic and a more even tour structure.

Planning quality as a competitive advantage

The project at Jumbo illustrates the impact of precise and realistic route planning on the performance of a delivery network. In grocery e-commerce, where both high service quality and cost-effectiveness are required, the quality of planning is increasingly becoming a decisive competitive factor. Florian Merget, CEO of Greenplan, explains that planning based on actual conditions not only improves operational execution but also enhances productivity, resource utilization, and customer satisfaction. With Greenplan, Jumbo has implemented a scalable planning platform that supports the growth of its e-commerce business and ensures efficient and reliable deliveries.

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