Logistics service provider DJMiddelkoop chooses efficiency and innovation
Since 1932, family-owned company DJMiddelkoop has been striving to make its logistics processes as efficient and seamless as possible. We spoke with Danny Grapendaal, Logistics Coordinator at DJMiddelkoop:
“We are constantly thinking about how to optimize automation in transport. This way, we never stand still when it comes to innovation and sustainability.”
The company currently operates one fully electric truck, with a second on order. The electrification of the fleet is therefore being implemented in a phased and responsible manner within the organization.
With a strong focus on innovation, DJMiddelkoop is also looking closely at its warehouse processes and the required hardware. Following the implementation of the latest Datalogic Memor 11 mobile devices, the company is well prepared for the future.
Import and export
DJMiddelkoop receives dozens of import and export orders every day. The contents range from rolls of carpet to pharmaceutical products, which undergo X-ray screening. Seven days a week, DJMiddelkoop handles import and export freight from all over the world, operating from its locations at Schiphol and Maastricht Airport.
After receiving an arrival notice, a driver collects the shipment from Schiphol. The team leader is responsible for allocating the shipments based on the purchase order (PO) or airway bill.
Danny Grapendaal adds: “Our in-house DJMiddelkoop WMS streamlines the unloading and loading of routes, with visibility into order numbers. The use of mobile devices is essential for location assignment, movement of freight within the warehouse, and distribution.”
Looking for the right mobile devices
DJMiddelkoop previously worked with a manual cross-docking process without barcoding. This required a lot of manual handling, making the process prone to errors. There was a lack of real-time information, clearly indicating the need for a more efficient setup.
“For the selection of new hardware, we did not only look at a brand or a supplier. The price–quality ratio of the product was an important factor for us,” Danny explains. “Based on that, the Datalogic Memor 11 came out on top.”
It was also important for DJMiddelkoop that the hardware could be delivered quickly, due to the urgency of the project. “Fortunately, communication between us and CaptureTech went smoothly, and the Datalogic Memor 11 devices were delivered promptly, allowing us to get started right away.”
Cultural match
DJMiddelkoop is a true family business. This is reflected in its flat and accessible organizational structure—an attribute that CaptureTech also values highly. Danny explains: “We regularly run into members of the previous Middelkoop generation, who stop by for a chat on the work floor. That’s special.”
The collaboration between DJMiddelkoop and CaptureTech originated from a networking event on the business park, which set things in motion. In addition to the fact that CaptureTech and DJMiddelkoop are practically neighbors, there is also a strong cultural match. Danny adds: “CaptureTech, like DJMiddelkoop, is a flat organization. This makes communication easy, fast, and straightforward.”
All information with one scan
Danny Grapendaal explains: “We now have a clear overview of the contents of incoming trucks. With a single scan of the driver’s badge, you have all the shipment information. Human errors have also been minimized, and everything runs faster and more efficiently, which of course results in cost savings.”
At DJMiddelkoop, the plan is to further refine the system and have all processes run via the device. Loading and unloading for third parties is more complex, as it involves additional handling steps and requires more input from customers. “That will be the next step toward full automation,” Danny says enthusiastically.
A look to the future
DJMiddelkoop never stands still when it comes to innovation and sustainability. The electrification of the fleet is a strong example of this: the company currently operates one fully electric truck, with a second on order. This forms part of the internal innovation program, Destination Zero.
With a continued focus on renewal, DJMiddelkoop is also closely examining its warehouse processes and the required hardware. Danny explains: “We are always looking at improvements to our app and how we can further develop it, for example through automation and AI.”
Following the implementation of the latest Datalogic Memor 11 mobile devices, delivered by CaptureTech, DJMiddelkoop is well prepared for the future.
Bekijk de website van DJMiddelkoop voor meer informatie.
