CARGOCONNECT-AUGUST 2025 - Flipbook - Page 56
Our global logistics teams—supported by regional
supply chain leaders—leverage advanced tools like TMS,
Control Towers, and real-time visibility platforms
to orchestrate every movement with control and
clarity. These technologies keep us informed, agile,
and proactive, even as products travel thousands of
kilometres.
For a Future-Ready Chemical Logistics Model
At AkzoNobel, logistics is more
than just moving products, it
quietly powers our promise of
delivering the right colour, in the
right place, at the right time.
When global disruptions hit, our
hybrid model of internal control
and trusted logistics partners
ensured we stayed agile. By
regionalising warehouses,
investing in real- time tracking,
and optimising transport routes,
we have cut lead times, reduced
costs, and improved service
reliability.
equipment, and certifications to
manage these materials with utmost
care and strict regulatory compliance. Safety is non-negotiable. We
thoroughly assess each partner’s
fleet condition, safety protocols,
driver training, and incident track
record. A modern, well-maintained
fleet not only minimises risk—it
signals the operational discipline
and reliability we demand.
Prominent Names dominating
our Logistics Game
At AkzoNobel, the seamless global
movement of our products relies on
more than just infrastructure—it
hinges on partnering with the right
logistics experts. Every on-time
delivery and smooth border clearance is made possible by LSPs who
deeply understand the complexity,
sensitivity, and urgency of our
operations.
Over the years, we’ve cultivated
strong, strategic partnerships with leading global LSPs such as
DHL Supply Chain, Kuehne + Nagel, DB Schenker, and H.Essers.
These partners are not merely service providers—they are vital
extensions of our supply chain, chosen through a rigorous process
based on performance, capabilities, and shared values.
Synchronising the Outbound Supply Chain: Tools and
Processes at Work
We expect our logistics partners to provide full real-time tracking
and end-to-end shipment visibility. Every movement—from origin
to destination—must be digitally traceable to enable smarter
planning, quicker response times, and clear communication.
Seamless integration with our Transportation Management System
(TMS), Warehouse Management System (WMS), and Enterprise
Resource Planning (ERP) systems via Application Programming
Interface (APIs) or Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is equally
critical. This not only ensures accurate, real-time data exchange
but also drives automation, reduces manual e昀昀ort, and accelerates
decision-making. Our LSPs must support electronic Proof of
Delivery (POD), invoicing, and customs documentation to ensure
speed, compliance, and transparency throughout the supply chain.
56 | CARGOCONNECT AUGUST 2025
At AkzoNobel, logistics is more than just moving
goods—it’s the backbone of our global supply chain.
Imagine a vast, intricate network connecting continents,
customers, and countless delivery points, all managed
with precision and agility. That’s where our unique
hybrid logistics model comes in.
In this model, our trusted 3PL and 4PL partners
handle day-to-day operations, ensuring the smooth
昀氀ow of goods across geographies. While our partners
are the operational engine, AkzoNobel remains 昀椀rmly
in the driver’s seat. Around 20–30% of our logistics
activities are managed directly by internal teams, who
shape the overall strategy, select the right partners, and
closely monitor performance to strike the ideal balance
of cost, service, and sustainability.
Ultimately, our hybrid model combines the scale
and agility of external partners with the strategic
oversight and innovation of our in-house teams. It’s a
collaborative framework that keeps AkzoNobel customerfocussed, future-ready, and fully in control—wherever
our products need to go.
Tactical Warehousing for Leaner, Faster, and
More Reliable SCM Dynamics
At AkzoNobel, warehousing isn’t just about storing
paint—it’s about delivering colour, precision, and
service exactly where and when it’s needed, with
maximum e昀케ciency.
Recognising that a one-size-昀椀ts-all model couldn’t
meet our diverse customer needs, we launched the
Excellence Program—a strategic initiative to standardise,
optimise, and future-proof our global warehousing
network.
We categorised warehouses by function and customer
demand: urban distribution centres for rapid delivery,
bulk storage near plants, and mixing sites JIT tinting.
Lean principles were introduced to minimise movement, optimise space, and standardise operations. In
high-volume sites, automation improved e昀케ciency in
tasks like pallet handling and labelling. A global WMS
upgrade provided real-time visibility, improving accuracy
and reducing lead times.
A key shift was the adoption of a hub-and-spoke
model, consolidating inventory in central hubs and
enabling faster last-mile ful昀椀lment through satellite
spokes. This reduced excess stock, improved service,
and optimised transport. In high-turnover segments, we
implemented VMI and cross-docking. For customised
shades, co-located tinting units within warehouses
shortened turnaround times.
Sustainability is also prioritised in our warehousing—from solar roofs and LED lighting to eco-friendly
forklifts and recyclable packaging stations.
