Replacing a legacy Transport Management Solution
Verhoek Europe is an international logistics service provider with fourteen locations. The family business was recently passed to the third generation, which also triggered a technological innovation. Rappit supported Verhoek Europe in this project as their trusted implementation partner to replace its outdated Transport Management System (TMS) with a solution based on the Thinkwise platform. The project included the development of advanced TMS modules, as well as integrations with fleet management software, on-board computers, and external databases. An AI-enabled module was developed to automatically process export documents. The project resulted in a 25% improvement in operational efficiency.
Their challenges
- Verhoek Europe is a leading specialist in the warehousing and transportation of extra-long goods such as industrial doors, carpets, and artificial grass. The vehicle fleet consists of around 425 trucks and 550 trailers operating in 14 locations across Europe.
- Legacy TMS: Verhoek Europe’s primary operation was supported by a Transport Management System (developed in Visual Basic) for many years. This system was very outdated with no further development, which meant it was in dire need of replacement to allow faster modification of the software and continued functional development.
- Standard TMS package not sufficient for Verhoek Europe’s needs (2 failed implementations) due to unique business needs and way of working (extra long goods).
- Need to quickly develop a Brexit module to digitize and automate the administrative burden of transport between the UK and Europe.
Our solutions
- Develop a tailor-made TMS: Verhoek Europe Operational System for Order Management with Thinkwise platform for complete cycle from requirements to working solution. Developed in an iterative approach.
- Main entities of the TMS: Customers, Orders, Order Lines, Drivers, Cars, Routes and Equipment.
- Iterative development approach by a small 4-member core team combined with fast prototyping to get input from the business; total roadmap 1+ years.
- Integrated into back-end systems & external databases: Transics onboard computer, Ultimo Fleet Management, Opt1Dev (planning), Wics WMS, Afas (HR), and Exact (Finance). As well as external databases (such as UK Customs, Ferry companies, and Eurotunnel).
- Custom-developed AI-enabled document solution based on the Rappit Undoc solution to automatically process hundreds of export documents daily into the TMS.
Results
- >25% more efficient: Replacing an inflexible, legacy TMS and digitizing Word-, Excel-, and Outlook-based processes. Resulting in a more efficient operation, with less overhead, less manual work, and fewer errors in e.g. billing.
- <7 man-days required to deliver a Proof of Concept of complete functionality.
- 100% match with the unique company processes and built in an agile mode together with the business owners.
- Future-ready software foundation: The solution serves as an expandable basis for supply chain collaboration, and IoT and Machine Learning.
Verhoek Europe
Verhoek Europe is a logistics service provider with more than 60 years of experience. The family company, with its roots in the carpet industry, has now developed into a professional and versatile international service provider for which quality, commitment, service, and availability go hand in hand.
General cargoes, extra long cargoes, pallets: Verhoek Europe meets all needs for distribution, transport, or warehousing. Verhoek Europe is able to optimally serve its customers in Europe from its own locations and European service points.