KLM Cargo has launched a pilot project to optimise the supply chain with improvements introduced over period of a weeks at a time in a bid to create the ideal design by April 2017 – which will then be applied at other European stations.
The carrier is participating in a consortium representing all the parties involved in the supply chain. Partners include Schiphol Cargo, Jan de Rijk Logistics, Cargonaut, Swissport, Kuehne+Nagel and the Customs Services and Tax Authorities.
Yesterday morning, the first newly scheduled cargo trucks arrived carrying goods from Frankfurt. A distinction is now being drawn between shipments with shorter connecting times and those with less time pressure.
KLM Cargo says introducing the new schedule is also the first step towards setting up a Cloud platform facilitating data exchange amongst the co-operating parties. This means once data has been delivered ‘real time’ by other parties in the supply chain, it can be reused, supplemented or modified where necessary.
From the start, the information is also automatically verified against the applicable customs regulations and safety standards. Not only will this support the exchange of administrative data, it will also facilitate the exchange of status information relating to the shipments.
KLM Cargo executive vice president, Marcel de Nooijer says: “This is an important adjustment for KLM Cargo, making it possible to further optimise the transhipment process at Schiphol. But, more importantly, this will enable KLM Cargo to enhance the quality of the customer services it provides.
“By shortening the throughput times for shipments from Europe and making the entire supply chain simpler and more transparent, KLM Cargo can offer its customers far greater predictability regarding delivery.”
Schiphol Cargo head, Jonas van Stekelenburg explains the project involves using each other’s data: “Cooperation of this nature is tricky for all the respective parties. You have to look beyond your own needs and work hard to get the job done for one another. It’s excellent that KLM and its partners are able to find common ground here.
“The supply chain optimisation project generates both savings and additional business. After all, because KLM’s findings will be open to everyone, the project will promote the cargo business Schiphol-wide.
The project is supported by the national Neutral Logistic Information Platform (NLIP) steering committee and forms part of government’s policy on leading sectors. In the logistics sector, the Netherlands government aims to raise efficiency and enhance the quality of logistics to ensure the Netherlands maintains its international standing as a leader in this sector in 2020 and beyond.
