Hartog en Bikker B.V.

For Hartog & Bikker, another key factor was the desire to retain control over the software. The organization was looking for a cloud solution that could be managed and configured by its own employees, so that key users could independently adjust and optimize processes.

The way information was made available also needed to change.

“I think it’s unnecessary to have to compile a single report from multiple sources. Now we get all the information from a single source, which makes reporting much more efficient,” said van Mourik.

First, the basics: processes before software

With Boltrics, Hartog & Bikker opted for a single, centralized work environment for its warehouse processes. The implementation at Vuren built on the experience gained earlier in Oss and Zoeterwoude, but started from scratch: first the processes, then the software configuration. The project team therefore mapped out the entire operation in advance. This preparation not only ensured an efficient implementation but also provided new insights within the organization.

“We documented our processes as thoroughly as possible in advance, so that the consultant immediately had a clear picture of how our organization works. We had been maintaining some processes mainly out of habit. During the implementation, we took a critical look at them and found that a different approach was more efficient in many cases,”

In addition to the warehouse processes, Hartog & Bikker in Vuren also uses the Value Added Logistics module for its repackaging activities. This module supports, among other things, bills of materials, material consumption, and production orders from a single platform. The implementation in Vuren thus directly serves as the foundation for the further rollout of these processes to other locations.

Real-time insight makes all the difference

Hartog & Bikker has noticed the biggest change in the day-to-day use of data. Whereas employees previously had to gather information from various files, they now have access to up-to-date information from a single system. As a result, analyses are not only available more quickly, but are also more reliable.

There are also significant differences on the work floor. Before the implementation, the Vuren location operated largely without a warehouse management system.

“Our Vuren location made the transition from no WMS to a fully digital process. Whereas CMRs were previously processed manually in Excel, everything is now handled via scanning. This gives us full control within Boltrics and has significantly reduced both the number of manual steps and the risk of errors. For us, that control is where the greatest benefit lies.”

Repackaging activities have also been organized more efficiently. Thanks to the Value Added Logistics module, the system automatically calculates which materials are needed for production orders, giving employees greater flexibility in execution.

That flexibility aligns with what Van Mourik considers the solution’s greatest strength.

“What I really appreciate about Boltrics is the freedom within the system: we can manage and customize a lot ourselves, which makes us less dependent on external support.”

Continuous improvement

With three locations now live, the focus is on further optimizing the existing environment. The next step is to implement a more comprehensive Value-Added Logistics solution in Den Bosch. Hartog & Bikker then plans to apply the knowledge gained there to other locations as well.

“The next step is to further optimize the locations that are now live, so that we can make even better use of the available data and analyses.”

For Van Mourik, the next phase is therefore not about new systems, but about further refining the existing processes.