Lineage Logistics

“We choose for innovation, stability and a futureproof system.”

Peter Bryssinck, Director Warehouse Conversions at Lineage Logistics

Lineage Logistics, the world’s largest and most innovative temperature-controlled industrial REIT and logistics solutions provider, offers services for the complete supply chain for frozen goods – from receiving goods, to warehousing, value added activities and transportation. The logistics service provider started in the US, but is currently operating in around the world, from North America, Australia, New Zealand, Asia and Europe. Their customers have access to the largest and most dynamic network of cold storage facilities in the world.

To help these customers achieve their success, both now and in the future, the international logistics service provider is constantly expanding their infrastructure. Lineage Logistics Europe decided that the WMS of Boltrics would be the standard WMS for Europe.

Lineage Logistics is leading in cold storage and the total supply chain for frozen goods. The logistics service provider is always aiming to be the most innovative provider of cold storage warehouses in the world.

Innovative, stable, and futureproof

Peter Bryssinck, Director Warehouse Conversions at Lineage Logistics started to work with Boltrics’ software in the UK, Belgium and Netherlands in 2016. Peter: “We replaced an old WMS, because it was at its maximum in terms of new functionalities and extensions. We could no longer move forward.”

“Very often we tend to like what we have and if we buy something new, it must do exactly the same as we have today. But, that is not innovation.”

Peter Bryssinck

Director Warehouse Conversions at Lineage Logistics

The logistics service provider went on the search for a new WMS that would scale for the future. A customized solution was not an optimal solution. “Suppose I were to purchase a customized system and I have a wish for expansion. Then my system will be expanded, but in the long run, it will become a wasp nest of all kinds of customizations. If you then want a new version, it takes a lot of time and money to bring all that customization into the new version. Sometimes it is not even possible to transfer the old version to the new one. And ultimately you have a system that can no longer be updated and no longer contains new functionalities.”

And thus Boltrics’ branch standard caught their eye. “It is a choice. If you say: I choose for innovation, stability, and a futureproof system that can always be upgraded. Then you should choose Boltrics.”

Standard, but definitely not inflexible

“The main reason I was excited about the Boltrics system was that the workflows are very flexible. We can actually implement everything that we can think of without developing. That is a huge advantage because we can reduce the time of technical development testing.”

Save the tree project: a paperless operation

“We developed together with Boltrics new HTML5 scan screens, which can present much more information than the Telnet scanners. We reduced the walking times of the forklift drivers dramatically. They no longer have to walk 100 meters through the cold to collect a piece of paper in the office. It is saving us a couple of FTEs in the warehouse.”

“The lay-out of the screens and menus really match with the process we do on a day-to-day business.”

Peter Bryssinck

Director Warehouse Conversions at Lineage Logistics

“Besides, the driver does not have to leave his heated and comfortable forklift. He can just look at his screen, get assigned a new task, and perform this task. For example, we send a pdf with information about which heavy pallets need to be loaded first. He can then simply put in all the required information.”

Implementing internationally

As the world’s largest cold storage provider, implementations take place all over Europe. “The good thing is that Boltrics has local partners. For example in Denmark, we are working together with the local partner. These partners are really good connected to Boltrics and they know exactly how the Boltrics’ WMS is set up. Besides, my Danish is not that good. The partners speak the local language and have the local culture. So it is not only the technical knowledge of the partner that we use, but it is also the local knowledge of the partner.”

Nekovri Dynamics as the standard in Europe

“Lineage is concentrating on data and data analysis. Having one standard system all over Europe makes life much easier for us. For example, all our facilities have set up the same types of workflows. So that means that all data between the facilities in Europe can very easily be compared within the facilities, as well as be picked up and sent to the US data lake.”

Facts & figures

  • New sites from Lineage go live in less than 3 months.
  • There are 5 implementations in 7 months.
  • Lineage reduced the time of technical development testing thanks to the flexible workflows.
  • Scanning via Boltrics’ App Platform saved Lineage a couple of FTEs in the warehouse.

About Lineage Logistics

Lineage is the world’s largest and most innovative temperature-controlled industrial REIT and logistics solutions provider. Lineage’s expertise in end-to-end logistical solutions, its unrivaled real estate network and its use of technology combine to promote food safety, increase distribution efficiency, advance sustainability, lessen environmental impact, and minimize supply chain waste. As a result, Lineage helps customers ranging from Fortune 500 companies to small family-owned businesses increase their efficiency and protect the integrity of their temperature-controlled supply chain.