[asset_ref id=”448″]Logistics & Distribution is always a hotly contested category and this year was no exception. In fact, there were so many good entries that the judges decided to split the category by creating a new Award for Excellence in Logistics Centre Operations.
Looking at Logistics & Distribution in a wider sense the judges shortlisted the above entries. There were many examples of excellence. However, the top runners were BSkyB with UTL, Toyota in partnership with CitySprint & Bibby Distribution and Unilever. BSkyB demonstrated close collaboration with UTL, creating an operation that was capable of dealing with a near tripling in size of business in a two to three year time frame. But then there was Toyota.
(From left: Chris Sturman, chief executive, FSDF; Alistair Taylor, logistics development, Unilever Supply Chain Company; Simon Smith, vice president logistics; Peter Ernsting, senior vice president, supply chain Europe, and chairman Unilever Supply Chain Company; Sylwia Slowik, bulk and ocean freight manager; Mathais John, logistics operations manager; Rufus Hound)
Toyota’s plan to offer a same-day service for parts is an innovation for the sector. The company’s “Fix it right, first time” philosophy was a primary driver for the same-day service and with Bibby Distribution and CitySprint it has been executed well. With order cut-off at midday and delivery fulfilment by 3pm, all processes have to run smoothly – which they seem to be achieving at 99.59 per cent, with 99.9 per cent pick accuracy. This was a very close contender for the Award, so close in fact, that the judges gave it the distinction of Highly Commended.
However, this year’s winner of the Logistics & Distribution Award had to be Unilever. The company’s strategic realignment of its European distribution operation on an “internal 4PL” basis
brings enormous scale and leverage to its European transport network. The new model demonstrates a radical change in thinking. By setting up a European control tower in Katowice, Poland, to co-ordinate activity across the continent, Unilever is able to offer higher customer service at lower cost and with lower carbon emissions. Over 30,000 orders a month are managed through UltraLogistik and the cost per order has been reduced by 75 per cent. The judges felt this initiative has the potential to change logistics in the FMCG sector.
Winner
Unilever
Highly commended
Toyota in partnership with CitySprint & Bibby Distribution
Shortlisted
BSkyB and UTL
Cadbury UK
Joint Support Chain Services
McNeil Nutritionals
Ministry of Defence
Palletline
Vibracoustic Polska
Unilever Toyota in partnership with CitySprint & Bibby Distribution
