Managing increasing parcel volumes
Against the backdrop of strongly increasing parcel volumes, CEP service providers are faced with the challenge of optimising processes and services whilst trying to boost efficiency. As a result, more and more subcontractors are being tasked with handling these increased parcel volumes. Due to heterogenous (if at all existing) software systems, the data transfer poses challenges for stakeholders involved.
This is where DAKO GmbH comes in, with the research project KEP-Coop. The goal was to completely digitally map, support and dynamise the entire logistics process from arrival to the distribution area to the documentation of a successful delivery. The project was funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Research contents and practice
A particular challenge for the project was an intergrated appoach to a cooperative delivery chain, which posed additional challenges in terms of standardisation and flexibility in finding a solution. In order to make the process chain for connecting subcontractors digital, DAKO, in cooperation with its project partners, developed a digital “twin” of the delivery item. All information should be accessible at any time via the digital image of the consignment, including features such as weight, size, delivery confirmation or status recording. This guarantees a clean handover from the CEP logistics providers to the delivery partners.
Building on the digital package image, additional modules were developed, from dynamic route planning to IT-based loading planning and real-time route control, to IT-supported delivery and status feedback from subcontractors to the CEP service provider. This resulted in a digital support system with standards for CEP logistics, which made it possible have a streamlined, seamless data exchange between CEP service providers and subcontractors.
The project ran from September 2020 to February 2023 and was funded by ERDF (The European Regional Development Fund).
Project partners
For this project, DAKO GmbH worked with long-term partners United Parcel Services Deutschland S.à.r.l & Co OHG (UPS) and FUNKE Logistik GmbH to gain important practical experience in CEP and media logistics. The process modules were developed, tested and optimised using examples from the cooperation between UPS and FUNKE and their joint feedback.