Rising sales figures and more complex supply chains require new logistics structures. The building materials manufacturer therefore intends to supply its customers, point of sale and international subsidiaries via several distribution centers (DC) in Germany and Europe in the future. The first DC was to be realized in Central Germany.
The aim of the project was to analyze the forecast logistical load and to find and commission an optimum logistics service provider to operate the DC in Central Germany and provide the necessary space. The services included warehousing, order picking and shipping, as well as value-added services such as tinting operations for plasters and paints.
In one of the first steps, a market research was carried out to identify potential service providers with suitable storage capacities in Central Germany. Based on previously defined suitability criteria, the service providers were evaluated for a pre-selection.

In collaboration with the client, those service providers were selected who were to participate in the tender. The basis for this was an RFI (Request for Information), in which the diverse requirements, the technical key data and the service specifications were summarized. In the subsequent RFQ (Request for Quotation), VCE worked with the customer to define processes, quantities, interfaces, deadlines, time limits, and contact persons. In particular, the requirements due to water-polluting substances had to be taken into account. The final award negotiations and reference visits were prepared and moderated by VCE. After two rounds of negotiations, the most suitable logistics service provider was selected for the client with the support of VCE.

Image: Fotolia (Johnny Lye)