Digitalising Concrete Logistics: How Geiger Connects Transport Planning and Delivery Processes
The Geiger Group uses opheo, the transport planning and scheduling software from Solvares Logistics, to digitalise its concrete logistics operations. Around 25 truck mixers are managed using the software. opheo connects transport planning with existing IT systems and enables delivery notes to be recorded electronically on construction sites. This reduces manual processes, makes information available more quickly and improves operational transparency.
The Initial Situation: Information Flow Between the Concrete Plant, Vehicles and Construction Sites
Delivering ready-mixed concrete requires close coordination between concrete batching plants, transport planners, drivers and construction sites. Orders need to be available for scheduling without additional manual data entry. At the same time, services actually performed on site must be accurately documented so that the relevant information can be processed promptly for invoicing. Geiger has gradually digitalised this entire process, starting with vehicle scheduling and subsequently introducing electronic proof of delivery.
opheo as a Central Data Hub for Ready-Mixed Concrete Transport Planning
What began as a pilot project within the Geiger Group has developed into a wider rollout of the software. Today, opheo supports the scheduling of around 25 truck mixers, with vehicles assigned to jobs at the click of a button. A Gantt chart gives the planning team a clear overview of order statuses, the locations of concrete deliveries and any potential deviations from the schedule.
At the same time, opheo acts as an interface between customer address management, quality assurance and the ERP systems used by the concrete batching plants. Orders are transferred automatically via interfaces, eliminating the need for duplicate manual data entry. This is particularly important for internal orders, which, according to the case study, account for approximately 50% of revenue.
Electronic Delivery Notes: Signatures Captured Directly on Site
In August 2021, Geiger completed the implementation of electronic delivery notes. Since then, customers have been able to sign proof of delivery directly on a tablet. If required, a small printed receipt can also be issued using a mobile printer.
For truck-mounted concrete pumps, drivers use the opheo app to record the services actually performed, step by step. These include hose length, operating time, the volume of concrete pumped, additional services, waiting times and unsuccessful delivery attempts. This information is captured directly on site rather than being documented later through paper-based processes.
Faster Processing and Greater Transparency
Once a job is completed, the updated delivery information is immediately available in opheo. Following a quality check, the data can be used for invoicing. The signed delivery note is also sent as a PDF to the designated email recipients. This speeds up the flow of information, reduces paperwork for drivers and makes it easier for customers to track their deliveries.
Implementation Without Disrupting Ongoing Operations
Geiger switched all its truck-mounted concrete pumps to the digital delivery note process simultaneously. To prepare for the transition, drivers received individual training sessions lasting approximately 30 minutes each. Paper delivery notes were initially carried as a backup, but according to the documented project experience, Geiger did not need to revert to the manual process. Geiger Beton subsequently rolled out the digital solution to three ready-mixed concrete plants.
Geiger Case Study: Key Results at a Glance
- Around 25 truck mixers are scheduled using opheo.
- Orders are transferred directly from the concrete batching plants to the transport planning system via interfaces.
- Proof of delivery documents are signed electronically directly on site.
- Once a job is completed, service data is available digitally for verification and invoicing.
- PDF delivery notes simplify customer documentation and reduce paperwork.
The case study demonstrates how connected concrete logistics can be achieved, from order transfer and transport planning through to digital documentation and the subsequent processing of delivery data. The results described reflect process improvements documented in this specific application. The original case study does not provide quantified time or cost savings.
Mone Informationen at: www.geigergruppe.com
Read the full case study here: Geiger Case Study
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FAQ
How Does the Geiger Group Digitalise Its Concrete Logistics with opheo?
The Geiger Group uses opheo, the transport planning and scheduling software from Solvares Logistics, to digitally plan and manage its concrete deliveries. Around 25 truck mixers are scheduled using the software. opheo also connects transport planning with existing IT systems and supports the digital processing of order and delivery information.
What Are the Benefits of Using opheo for Truck Mixer Scheduling?
opheo provides a centralised overview of scheduled transport orders, vehicle locations and current delivery statuses. Its graphical interface helps transport planners monitor the progress of concrete deliveries and identify potential delays at an early stage. This gives Geiger greater visibility and transparency across its day-to-day operations.
How Do Electronic Delivery Notes Work at the Geiger Group?
When delivering concrete, customers can sign the delivery note directly on a tablet. Drivers use the opheo app to digitally record the relevant delivery and service data. Once processed, the signed delivery note can be emailed as a PDF to the designated contacts. This significantly reduces the need for paper-based documentation.
Can opheo Be Integrated with Existing ERP Systems?
Yes. At Geiger, opheo acts as a central data hub, connecting transport planning, customer address management, quality assurance and the ERP systems used by the concrete batching plants. Transport orders are transferred via interfaces, eliminating the need for duplicate manual data entry.
How Does opheo Support Invoicing for Concrete Deliveries?
Once a delivery is completed, the digitally recorded service data is immediately available in opheo. For concrete pumping operations, this includes details such as hose length, the volume of concrete pumped, operating times and additional services provided. This information simplifies verification and speeds up the preparation of invoices.
What Results Has Geiger Achieved by Digitalising Its Concrete Logistics?
With opheo, Geiger has created a more integrated approach to transport planning, delivery documentation and the processing of transport data. Electronic delivery notes reduce paperwork, digitally available service data simplifies invoicing, and centrally accessible transport information improves transparency. Following the successful implementation, the digital delivery note process was also rolled out to three ready-mixed concrete plants.