Case Study
The EUROBAUSTOFF Central Warehouse North (ZLNO) is part of the Eurobaustoff cooperation, the largest cooperation of building material dealers in Germany. Since its foundation in 1987, the central warehouse has supplied over 190 locations and more than 60 customers throughout northern Germany – from the Dutch border to Berlin, from the Danish border to Paderborn.
As a wholesaler of building materials, EUROBAUSTOFF Central Warehouse North sees itself as a partner to specialist retailers: It is an essential link between industry and specialist trade, supplying exclusively specialist markets and dealers who, in turn, serve craft businesses and professional customers.
The logistics service is particularly noteworthy: With its own fleet of ten vehicles and 19 drivers, EUROBAUSTOFF Central Warehouse North organizes complete deliveries in a two-shift operation. Orders received during the day are picked on the same day of receipt and delivered overnight. This service ensures high availability and provides the central warehouse with a clear competitive advantage.
Initial Situation
Before the introduction of opheo, EUROBAUSTOFF Central Warehouse North worked with three different systems for tour planning, track & trace, and mobile applications. The system’s use was severely restricted, as only a single license was available, meaning only one employee could work on tour planning at a time. This presented a significant bottleneck for a team with two fleet managers. Additionally, the existing software was already outdated. It was considered confusing, offered no modern user interface, and no longer met current requirements for efficient logistics control. Furthermore, the interface landscape was extremely complex, so changes in one system often led to problems in other applications. Another disadvantage was the high manual effort, especially in tour planning, as many work steps had to be performed without digital support. The initial situation made it clear: a modern, integrated solution was needed to both relieve the dispatchers and solve the interface problem.
The Solution with opheo
After a structured selection process, EUROBAUSTOFF Central Warehouse North decided to implement opheo. The decisive factors for this decision were automated tour creation, the fact that opheo offers all necessary functions from a single source, and its seamless integration into the existing system landscape.
Today, employees benefit from tour planning that supports order evaluation, loading, and driving time calculation. The system is complemented by a mobile application for drivers, which, as a tablet solution with integrated navigation, automatically stores all relevant addresses. Furthermore, integration into existing systems – such as the warehouse management system and fleet management via Webfleet – ensures continuous processes and a smooth flow of information. Real-time data on vehicle positions and remaining driving times also enable transparent and efficient control of the entire fleet.
The collaborative partnership with the opheo team is particularly valued. Instead of anonymous hotlines, there are dedicated contact persons who know the customers and provide individual support.
Results and benefits
With the introduction of opheo, EUROBAUSTOFF Central Warehouse North achieved significant improvements in dispatching. Instead of three different applications, a single system is now used, combining all central functions.
As a result, efficiency in the dispatching team has been noticeably increased: two fleet managers now work in parallel within the system, without being hindered by license restrictions. The interface problems that frequently occurred in the past are also history, as the connection to the warehouse management system and other systems now functions stably and reliably. Another important advantage is the significantly improved clarity. The modern user interface simplifies daily work, shortens training times, and creates more transparency in processes. Drivers also benefit noticeably: the mobile app is easy to use, and the integrated navigation is particularly valued. Previously, addresses had to be manually entered into the truck navigation system daily; today, the route opens with a single click, as all relevant addresses are automatically stored. This saves time and reduces potential sources of error.
The work of dispatchers has also fundamentally changed. Through parallel use and direct support in tour planning, processes can be significantly accelerated. This allows more orders to be planned efficiently and reliably in a shorter time, which sustainably optimizes overall transport processing.
Outlook
EUROBAUSTOFF Central Warehouse North plans to systematically expand the use of opheo in the coming years. The focus will be on two central projects aimed at significantly increasing efficiency and data quality.
One focus is the introduction of the Optimizer, which will largely automate tour planning. While the dispatching team currently needs around 90 minutes to create the daily tour plan, this effort is expected to decrease to less than an hour in the future. The time savings will allow downstream processes in order picking to start earlier, leading to an overall smoother workflow.
Furthermore, a new connection to the merchandise management system is planned. Previously, integration was carried out via a rather simple interface. In the future, an extended connection is intended to ensure improved data quality and more consistent processes.
Strategically, the topic also plays an important role within the Eurobaustoff cooperation. It is regularly discussed whether other central warehouses should adopt a transport management system. While many locations still outsource their transports to external service providers, EUROBAUSTOFF Central Warehouse North sees clear advantages in its own dispatching – from greater transparency and better control to higher efficiency.
Conclusion
EUROBAUSTOFF Central Warehouse North has found a modern, integrated solution with opheo that significantly simplifies daily dispatching and brings noticeable benefits to both drivers and dispatchers. The efficiency gains, improved transparency, and smooth collaboration with the opheo team make the software a central component of the logistics strategy. The strategic integration of Webfleet via opheo for fleet management also supports the planning and control of their own fleet.
With the planned expansions, particularly the introduction of the Optimizer and the improved interface connection, EUROBAUSTOFF Central Warehouse North will further optimize its processes and leverage the advantages of digital dispatching even more effectively.
FAQ
How Does the Solution Ensure Traceability (Track & Trace)?
Via our TMS, end-to-end tracking with batch/serial numbers, UDI for medical devices, scan points in real time and a complete audit trail can be tracked down to shipment, package and article level.
Are the Solutions Suitable for Pharma, MedTech, Blood and Sample Logistics?
Yes. Workflows for sensitive goods (e.g. blood products, diagnostic samples) including temperature zones, time windows, priorities, QA approvals and special documents can be planned as a tour in opheo or tracked during transport via service provider in our TMS LP2.
How Do We Integrate ERP/WMS?
Via standardized APIs/EDI; master data, orders, measured values and documents flow bidirectionally. Sensors and telematics can be connected, ETAs and status visible in portals.
What Functions are Available for Clinic, Pharmacy and Homecare Delivery?
Fine planning according to time windows/ramps, city logistics restrictions, contactless POD, returns and homecare routes with patient-related time windows.
Does the Software Support Audit Trail and Electronic Signatures?
Yes. Tamper-proof audit trail, role-based approvals and electronic signatures.
How Does Freight Audit/Invoice Matching Work in Regulated Environments?
Automatic reconciliation of tariffs/surcharges, plausibility checks per service level, clean account assignment/cost centers and audit-proof approvals.
How Do the Solutions Support Recalls and Returns?
Targeted tracing of affected batches, blocking/stop functions, prioritized collection, documented destruction/return and regulatorily compliant documentation – Everything can be mapped in our solutions.
How are Data Protection (GDPR), IT Security and Client Separation Implemented?
Encryption in transit/at rest, roles & rights, client separation, deletion/retention rules, logging and regular pen tests.
Is there Live Transparency for Purchasing, QA and Recipients?
Yes. Dashboards/portals with shipment status, ETA, POD, alarms and KPI reports; fewer queries, faster decisions, both in dispatch and in carrier management.