DDS Logistics solutions are to be used for the first time in the high-tech sector. Packard Bell, one of the world’s largest computer manufacturers and very well-placed on the European market, has chosen DDS Shipper software to control its Transport Management System (TMS).

This will cover the full range of its imports and the distribution streams between its suppliers (mostly in Asia) and its customers (large stores and retailers). The system will be operational by the beginning of 2008 and will manage more than four million products per year. These complex flows of merchandise by air, sea and land will be processed in Application Service Provider (ASP) mode.

packard bell DDS SHIPPER

Packard Bell launched its Transportation Optimisation Project (TOP) two years ago. The objectives were to review the organisation of its global logistics and improve control of the data related to the physical, financial and information flows between its departments and the different elements of its Supply Chain. With no integrated collaborative tool, the logistics department managed its flows using ACCESS databases and EXCEL spreadsheets, requiring repeated data entry, multiplying the risk of introducing errors and undeniably costing more time.

François Audrain, Logistics Manager for Packard Bell, explains: “We looked at two solutions when setting up this project: creating a tailor-made application internally, or outsourcing the service after a call for tenders. We decided on the second solution because of the integrated management of the logistics process it offered and the faster roll-out. DDS Logistics offered a highly professional application, requiring no modification to handle our complex logistical flows which involve a variety of stakeholders: suppliers, air and sea shippers, warehousing services, hauliers and more than 200 customers in both the fast-moving goods sector and specialised outlets.

We deliver millions of products using the just-in-time strategy, either to our customers’ own logistics hubs or directly to their points of sale. DDS Shipper will provide a collaborative portal interfacing with our partners’ ERP software and information management systems. We will have one single source of information and be able to track the process, from the customer’s order through to delivery.”

Greater visibility

From the beginning of 2008, DDS Shipper will provide Packard Bell with a TMS solution offering real-time visibility of its physical product flows, principally as they leave Asia.In addition, as a result of the incorporation of tariffs negotiated with service providers, this solution will allow improved control of logistics costs per product and the implementation of a pre-billing system for logistics along with related cost accounting.

The management model agreed between DDS Logistics and Packard Bell

Packard Bell has opted to use the system in ASP mode, with a Web interface hosted by DDS Logistics, thus freeing the company from concerns about application maintenance or updates, with monthly billing for services by DDS Logistics.