Wallenius Wilhelmsen logistics (WWl)

case study

Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics (WWL) maximizes

vessel space utilization with Quintiq cargo planning solution

Wallenius Wilhelmsen logistics (WWl) maximizes Vessel space utilization With QuintiQ cargo planning solution

supply chain planning & optimization 2

Wallenius Wilhelmsen logistics (WWl) | case study

Each year Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics (WWL), one of the leading providers of global factory-to-dealer transport solutions, transports more than 4.3 million vehicles and 350 tons of complex cargo – rail cars, power generators, and mining equipment – between ports around the world. Optimizing vessel space utilization on each of these trips is one of WWL’s key challenges.

“Our 15 global planners manage 2.3 million shipped units, handing off plans from one planner to another as vessels move between ports. The efficiency Quintiq brings to our organization is tremendous.”

– Torbjörn Dimblad, VP Ocean Systems, WWL

This complex task requires balancing customer commitments with diverse cargos available for pickup at multiple ports, different types of vessels, and last-minute changes due to the dynamic nature of the spot cargo market. The Quintiq solution enables 15 planners spread among five global offices to efficiently manage large data volumes and maximize the utilization of WWL’s vessels.

Wallenius Wilhelmsen logistics (WWl) maximizes Vessel space utilization With QuintiQ cargo planning solution

supply chain planning & optimization 3

Wallenius Wilhelmsen logistics (WWl) | case study

Eliminating manual cargo planningand standardizing processesWWL’s short-term planning process begins with input from global customer care representatives regarding the expected cargo that should be loaded and unloaded at different ports. Based on this input, planners allocate cargo to specific vessels. While planning starts 90 days in advance, most of it is performed in the two to three weeks before vessel departure. Prior to implementation of the Quintiq solution, cargo allocation was handled manually using various tools such as spreadsheets and multiple in-house applications.

With vessels constantly moving cargo from port to port, plans need to be handed off between planners working in different regions. But, the lack of standardized

planning tactics and systems made this fragmented process long and cumbersome. Additionally, dueto frequent last-minute changes, such as additional cargo pickup requests from forwarders, re-planning at the eleventh hour is often needed – a real struggle without supporting tools.

Having an integrated global planning solution that would facilitate planning processes across regions and allow planners to manage the enormous amounts of data became paramount in order to optimize vessel space allocation.

“One of the unique things about Quintiq is its tremendous ability

to work with huge amounts of data. It’s all there in front of you:

drag and drop, real-time alerts regarding violations of

constraints, and real-time visibility into the financial and

logistical implications.”

– Torbjörn Dimblad, VP Ocean Systems, WWL

Wallenius Wilhelmsen logistics (WWl) maximizes Vessel space utilization With QuintiQ cargo planning solution

supply chain planning & optimization 4

Wallenius Wilhelmsen logistics (WWl) | case study

Offices: www.quintiq.com/locationsEmail: info@quintiq.com | Web: www.quintiq.com

Real time cargo vessel planning and decision supportThe Quintiq solution, running live at WWL’s global offices since March 2009, has introduced a standardized planning process, significantly elevating efficiency levels. WWL’s planners now all share the same real-time data and run varied scenarios to understand the impact of specific cargo mixes and vessel allocation changes. As vessels move between ports, planners share allocation plans and efficiently optimize vessel space allocation.

“Our vessel planners now have a unique working environment with all the necessary information to make the right decisions at their fingertips,” says Torbjörn Dimblad, VP Ocean Systems at WWL. “The greatest advantage is that they are able to make planning decisions, see if business constraints have been violated in real time, and thus make improved decisions as far as allocating space on our vessels.” For example, a micro-chart shows vessel space allocation vs. bookings, allowing planners to immediately notice large discrepancies and re-plan as necessary. Additional functionality, such as real-time alerts for customer or operational constraint violations, are part of the instantaneous planning support provided by Quintiq.

The Quintiq software integrates with four IT systems used by WWL, including short- and long-term forecasting systems, an operational booking system, and a reporting layer. “What’s unique about the integration is that it is two-way, allowing planners to view not only cargo forecasts, but also what is actually happening – using data from the booking system – which is critical for accurate decision making in a dynamic environment,” says Dimblad.

“As a global organization wishing to standardize our cargo planning process, we required both thorough analysis and alignment across geographic regions,” adds Dimblad. “Once we had completed this stage internally, I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly we could turn those requirements into an actual product with Quintiq. ”The built-in flexibility of the Quintiq system allowed WWL to tailor the system to its exact needs and processes. For instance, an additional module was built to facilitate long term tonnage planning and create a dialog between commercial and tonnage planners. “If you need to build a system to a process and then find you want to change the process, Quintiq allows you to do it much more efficiently. The configurability of the platform is terrific,” notes Dimblad.

Full steam ahead: utilizing vessels to their maximumAccording to Dimblad, the Quintiq project was justified based on improved utilization of vessels, with a goal of 1-2 percent improvement of space utilization. “Throughout the entire organization, employees are agreeing that Quintiq is the right product for us and certainly going to help us in a competitive economic environment where we see our vessels being utilized to their maximum.”