DHL Global Forwarding has partnered with The Range to develop a solution that enhances the retailer’s import supply chain. Based in the UK, The Range retails homewares, furniture and garden products, which it imports from suppliers in Asia. The company has experienced continuous, fast paced growth, which led to the initiation of a strategic supply chain improvement plan to ensure their supply chain keeps pace. This plan was developed and enacted by an International Supply Chain (ISC) team composed of DHL Global Forwarding and The Range employees.
“DHL worked in partnership with The Range to enhance the existing fit for purpose import process and develop one fit for the future. Combining the best of the existing business process with alternative ways of working and automation has enabled efficiencies to be realised across the supply chain. By sharing our supply chain expertise we have built a strong partnership with one of the UK’s most successful retailers of recent years that delivers value to both parties” commented Chris Hudson, Senior Director, Development – EMEA International Supply Chain, DHL Global Forwarding.
DHL ISC has introduced a new order management and shipment visibility IT system for The Range, which, the company states, has increased end-to-end visibility and underpins the operating platform. DHL collaborates with The Range imports team to manage 15,000 TEU of ocean freight by providing vendor management in country of origin, proactive alerting of shipping exceptions and global coordination via control towers in Hong Kong and the UK. The Range also benefits from enhanced reporting, including key performance indicators and management information.
“The Range has experienced an immediate benefit from the jointly developed solution, as it has created an increasingly robust system environment, scalable processes and enhanced visibility in our import operations. The solution enables us to continue growing our business whilst managing our immediate operating costs and providing opportunities for further supply chain development. We look forward to a continuous development of our partnership with DHL”, stated Alex Simpkin, Head of Supply Chain, The Range.
Source: DP DHL
