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After completing his Masters in Business Analytics and Operations Research, Rob Beste moved to the Dutch supply chain consultancy Groenewout. He was particularly attracted to the company as it was successful in logistics processes and had the opportunity to work on various and complex projects.

Founded in 1966, Groenewout is a consultancy specializing in the engineering and optimization of logistics networks, including the necessary technical and data-driven analysis. The 25-strong company focuses on supporting customers – medium-sized companies or multinational companies based in the Benelux countries – with their new construction and logistics redesign projects.

Network studies

One of the company’s offerings in the supply chain is to conduct network studies. Beste explains the nature of such a project: “In a first step, we use computer simulation to determine what the European footprint of the supply chain should look like, ie several warehouses compared to a single warehouse and the corresponding market launch strategy. Then we identify the optimal strategic location for a newly planned warehouse. “

In practice, there are three different approaches to a network study, according to the best. “The first approach is based on the customer’s shortlist for possible locations for the new warehouse. In this case, Groenewout evaluates the selection list to determine the best location for the new warehouse. “

“In the second approach, Groenewout uses its knowledge of the logistics hotspots to create its own shortlist of possible locations for the new warehouse.” The third approach, however, lets go of all geographic preferences and instead examines a number of other factors. For example cost efficiency.

“In this case, the main focus is on minimizing costs related to the various incoming and outgoing logistics flows. To do this, we have to analyze the road and water infrastructure around the potential storage location to ensure optimal accessibility or, for example, examine the labor costs. “

Feasibility studies

Groenewout conducts feasibility studies on behalf of its customers to assess the costs and benefits of potential solutions. “In one example, a company had outgrown its existing warehouse and we were looking for alternatives. In another case, a customer was faced with inefficient internal processes and we analyzed the logistics and came up with suggestions for improvement. ”

Beste added: “Groenewout’s starting point is the core of the operation: the warehouse processes. In addition to the logistics systems, we then also evaluate the IT systems, the building and its technical equipment. “

What does such a project look like? “In general, it starts with a tour of the warehouse so that our team can understand all the relevant processes. After the data acquisition phase, the data is validated and analyzed. In the next step, various alternatives are designed, modeled and evaluated. ”

With all the information available, Groenewout selects one or two preferred solutions together with the customer and “then provides a detailed calculation of the alternatives”.

In some cases the consultants work with restrictions, e.g. B. the limitations of an existing warehouse. “However, when the customer builds a new warehouse, there is more freedom to design the building primarily to support process efficiency. In this case we can suggest some minor changes to the building design as this could improve the performance improvement. “

Work in teams

At Groenewout, consultants always work with at least two – and usually three – colleagues, including a senior consultant. The background of the consultants depends on the needs of the client. “If, for example, technical skills are required, this aspect is always handled by a consultant with a technical background.”

According to Beste, one of the best things about Groenewout is being able to see how a process goes from start to finish. He is also satisfied when a warehouse project is completed and the results are clearly visible. In the meantime, young consultants are given a lot of autonomy and at the same time are part of a team.

The variety of projects, which typically last three to four months, is another aspect that he appreciates: “Since Groenewout has many different types of clients, each with their own processes and approaches, no two projects are alike. Working on so many different projects is an ideal opportunity to enrich yourself. “