A flexible solution for complex tasks

Avantor: how the group that specialises in laboratory equipment relies on a three-tier logistics concept for the storage and distribution of its goods in Europe – and which role trans-o-flex plays in all this.

“This logistical task is one of the most complex tasks I have ever come across,” states Eugen Günther full of admiration. As Chief Sales Officer at trans-o-flex, he has already encountered many logistical challenges during his 15-year career at the express service provider. What he admires most about this task – and the way in which it is solved – can be summarised in just one word: “Flexibility! That is possibly the decisive factor in ensuring the success of Avantor’s logistics.” According to Günther, Avantor and its logistics service providers manage to break down the complexity of logistics in the direction of operational excellence and efficiency by virtue of very high levels of flexibility. “At trans-o-flex we are proud to be part of this solution. And we are ready, in collaboration with GEODIS, to take on additional responsibility both in Europe and worldwide.” But what exactly makes the task so complex and what form does the solution take? What role does trans-o-flex play, and how can its contribution be further increased?

To better understand the answers to these questions, some background information on Avantor is required. Avantor is a vertically integrated, global supplier of discovery-to-delivery solutions for the global life sciences, advanced technologies and research industries. Whether it is a thermometer or a centrifuge, a sterile stainless-steel workbench or a laboratory chair, chemicals or a a Pipette – even in Europe there is hardly a laboratory that does not order products from Avantor for its equipment or daily work. These include independent laboratories as well as those in universities, hospitals or public institutes, in pharmaceutical companies, in the wholesale trade and at chemical companies that conduct research or produce things. Almost everyone who operates a laboratory in this industry orders from Avantor. And within Europe, the logistics are led by VWR, a part of Avantor. VWR’s expansive channel access and deep customer relationships strengthen Avantor’s abilities, adding a vital new dimension to the full scope of solutions it can provide, from discovery to delivery.

A three-tier warehouse system ensures, firstly, that most materials and products are always in stock and, secondly, that they are stored as close as possible to the customers. That is why there are three central distribution centres (CDC). They are in Bruchsal (Germany), Genk and Leuven (both in Belgium). There are also regional distribution centres (RDCs) that serve a specific country or region, such as the Iberian Peninsula. There are six of these in Europe: in Dublin (Ireland), Lutterworth (United Kingdom), Briare (France), Llinars del Vallès (Spain), Siziano (Italy) and Örebro (Sweden). As the third tier, there are local distribution centres (LDC) in Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Austria and Switzerland.

The CDCs assume a special importance in this three-tier structure. On the one hand, all three together form a virtual central warehouse in which a large proportion of the defined articles are kept in stock. On the other hand, the CDCs are responsible both for supplying the RDCs and LDCs and for the fine distribution within a country or a region. Bruchsal, for instance, supplies almost all RDCs and LDCs, as well as the other CDCs, and in addition delivers directly to customers in Germany.

“For this structure, trans-o-flex is the ideal partner by virtue of its flexibility and its ability to consolidate consignments,” Günther continues. No matter whether Avantor ships goods in parcels or on pallets, no matter from which warehouse location the goods originate, and whether they are hazardous goods or standard materials: trans-o-flex can handle all of this and deliver it to the recipient in a single shipment. Avantor also takes advantage of trans-o-flex’s flexibility where larger volumes are involved. “In Bruchsal, for instance, the volumes are so large that we collect goods several times a day.” This flexibility also applies at the IT level. “All parcels and pallets for one recipient – even if we collect them at different times at a location – are consolidated into a single consignment following the final collection and invoiced to Avantor as one shipment.”

For Dennis Sauder, Avantor’s Distribution Service Manager for Region East & Control Tower is responsible for the monitoring, handling and the continuous optimisation of the transport network, it is not only the high flexibility that argues in favour of cooperation with trans-o-flex, but also the transit time. “For instance, trans-o-flex collects from our CDC in Bruchsal as late as 5.30 p.m. Despite this late collection, more than 95 per cent of all Avantor consignments nationally are delivered the following working day.” In doing so, Avantor generally makes use of standard consignments within the Tech Express service.

For Sauder, reducing complexity also means that trans-o-flex can take on special tasks in addition to the distribution of goods to certain addresses, and thus eliminates the need for cooperation with additional partners. “At a large chemical company in northern Germany, trans-o-flex does not simply deliver, but also handles the fine distribution work across the large company premises. This not only involves delivering to different buildings but also placing the goods directly on specific shelves.”

According to Sauder, such examples also demonstrate that the cooperation with trans-o-flex offers potential for further development. “As a global organization, we must weigh the number of our partners carefully in order to further increase our efficiency.” That is why, especially following the acquisition of trans-o-flex by GEODIS, he feels there are opportunities for further development. “GEODIS is also a partner of Avantor in France, and from our point of view the addition of further international tasks would be conceivable – for instance in full truck loads between our CDCs and RDCs. A degree of expertise in the handling of hazardous goods such as that provided by trans-o-flex in Germany would also offer outstanding benefits for us as a European solution.”