CHE11/02: DFDS LOGISTICS IMPLEMENTS ADVANCED WMS AT LARKHALL (15 December 2011)

Issue Date: 15 December 2011
Ref: CHE11/02

A high volume transhipment facility operated by DFDS Logistics at their Larkhall facility near Glasgow has begun implementation of the Empirica WMS from Chess Logistics Technology. The site specialises in handling chilled fish and seafood products locally farmed in Scotland.

DFDS LOGISTICS IMPLEMENTS ADVANCED WMS AT LARKHALL

A high volume transhipment facility operated by DFDS Logistics at their Larkhall facility near Glasgow has begun implementation of the Empirica WMS from Chess Logistics Technology.  The site, together with satellite operations in Aberdeen and Boulogne, specialises in handling chilled fish and seafood products locally farmed in Scotland.  Produce is brought from the farms by road and received at Larkhall from where DFDS handle its redistribution throughout the UK and exports to other parts of the world.

The nature of the Larkhall transhipment operation, involving fresh, short shelf life product makes it intensive and time critical.  The new system’s aim is to remove paper from the process, increase efficiency and give customers visibility of their product in the supply chain. The system will be based on a wireless RF solution which will replace the paper system with intuitive graphical processes based on handheld mobile computers.

A key aspect of the new system is the capture of electronic despatch order detail from customers.  This will enable DFDS to handle product faster on arrival, allowing transhipment direct to outgoing vehicles even when orders are received during transit of the Larkhall site.  Longer term storage is provided in racked freezer chambers which in time will also be controlled by the Empirica system.

DFDS is northern Europe’s largest integrated shipping and logistics company. DFDS Seaways operates a network of 25 routes with 55 freight and passenger ships, while DFDS Logistics provides freight solutions in Europe with trailers, containers and rail. DFDS has 5,000 employees in 20 countries, and revenue reaches DKK 12bn in 2011. The company was founded in 1866, is headquartered in Copenhagen and is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Copenhagen.