REPLAY WEBINAR: The logistics partner, a new player in strategic transition

Logistics service providers are no longer simply suppliers of operational solutions, they are now strategic partners in a company's overall performance. Let's take a closer look at how logistics provider Log'S and e-retailer Blancheporte have worked together to ensure agility and resilience.

Technology watch, real-estate investment, transport planning, logistics engineering, investment capacity... these are just some of the major issues involved in ensuring a strategic transition tailored to companies' needs and growth. To support them in this transformation, logistics specialist Log'S has chosen to specialize in tailor-made services for players in e-commerce, retail and industry. Among them is Blancheporte. This northern France company, a pioneer in distance selling and now omnichannel, called on Log'S to ensure its logistical renewal. The main challenges were to optimize the speed of service, keep to the customer's promise by delivering within 48 hours, manage production peaks, and adapt floor space and manpower to the company's activity.

The logistics master plan: a strategic tool

Above all, it involves rethinking the company's logistics master plan. This major transformation follows the purchase of Blancheporte in 2016 by four members of the management committee, including Franck Duriez, now Chairman. At the heart of this strategic transition, logistics optimization is key. Previously part of the 3SI group (Trois Suisses International), Blancheporte must now adapt its logistics model to market trends and optimize processes specific to its e-commerce business. Several projects are therefore being carried out around this major transformation axis, the supply chain. The aim? Rely on a reliable, efficient, flexible, productive and innovative system to support the company's development.

So in October 2017, on the textile campus in Leers (59) created by Log'S, Blancheporte's new logistics business was launched. On this multi-customer warehouse with 250 employees, the skills and experience of the teams are pooled."From sourcing to end-customer delivery and even reverse logistics, Log'S is able to intervene and adapt. The acceleration of processes, as we saw during the pandemic, changes in consumption patterns and evolving customer expectations all impact on the company's master plan. It is therefore essential to be able to call on the skills of an experienced service provider. The logistics partner is an integral part of the strategic transition, in particular by carrying the CAPEX linked to logistics, so as to enable the customer to focus his own CAPEX on his core business.says Nicolas Specq, Log'S Development Director.

Operational and human support for performance

Moving the business, understanding the customer's needs and constraints, dealing with rising volumes and seasonal peaks are among the first challenges Log'S has taken up. To achieve this, and to ensure the smooth running of all other day-to-day logistics challenges, a steering committee is organized every month, customized daily reports are drawn up, and teams from both companies meet every week to keep abreast of any sales or destocking operations. As part of its continuous improvement approach, and with the support of its Innovation department, Log'S is going to implement a pocket sorter at the Leers site to boost process performance and enable Blancheporte to benefit from a 4.0 logistics service. Receiving, quality control, warehousing, order preparation, personalization, shipping, returns management and compliance are all part of the service provider's broad remit. Thanks to the strategic and operational support of its logistics partner, Blancheporte is moving from integrated logistics to a new agile model with a continuous improvement process.