Panalpina to achieve accreditation for its ‘real lean’ program

To move products quickly, not store them is the core element of the Panalpina group’s global logistics strategy

Panalpina is the first global logistics company to gain accreditation for its lean training program. The achievement comes two years after the company’s logistics division set out to incorporate lean manufacturing principles into its global operations. The Lean Competency System (LCS) accreditation was developed in partnership with Cardiff University, UK.

In 2012, Panalpina’s logistics division embarked on a quest to incorporate lean principles into its global operations. In contrast to other logistics companies who adapt the lean approach to suit the logistics industry, Panalpina decided to change its business model to adapt to lean principles. The result is what Panalpina calls ‘real lean’.

“Panalpina has developed a whole new way of working in logistics where it operates like a manufacturer and runs its facilities like factories,” says Prof Peter Hines of SA Partners, who has worked closely with Panalpina to develop the new approach. “The key to the success of this new way of working is involving and educating its global workforce to ensure that everyone contributes – and its training program is at the heart of this.”

The introduction of a lean model has impacted every area of Panalpina’s work. Recent changes range from the complete re-design of layouts and processes to increase capacity, in some cases by more than 200%, to developing ways to capture and implement small improvements generated by front-line staff.

Panalpina’s overall logistics strategy is to move products quickly, not store them, to help customers reduce their inventory levels and increase speed to market. The company therefore has a particular focus on the fast moving fashion and technology industries whose supply chains benefit the most from such work.

“Incorporating lean from manufacturing into the logistics industry was a challenge but we’ve found a way,” says Mike Wilson, Panalpina’s global head of Logistics. “We have already seen some excellent improvements at our facilities around the world but our work will never finish. Lean is an ongoing process and so is our desire to create ever-more efficient supply chains for our customers.”

www.panalpina.com

Quelle: LogEastics
Portal: www.logistik-express.com