Knauf Group achieves measurable results with Transporeon  Time Slot Management | © Transporeon Gmbh
CASE STUDY

Knauf Group


Knauf Group reports significant reduction in peak times and demurrage costs along with a dramatic decrease in waiting time for call-off after implementing Time Slot Management.

About the company

Knauf is a global market leader turning over 15.5 billion EUR annually. Comprising three business entities, you’ll also recognise Gypsum, Insulation and Ceilings as part of the Knauf family. The last decade has seen fast growth for the company, now with 300 plants and 80 mines fuelling the manufacture of Knauf systems. 

Supply chain at Knauf is much more than a logistics department. For many years, logistics was decentralised, operating at regional and company level where each region owned its supply chain. In 2022, Group Supply Chain became the primary operating model, involving wide scale harmonisation of processes and strategic reorganisation. In parallel, 70 existing Transporeon accounts were condensed into a maximum of three as part of the Transporeon solution roll-out. 

In Germany, Knauf handles a total of 1000 outbound shipments per day. Raw materials arrive by train, and at the headquarters in Iphofen alone, 220 outbound shipments are executed alongside 100 inbound deliveries.

With Transporeon Time Slot Management, the waiting time for call-off decreased significantly, this is the highest measurable success we have seen. It's a big benefit for carriers and truck drivers.

Marco Hügelschäffer,
Program Manager Yard Management Central Europe,
Knauf

The challenge

Managing 1000 outbound trucks is no simple task.

Coordinating yard operations with visibility of who and what is arriving when and where, and which truck gets which shipment was too complex to handle without a system in place. 

Not only was it a necessity for Knauf to bring order to potential chaos, the Group set an objective to reduce waiting times and eliminate demurrage costs during peak times (11.00-18.00), supported by achieving better alignment between warehouse staff and drivers. 

Managing the sequence of trucks e.g. which truck will be next, together with their network of carriers presented another challenge – one that has been successfully addressed with Transporeon Time Slot Management in combination with Knauf’s rules for prioritisation, based on punctuality and taking into account impact on customers.

Knauf Transporeon Case Study: the Challenge | © Transporeon Gmbh

The solution

Transporeon Time Slot Management (TSM) generates a clear overview of yard arrival schedules, including different modes and the option to filter the state of arrivals.

In collaboration with its carriers, Knauf defined rules and standard processes for booking slots, such as identifying the time at which carriers can begin loading. With TSM, Knauf gained more flexibility in handling schedule changes when trucks arrive early, or miss their slot due to delays.

TSM also helps with prioritising deliveries and pickups. Prior to the implementation, staff picked deliveries without prioritisation and trucks simply had to wait until warehouse processes were complete. Seamless integration with Knauf's ERP System ensures access to accurate time slot information at all times, enabling warehouse staff to prioritise effectively. 

Our partnership is strong, and includes:

More than 98% of Knauf’s shipments are handled using Transport Assignment solutions.

Knauf Transporeon Case Study: The Solution | © Transporeon Gmbh
It’s very easy for carriers to book a time slot directly out of their assigned transports (transport execution) and for Knauf, it’s easy to see for which transport a time slot is already booked, and which is still open.

Marco Hügelschäffer,
Program Manager Yard Management Central Europe,
Knauf

The results

Time Slot Management enabled Knauf to reduce its peak times and demurrage costs.

The largest measurable success recorded so far is the decrease in waiting time for call-off – a huge benefit for Knauf, carriers and most importantly, truck drivers. 

Furthermore, Knauf generated savings on warehouse space, requiring less square-footage now that preparation is limited to slots for the next three hours. On-Time Quotes for call-off also increased.

 

Other results and benefits include:

  • Increased drivers and warehouse/yard staff satisfaction

  • Improved handling of carrier demurrage costs 

  • Enhanced overview of available resources for warehouse coordinators, enabling more efficient decision-making

  • Faster check-ins at the terminal site

  • Removed language barriers between drivers and loading dock staff 

  • Better visibility of end-to-end shipment status

  • Rapid onboarding for carriers

Knauf Transporeon Case Study: The Results | © Transporeon Gmbh
CUSTOMER SPOTLIGHT WEBINAR RECORDING

The ROI of delay-free docks

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PRODUCTS

Manage freight better with our solutions

Dock & Yard Management Hub

Time Slot Management

Time Slot Management
  • Full transparency of delivery and pick-up times for all parties 
  • Efficient use of resources due to the even and predictable distribution of loadings and unloadings
  • Reduction of waiting times for trucks by up to 40%
  • Audit-proof and legal compliance through fully documented processes
  • Quick response and operational optimization through fast communication and real-time data

Transport Execution Hub

Transport Assignment

Transport Assignment
  • Plan for your most stable lanes.
  • Take adventage of spot prices.
  • Maximize your freight strategy.
  • Handle exceptions efficiently.

BENEFITS

Visibility Hub

Headline for Flip 2
  • Real Time Visibility as a companywide capability, rather than a feature. All modes, all covered. 
  • Reduce check calls and automate processes.
  • Reduce wait and dwell times with more accurate ETAs.
  • Reduce CO2 emissions and empty mileage.

Dock & Yard Management Hub

Digital Transport Documents

Digital Transport Documents
  • Paperless management of the consignment note through all involved parties
  • Easy usage due to conveniently comment and signing of the eCMR on a mobile device
  • Provide the eCMR in real time via Transporeon platform plus additional communication channels