Van der Helm Transport group aims for five percent efficiency improvementKilometers at lower costs and more returns will increase the operational efficiency of Van der Helm Transport Group - based in Rotterdam, Moerdijk and Hoofddorp - with at least five percent. That is the firm conviction of Transport Operations Manager John Boers, who recently successful completed the implementation of over 50 GreenCat TopIQ on-board computers. Van der Helm Transport Group has, with nearly 75-years history, developed into an intermodal transport company. The approximately 300 employees in various subsidiaries are daily busy with worldwide transport via road, sea and air. The company transports products such as electronics, textiles and raw materials for food and non-food. The own storage area of 40.000 m² adds extra service and flexibility to its already extended services. Van der Helm may be expressed as an ‘early adopter’ of new technologies. For example, the company chose for the TopIQ on-board computer, which recently is equipped with the revolutionary ‘’driver performance’’ module. According to Operational Manager John Boers this is an effective tool for a structural decrease of kilometer costs. John Boers adds: ‘’With this system we can monitor the driving style and analyze to improve where necessary. But we aren’t finished yet. Our planning system, Ortec’s OTD, communicates directly with the TopIQ on-board computers. This combination ensures no kilometer detours from now. Another strong improvement is the digital message traffic between the planner and the driver; this covers automatically all assignments, changes and notifications. This means both profit for planning as for administration. It seems ambitious but with this step we have to improve our efficiency at least with five percent!’’ In line with the current developments, Van der Helm chose to host their new software by GreenCat as well. This full service concept promises a further relief for the home base, which will have an extreme high reliability for continuous up-to-date automation software from now on. Even GPRS SIM-cards are part of the SAAS-package (Software as a Service) for data communication. Thanks to the upgrading of the operational automation, Van der Helm Transport Group can now fully concentrate on its core business. Therefore the company doesn’t conceal its appreciation for GreenCat’s approach. Of course GreenCat is also pleased with the cooperation. Business Development Manager Rob Hazekamp says: ‘’After a highly critical selection process of Van der Helm, they chose for GreenCat’s full service concept. This confirms our leading position in our domestic market’’. |