From a paper world to digital efficiency
The FTH Group now counts 11 Babypark stores and 12 Baby-Dump stores in the Netherlands. “We have a clear omnichannel strategy,” Gerwin explains. “Part of our sales runs through the physical stores, a large part through our webshops.”
Before Diract came into the picture, the warehouses still worked entirely with paper lists. “To make a digitalisation leap, a WMS was chosen at the time. We wanted the processes to run in a more structured way,” says Gerwin.
Although he himself was not involved in the selection process at the time, the advantages of the switch to Ceyenne WMS are clear to him: “The biggest advantage is that we work fully digitally and have our processes structured. We see more efficiency and logical pick routes. Those are the main improvements the WMS has brought us.”
The next step: integration with AutoStore
About a year and a half ago, the FTH Group took another big step: the implementation of AutoStore, an automated storage system. “We worked with Diract again at that point to automate our process further and connect all systems properly,” Gerwin explains.
Diract played an important role as integrator here: “They thought along well about the connections between the different systems. Which system has to communicate with what, and how that communication should take place. They also carefully considered how to configure the WMS optimally for our situation, so that everything would function smoothly.”
The results of this automation step are impressive: “We now pick four to five times faster than before. That is mainly because we pick directly into the shipping boxes, so we no longer handle items twice.”
A partnership with open communication
Gerwin is very positive about the collaboration with Diract: “We see Diract more as a partner than a supplier. The collaboration runs well and is based on mutual trust.”
He also appreciates the openness of the communication: “At the beginning we sometimes had conversations about the speed at which things were picked up. We put that openly on the table and they really took that feedback to heart. Since then they pick things up even faster and more professionally.”
If he had to describe the collaboration in three words, Gerwin chooses: “System knowledge, a broad view of processes and a stable environment with operational certainty.” That second quality in particular stands out: “What sets Diract apart is that they not only understand the technological side, but also know about logistics processes. They think along about the actual warehouse operation, not just about the software. They know how an order picker works and what the challenges on the floor are. That knowledge of logistics makes them a valuable sparring partner, also for our IT department.”
This practical approach has only strengthened the relationship: “At the moment we are busy at our warehouse in Kesteren starting up a new automation project together with Diract again. I think that says enough about how satisfied we are.”
Tips for other companies
For organisations considering a similar transformation, Gerwin has some valuable advice:
“First map out your current processes very well, including bottlenecks. Only then start automating. Adapt your own processes to the system as much as possible instead of the other way round, so that you don't end up with a custom-built system with all the maintenance costs that come with it.”
He also stresses the importance of a long-term vision: “Set a dot on the horizon for where you want your total logistics to go. Automate step by step, but don't lose sight of your end goal. Involve different people with different perspectives in the process. Not only your internal people, but also consultants like those from Diract, to look together at the total automation process.”
“Thanks to the collaboration with Diract, we as the FTH Group continue to lead the baby retail market, ready for further growth and optimisation of our logistics processes,” Gerwin concludes.
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