The Challenge
Albert Heijn eCommerce faces the intricate task of managing a complex logistics structure with hubs to ensure the timely delivery of online grocery orders to people's homes. With 1500 vehicles responsible for delivering over 300,000 orders weekly, the challenge lies in calculating the most efficient routes within the limited time between order cut-off and the start of deliveries.
How we create value
Utilizing advanced cloud-based routing technology, we compute optimal routing plans for the upcoming period.
Benefits
Retail & Wholesale
Albert Heijn, the largest online supermarket in the Netherlands, operates eight fulfillment centers fulfilling online orders six days a week for 86% of the country's households. Using 20 cross-dock hubs and a fleet of over 1500 vehicles, including bikes and vans, they efficiently process approximately 300,000+ orders per week.
Albert Heijn relies on ORTEC's advanced cloud-based routing solutions to calculate optimal routing plans continually for the upcoming weeks. This is based on real-time entry of all booked orders. The optimizer's quality has enabled Albert Heijn to achieve significant cost savings, reduce CO2 emissions from logistics miles traveled, and position itself for future e-commerce growth.
Moreover, the routing engine's results are employed to compute personalized time slots for customers. As customers visit the website, the system instantly calculates the best available and feasible time slots based on their profiles. Steering customers towards efficient (and sustainable) time slots can lead to substantial additional savings compared to the less personalized current approach, where time slot prices are relatively static.
On June 22 and June 23 ORTEC was present as Diamond Sponsor at Home Delivery World Europe 2022, an event focused on last mile logistics in the EU and abroad and dedicated to uncovering innovative solutions for European retailers, manufacturers and grocers.
ORTEC was presenting their e-Grocery delivery solution, combining smart time slot booking with routing and workforce optimization to improve service, efficiency and employee engagement.
Additionally, Goos Kant, Managing Partner at ORTEC, had a very inspiring interview with Selma Postma, Chief Digital Officer at Ahold Delhaize Europe & Indonesia about the trends and challenges in home delivery, and how ORTEC supports this with their technology, as part of their strategic partnership. Watch the video