Albert Heijn
The Challenge
Albert Heijn eCommerce manages an intricate logistics network of hubs, vehicles, and fulfillment centers to ensure timely grocery home delivery throughout the Netherlands. With over 1,500 vehicles tasked to deliver more than 300,000 online orders each week, the main challenge is creating the most efficient routes within a narrow timeframe between order cut-off and delivery start. Ensuring on time delivery is critical for customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
How we create value
By leveraging ORTEC's advanced cloud-based delivery management software, Albert Heijn continually computes optimal routing plans for upcoming weeks. This real-time approach incorporates every booked order and available timeslot to drive efficiency across its fleet.
A standout feature is the system’s ability to present customers with personalized timeslot options as they shop online. As soon as a customer begins checkout, the platform instantly calculates the best available and most sustainable delivery window for their profile and location. Steering orders toward the most efficient timeslot not only streamlines vehicle scheduling but also leads to significant cost savings and sustainability wins, as vehicles drive fewer miles and emissions are reduced.
Benefits
- Significant logistics cost savings
- Reduced CO2 emissions from more efficient routing
- On time delivery and high first-attempt delivery success
- Preparedness for future e-commerce growth and changing customer demand
Want to deepen your understanding of advanced grocery delivery logistics? Explore "The Comprehensive Guide to Advanced Grocery Delivery" for valuable insights and strategies, or check out our latest article "The Ultimate Guide to Boosting E-Grocery Efficiency with Time Slot Booking".
Industries
Retail & Wholesale
Albert Heijn’s Dynamic Timeslot Booking Drives Efficient Home Delivery
Albert Heijn, as the largest online supermarket in the Netherlands, uses eight fulfillment centers and 20 cross-dock hubs to fulfill online orders six days a week, covering 86% of Dutch households. With a fleet including both vans and delivery bikes, the company utilizes ORTEC’s best-in-class delivery software to route and deliver an average of 300,000+ grocery orders per week.
What makes this system stand out is the seamless integration of dynamic route optimization and timeslot management. As bookings flow in, the routing engine automatically updates and recalculates, making real-time adjustments as needed. This dynamic setup is a hallmark of last mile logistics innovation.
Through these processes, Albert Heijn is able to inform customers promptly about the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly delivery windows. This not only enhances the customer experience but also ensures every vehicle route is packed for maximum efficiency and minimum waste.
Dynamic timeslot booking with advanced delivery management lets us offer excellent home delivery, reduce costs, and pioneer sustainable logistics in grocery e-commerce.
Expert Insights and Industry Engagement
Albert Heijn’s success in last mile delivery logistics has been recognized industry-wide. At Home Delivery World Europe, ORTEC highlighted their e-Grocery delivery solution—showing how smart time slot booking, route planning, and even elements like workforce allocation combine to ensure reliable and scalable e-commerce fulfillment.
The Impact of Advanced Last Mile Delivery Service
Through the use of ORTEC’s delivery management software and integrated last mile logistics solutions, Albert Heijn has achieved:
- Improved last mile delivery service standards
- Real-time tracking and visibility of all orders
- Flexible planning which supports fast response to peaks, changing demand, and future retail expansion
The technology also supports optional premium features such as white glove delivery for sensitive or high-value grocery items, with all services managed from a single, unified platform
Ready to Optimize Your Home Delivery?
Albert Heijn’s collaborative approach with ORTEC demonstrates that dynamic timeslot booking, real-time route optimization, and powerful last mile delivery technology are the keystones of modern grocery e-commerce logistics. Retailers seeking to ensure reliable, cost-effective home delivery and higher customer loyalty should explore the benefits of integrated delivery management solutions.
Want to improve your home delivery?
Learn how Albert Heijn uses dynamic timeslot booking and delivery management software for optimized last mile logistics, cost savings, and reliable home delivery.
Contact us for a demo.