Böhls & Behncke relies on Weber Data for data exchange

The logistics company Böhls & Behncke works in the groupage sector with five cooperation partners and the online platform Pamyra, whose order data is received, processed, and sent in the respective format. The software DISPONENTplus not only ensures a smooth exchange but also optimizes scheduling and billing.

(Bielefeld/Lübeck) For Nils Behncke, it is still “impressive that the transition has worked so well.” This refers to the acquisition of another branch by the logistics company Böhls & Behncke effective September 1, 2018. By this date, the company’s piece goods volume had more than doubled.

“Until then, we were able to manage the administration with a custom-developed software for recording and billing,” recalls Behncke, whose company was already part of two piece goods networks before the acquisition. At that time, shipment data was still manually entered into the online portals of the logistics partners.

This effort would not have been feasible after the expansion, as “overnight” they now had to process orders from two additional cooperations. Since then, the Lübeck-based logistics service provider has been a partner of the piece goods networks Sim Cargo, Online Systemlogistik, GVZ Nord, and Cargo Trans Logistik (CTL). Additionally, there is a bilateral cooperation with Karl Jürgensen Autofernverkehr und Spedition KG based in Schleswig. In total, around 1,000 orders accumulate each week.

Fortras is the basis

Each network has its own rules and regulations that must be observed during processing, financial clearing, and electronic data interchange (EDI). Although this is based on the EDI standard Fortras developed for piece goods logistics, it must be specifically adapted for each cooperation.

In this context, Böhls & Behncke had to automate and digitize its processes even before the acquisition. “After we decided to purchase the branch, we looked for a suitable transport management system with high EDI competence and good references from the piece goods sector at the beginning of 2018,” recalls Behncke. After a thorough selection process, they chose DISPONENTplus from Weber Data Service in March. “In addition to the versatile software, we were impressed by the extensive knowledge of our personal contacts, who know the logistics everyday life from their own experience,” notes Behncke.

Great potential

Two months after the actual project start, the company entered the transition phase with a four-week parallel operation. “After that, we were able to switch to DISPONENTplus on September 1, and since then we have only worked with it,” reports Behncke, who learns about new software features almost every day. “The software offers many possibilities and can be well adapted to the respective needs,” says the junior manager, who has been part of the management since January 2020 and represents the second generation of the family business.

In addition to the basic package of DISPONENTplus, Böhls & Behncke invested in supplementary modules for route planning and optimization, dispatching with maps, and geocoding of stop points. “This allows our dispatchers to see all orders on a road map in local and long-distance transport, which significantly simplifies work in the piece goods and cargo area,” reports Behncke. Furthermore, his company uses the digital document management E-file and for groupage handling, the hall scanning developed by Weber Data Service.

Integrated damage management

With this equipment, Böhls & Behncke has digitized almost all processes: The shipment data received from cooperation partners via Fortras flows directly into the order pool, which is matched with the barcode data from the two hall scanners during warehouse handling. If damages are detected, they are documented with the cameras integrated into the scanners and archived together with the shipment data. “The system recognizes from the NVE numbers which network the shipment belongs to and sorts the photos according to these numbers as well,” explains Behncke. Based on this, the damage is automatically reported to the respective cooperation partner.

Meanwhile, the dispatchers distribute the orders via drag & drop to the 15 local transport trucks. The routes are then sent to the respective vehicles via mobile communication, which are equipped with telematics systems from AIS. “The interface between DISPONENTplus and AIS worked immediately and not only ensures a quick exchange of delivery receipts,” emphasizes Behncke.

Another effect of the integrated telematics solution is the significantly reduced noise level in the open-plan office. “When questions arise about the current location of the vehicles and the progress of shipments, there are no more phone calls, just clicks,” describes the entrepreneur, who also appreciates the billing functions of his logistics software: “With DISPONENTplus, all conceivable individual shipment rates can be represented, based on which billing is then done automatically.” This feature is also an important argument in discussions with potential new customers.

More orders through Pamyra

Despite the progress made in process optimization, Behncke sees further improvement potential. “DISPONENTplus is a powerful tool that we are learning to know and use better with the help of our contacts at Weber Data Service.” The latest development concerns an interface to the comparison and booking platform Pamyra. Through the Leipzig startup, Böhls & Behncke aims to generate additional orders that can then be directly taken over and processed by DISPONENTplus.

Photo: © Böhls & Behncke