For Koen Heijl, director of Heyl Bloemengroothandel, logistics is all about reliability. With tens of thousands of products on their way to florists across Germany every day, he knows better than anyone how important it is for deliveries to arrive on time. Nevertheless, he believes that the greatest value of Track & Trace does not lie in deliveries that go according to plan. "We actually just expect the goods to arrive on time. That’s the basis," he says. "But if that doesn’t happen, you’ll want to find out what’s going on as soon as possible."
Not for deliveries that go smoothly, but for the exceptions.
Many logistics processes follow a predictable pattern. Growers often deliver at fixed times, so experienced buyers know exactly what to expect. That is precisely why Koen sees the added value of Track & Trace, particularly when it comes to discrepancies. "If a delivery has not arrived as agreed, then action is needed. Then you’ll want to know where that order is."
According to Koen, that is precisely where the value lies. When there’s a delay, uncertainty quickly sets in: is the shipment on its way, is it still with the grower, or is there a problem somewhere else? Tracking information provides clarity at an earlier stage and prevents employees from having to call all sorts of people first to find out where a delivery is. "If you can see exactly where something is, you don’t have to spend twenty minutes phoning around first. At least then you'll know what’s happening."
A reliable ETA starts with more scan data
Heyl now also shares arrival scans with Floriday. As soon as a delivery is scanned at the incoming goods check at the Heyl box, this information is shared with Floriday. According to Koen, the greatest future value lies in displaying ETAs (Estimated Time of Arrival, i.e. the expected arrival time of delivery). "A well-estimated ETA: that’s something I can work with."
To make such predictions more reliable, information is needed from several links in the chain. These include loading scans at growers’ premises, scans by hauliers, hub scans and arrival scans at the buyer’s premises. Every additional scan helps to provide a more accurate picture of where a delivery is. This is in line with Floriday’s ambition to combine an ever-increasing amount of scan data, thereby enabling accurate ETA forecasts.
Why loading scans are worth the extra effort
Growers often point out that a load scan takes extra time. Koen understands that argument, but he does see situations in which that information adds value. "As a grower, you are responsible for delivering on time. If that doesn't happen, Track & Trace helps show where the shipment is and what is causing the delay." When a delivery is delayed, every additional step in the supply chain helps to clarify the situation more quickly. The intention is not to monitor each other, but rather to be able to anticipate better. "If you realise that a delivery won’t arrive on time, please let us know. That's the least you can do."
End customers have the same expectations
Heyl uses Track & Trace information not only for its own operations: it also actively communicates expected delivery times to its own customers via proprietary software. “Our customers are used to the goods arriving at 7 o’clock. But if that isn’t the case, they can quickly check via Track & Trace to see how many stops our driver still has to make and what the estimated time of arrival is.”
According to Koen, that is a logical development. "Ultimately, our customers want the same thing as we do: to know when their goods will arrive." By making scan data available, florists can also better estimate when products will arrive and whether action is needed if a delivery deviates from the schedule. "You want to be confident that your order will be delivered on time. And if it is delayed, you want to be able to take action. That’s where Track & Trace really comes in handy."
Want to learn more?
- For growers: Share scan information and contribute to improved Track & Trace visibility and more accurate ETAs.
- For buyers: View the current status of deliveries and track logistical milestones in Floriday.
- For transport companies: Receive transport assignments and provide delivery visibility through Track & Trace.