"The ability to see all our options laid out clearly allows us to be agile. If a supplier is running late, we can instantly pivot to a faster shipping line. That flexibility is invaluable and protects our sales."
Introduction
De Wit Schijndel is a major name in the Netherlands for camping and outdoor enthusiasts. For over 75 years, the company has been the go-to destination for everything from rooftop tents and outdoor clothing to swimming pools and camping chairs. Ensuring their vast inventory of products, primarily sourced from China, arrives on time for the peak season is a critical operational challenge managed by Marieke Trikel in finance and shipping, and Martijn, their logistics manager.
The Challenge: A Web of Inefficiency
Before partnering with Cargoplot, the logistics process at De Wit Schijndel was a constant struggle with coordination and delays. The team managed their freight by working directly with carriers or through a traditional freight forwarder. This approach created a significant administrative burden. "We were averaging four to five emails for every single shipment," explains Martijn. "It was a constant back-and-forth just to get things moving."
This inefficiency was compounded by time zone differences with their suppliers in China, which frequently led to delays of one to three days. A simple question could result in a full day of lost time, a critical issue when seasonal inventory is on the line. Furthermore, this traditional method often resulted in higher and less transparent shipping costs.
From Complexity to Fingertip Control
The switch to Cargoplot marked a pivotal transformation in their supply chain management. The platform immediately addressed their biggest pain points by consolidating all communication, documentation, and pricing into one accessible digital workspace.
"The efficiency gains were remarkable," states Marieke. "Suddenly, we had instant access to pricing, and crucial documents like the packing list and commercial invoice were generated automatically. The reduction in manual coordination freed up a significant amount of our time."
A Partnership Approach to Logistics
Beyond the technology, it was the responsive and personal support that solidified the relationship. Martijn highlights the accessibility of the Cargoplot operations team as a game-changer. "In logistics, problems don't stick to a 9-to-5 schedule," he notes. "Knowing I can send a message in the evening and get an almost immediate response provides incredible peace of mind and keeps our supply chain moving without unnecessary delays."
This new level of agility is crucial for a business so dependent on seasonal sales. The platform's user-friendly interface allows for a clear comparison between premium and more economical shipping options. This is vital when managing unforeseen production delays.
"The ability to see all our options laid out clearly allows us to be agile," says Martijn. "If a supplier is running late, we can instantly pivot to a faster shipping line to ensure we don't miss the start of the camping season. That flexibility is invaluable and protects our sales."
The move to Cargoplot has not only streamlined operations but also delivered a distinct cost advantage over their previous methods. The overall experience is one of empowerment. "It’s about transparency and easier processes, with prices that are also better,” the team concludes. For De Wit Schijndel, having this deep sense of control and peace of mind over their complex import operations is the ultimate benefit.
"The ability to see all our options laid out clearly allows us to be agile. If a supplier is running late, we can instantly pivot to a faster shipping line. That flexibility is invaluable and protects our sales."
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