Improved services thanks to extensive automation and digitization

40% more stock can be processed

The processes of automation and digitization lead to substantial process optimizations. Both at the customer and at Dozon itself. This is proven by numerous innovations by the construction wholesaler for the east, central and northern Netherlands. Together with account manager Marcel Melgers we go through the most important innovations. From a new warehouse layout with platform elevators to a sustainable container system and automated ordering with QuWiki order boards and everything in the context of the digital carpentry factory.

Dozon is a total supplier for the interior construction, window frame industry, contracting/construction companies and installation & assembly. The family business has nine branches throughout the country, where installation and assembly companies and freelancers, among others, can go for their supplies. The head office is in Doetinchem, from where the entire plastic and wooden window frame industry is supplied. 

"In the middle of last year, we started a complete conversion of our warehouse and logistics center," Melgers says. "In recent years, Dozon has grown to such an extent that expansion was inevitable. On our current site, however, there appeared to be no possibility for this. But fortunately, a solution could be found in our current warehouse, in which an extra floor has been added. As a result, the empty space at the top of the warehouse is now optimally utilized."

Ordered today, delivered tomorrow

Seven platform elevators were purchased for the new warehouse, allowing Dozon to handle as much as 40% more inventory, Melgers says. "This provides the ability to remove half of our shelf racks. In the resulting space, multiple pallet spaces are created." 

Dozon also dismantled and replaced the existing roller conveyor system in its warehouse. "In other words, we revamped the complete inbound and outbound goods flow, allowing us to process both our inbound and outbound goods within one day. So ordered today is delivered tomorrow, even in the future."

Traceable storage

"The new warehouse uses an automated scanning system," Melgers says. "All incoming goods are scanned, after which our computer system determines where the goods can best be temporarily stored. The organized warehouse has thus given way to traceable storage. We also operate 100% paperless, thanks to the addition of scanning and voice systems for our stock cabinets and shelf racks." 

Also innovative is the introduction of a registered bin system, which meets Dozon's desire for less packaging material, less waste and faster processing. "In fact, there are already companies that use our bins directly in their logistics process."

QuWiki ordering system 

Following the above initiatives, Dozon is helping
customers also to scale up their digital processes. For example, by implementing QuWiki. This ordering system was installed two years ago at SOR Kozijnen in Lelystad; a young family business specializing in the production of plastic frames, windows, doors and sliding patio doors, particularly for
the renovation market. 

"The way QuWiki works is very simple," explains Deputy Director Irfan Sorgucu. "As soon as our warehouse employees see that our tilt-and-turn hardware and door hardware is overstocked, they take the card for the item in question and insert it into our QuWiki Board. This board is read digitally by Dozon once a day and at an agreed time, after which the products are replenished on the next delivery. A pleasant way of working, because our guys in the warehouse can easily place their orders themselves. This benefits efficiency and prevents communication noise. Moreover, we no longer miss out."

Finger on the pulse

SOR Kozijnen's orders are invariably read at the end of the workday, after which each subsequent workday starts with an empty QuWiki Board. "When orders deviate from normal, our inside sales staff always contact us to verify the order," Melgers says. "Are the order cards not unexpectedly left in the QuWiki Board? After all, each chip card becomes active again within 24 hours. Once the order is clear, they create - if required - an order confirmation and packing slip for the warehouse. This ensures that our customers' stock is always up-to-date and prevents customers from having to buy (too) large."

The implementation of the QuWiki Board is handled entirely by Dozon, including the assembly and set-up of the stock shelves, the assembly of the card trays, the programming of the chip cards and the assembly of the QuWiki Board. All that the customer needs to provide is a power point and an Internet point.

Predictable ordering and delivery

In order to take the benefits of digital ordering to an even higher level, Dozon is currently running a pilot project in which the customer's work preparation system is being monitored to see which jobs and orders are coming up. "Are the right items available at the right time? Then the customer knows he can start his production," Melgers said. "This, too, helps optimize processes and stay ahead of production downtime." Several customers, including SOR Frames, have now expressed interest in this system.

Showroom

Customers who want to see, feel and experience Dozon's (latest) systems live can now do so in Dozon's showroom in Doetinchem, where a work table for toolbox meetings has also been added. This means that customers always have all the preliminary information they need to assemble systems efficiently, quickly and faultlessly.