DHL “future proofs” The Range’s import management processes

DHL Global Forwarding is working with The Range to enhance the UK-based retailer’s import supply chain. The Range sells more than 65,000 products across 16 departments such as homewares, furniture and garden – and therefore needed a strategic supply chain improvement plan to ensure the supply chain keeps pace with company’s fast growth.

“DHL worked in partnership with The Range to enhance the existing fit for purpose import process and develop one fit for the future. Combining the best of the existing business process with alternative ways of working and automation has enabled efficiencies to be realised across the supply chain,” said comments Chris Hudson, Senior Director, Development – EMEA International Supply Chain, DHL Global Forwarding.

DHL’s International Supply Chain (ISC) team introduced a new Order Management and shipment visibility IT system which has increased end-to-end visibility and underpins the operating platform. DHL collaborates with The Range Imports Team to manage 15,000 TEU of ocean freight by providing Vendor Management in country of origin, proactive alerting of shipping exceptions and global coordination via Control Towers in Hong Kong and the UK. The Range also benefits from enhanced reporting, including detailed key performance indicators and management information, which underpins a supply chain development programme.

“The Range has experienced an immediate benefit from the jointly developed solution, as it has created an increasingly robust system environment, scalable processes and enhanced visibility in our import operations,” said Alex Simpkin, Head of Supply Chain, The Range.