Customer Cases

OPTILOG Advisory Services conducted a study for the design of a new distribution & sorting center layout for a Greek courier services provider which is located in the southern suburbs of Athens. This project comprised four main phases. The main scope of this project was to prepare a complete layout in order to reduce the amount of travel, avoid bottlenecks and cross traffic and ensure that movements take place in a logical sequence. To this end, during the initial phases of this project, we taking into consideration the requirement of our client, the freight flows, as well as the size and the shape of the available space. Subsequently, we defined the main floor-space areas as well as the material handling equipment that were necessary to be used. We then prepared and delivered a detailed layout for the new facilities of distribution center as well we defined the operational plan for its smooth operation in a daily base. Aiming to exploit the utilization of the distribution center, we designed a mezzanine floor in order to provide an excellent cube utilization while for the handling and sorting of parcels we designed an innovative semi-automated packet parcel sorting system which can handle packages and parcels by using a narrow belt sorter and an Optical Character Recognition (OCR) station. Via this study our client managed to minimize its operational cost by eliminating hand sorting, enhance the efficiency level and improve its customer service level by providing outstanding uptime and minimal maintenance.

In this project, the team of OPTILOG Advisory Services assessed and costed the warehouse and distribution operations in a catering and food industry that belongs to Vivartia’s food services group. More specifically, during the first phase of this project OPTILOG’s team mapped the current operation of the warehouse and distribution processes as well as analyzed a series of primary data with the aim to evaluate its current status, identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies and achieve a series of quick wins. By the completion of the assessment, we applied the Activity-Based Costing (ABC) method in order to analyze and calculate the current warehousing and distribution cost, by using our reliable costing tool (OPTILOG Smart Costing Tool) which allowed us to identify the time consuming activities as well as a series of inefficiencies that increased the operational cost of our client. Last but not least, during the last phase of this project, taking into consideration the results of the previous phases, we prepared and delivered an integrated action plan with smart and easy to implement proposals which could contribute to the optimization and improvement of warehouse and distribution operations. By the completion of this project our client is able to calculate and manage its operational cost, optimize the efficiency level and improve the monitoring and management of distribution network.

Our client is a leading 3PL company which provides a range of customized tailor made logistics solutions in Greece. In this project, the team of OPTILOG Advisory Services searched, reviewed and selected a series of metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in order to monitor and measure the performance of the company in the fields of warehousing and distribution. This project comprised four main phases. During the first phase of this project a literature review is carried out in order to identify a series of KPIs utilized by logistics companies to measure warehouse and distribution performance. Subsequently, the objective of the second phase was to synthesize indicator definitions as well as define the corresponding calculation formulas and measurement units. In the last two phases of this project, by using our significant experience from similar successful projects, we defined the primary data which were necessary for the KPIs calculation, and then we carried out the final classification of the indicators taking into consideration all the departments of the 3PL company.

Our client operates in the very demanding sector of healthcare with an emphasis on the storage and distribution of medical products (orthopaedic materials and tools). In the context of this project, OPTILOG Advisory Services conducted a study (audit) for the evaluation of the existing storage and distribution operations of the company and subsequently developed an action plan which provided directions for the improvement of the company’s logistics operation. The project consisted of four main phases. Initially, the existing logistics operation was mapped, while annual data of freight flows (storage and distribution) were analysed in order to conclude to key quick wins. Then, the assessment of the storage and handling equipment was performed, examining the facilities of the company, the shelving system, the label management, and the processes followed while the existing IT system was evaluated as well. The next step included the identification of the bottlenecks which decrease the efficiency of the company’s operation. Based on the analysis of the current situation, OPTILOG Advisory Services created a series of robust proposals, in an action plan level, for the reorganization of the storage and distribution processes, by taking into consideration the needs and the requirements of our client.

Our client is a leading Greek which merchandises industrial components, spare parts such as bearings, diagnostic tools, seals, electric and air tools, cutting tools, special lubricants, adhesives, etc. and many other products from leading international manufacturers. OPTILOG Advisory Services developed for its client a full and detailed plan for the relocation of two discrete warehouses and their consolidation in a new warehouse near to the port of Piraeus. This project comprised three main phases. Initially, we mapped the current operation of both warehouses as well as we took into consideration and analyzed a series of data in order to identify bottlenecks and challenges in the logistics processes of the company. Based on the analysis of the first phase, as well as by using our significant experience from similar successful projects, during the Phase 2, we delivered a new operation plan and an integrated business process blueprint which included details about the activities in each process (e.g. receiving, put-away, replenishment, picking, dispatching, etc.) of the new warehouse. By the completion of this project, we developed a relocation plan with the required steps and the necessary processes for a smooth relocation and consolidation of both warehouses.

Our client operates in the market of courier services, maintaining its position as a top ranking company in the sector. For the implementation of this project, OPTILOG Advisory Services cooperated with a Geographic Information Systems company and a Telematic Systems company. The aim of the study was to design and install a Fleet Management and Vehicle Routing System in the distribution process of the courier services provider. In the context of this study, OPTILOG Advisory Services implemented the mapping of the current operation of the distribution center and the identification of the routing requirements. Our client was less willing to change its delivery operation but to adopt the new Vehicle Routing System in the current distribution model. Thus, particular emphasis was given in the analysis of the existing routing and fleet management processes. Then, the bottlenecks and weaknesses during the preparation and execution of the distribution process were indicated. Finally, the mapping and the analysis of the routing / fleet management requirements was performed according to the needs of our client. The functional requirements for the automation of the fleet management processes were provided to the project partners.

Our clients are a leading company that produces and distributes products such as, milk, yoghurt, cheeses and fresh fruit juices, in Greek market and on abroad and a transportation company that provides top quality services in transporting goods under controlled temperature (chilled, frozen, deep-frozen) as well as dry freight. OPTILOG Advisory Services prepared and delivered an intense seminar on topics that deals with warehouse, transportation and distribution operations. The outline of the seminar included topics that deal with the warehouse design and equipment (e.g. warehouse layout, space calculations, aisle width, materials handling & storage equipment, recent technical advances, etc.), order picking methods (e.g. Pickers to goods, Goods to pickers, automated picking, etc.) and technologies (e.g. Pick by light/Pick to light, Pick by voice, Pick by Vision, etc.), health and safety (e.g. Personnel Protective Equipment, safety and ergonomics rules, Fire safety, working at height, Slips and trips, Risk assessment, Guidelines for the safe loading & unloading of trucks, Load securing methods, Tensioning straps and aids for load securing, etc.), distribution planning and execution (e.g. City Logistics, VRS, FMS, Reverse Logistics, UCC, etc.), as well as environmentally friendly transportation systems (e.g. carbon footprint calculations, CO2 emissions, defensive driving, CO2 offsetting, etc.).

OPTILOG Advisory Services developed the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report for a leading 3PL provider in Greece. The CSR report was based on global and national standards, such as the GRI (Global Reporting Initiative), the UN Gloabal Compact (United Nations) and the Greek Sustainability Code. The report presented a detailed list of actions that the company implemented during 2017 for the four Sustainability Pillars (environment, society, human and market). Our client gives particular emphasis in environmental, human and social actions, such as the minimization of GHG emissions, the education and support of the employees and the charitable donations to the local community. Via the CSR reporting, our client expects to develop a company with sustainable performance by taking into consideration both financial and non-financial indicators. The company aims to the long term growth, by improving the public dialogue with the interested parties and ensuring the compliance with law, polices and regulations.

Our customer is a world market leader in its core business, the trade in assembly and fastening materials, having more than 400 companies in over 80 countries and more than 66,000 employees on its payroll. OPTILOG Advisory Services prepared and delivered an executive seminar which included a series of topics that addressed daily problems and challenges in warehouse management. The integrated two-day seminar included an extensive reference to effectives ways for the performance monitoring and measurement of warehouse operations via predefined metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), as well a series of new technologies and innovative method for the improvement of the productivity and the effectiveness during the order picking process. Also, another interesting session focused in safety rules and ergonomic principles which contribute to the achievement of a safe and without injuries workplace as well, in the reduction of the number and severity of work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). Finally, the basic steps and principles of an integrated relocation plan were presented in order to be used by the workers of company during the relocation of the company’s warehouse.

Our client operates in the highly competitive market of courier services, having established a reputation as one of the fastest, most reliable companies in the field. In this project, OPTILOG Advisory Services conducted a study for the re-design and re-engineering of the distribution and sorting center which is located in the center of Athens. This project comprised four main phases. Initially, we mapped the current status of the distribution and sorting center as well as we analyzed thoroughly a series of data with the aim to achieve a series of quick wins. In the next two phases, by taking into consideration the requirement of our client, the freight flows, as well as by identifying bottlenecks and challenges in the logistics processes of the company, we designed the new layout of the distribution center, as well as we defined the processes for its smooth operation in a daily base. Last but not least, based on the analysis of previous phases, as well as by using our significant experience from similar successful projects, we proposed an integrated and detailed action plan with smart and easy to implement proposals which could contribute to the optimization of enterprise resource planning and information technology system. Via this study the courier services provider expects to minimize its operational cost, optimize the efficiency level and improve its customer service level.

OPTILOG Advisory Services developed a detailed resource plan for our client’s new distribution center which is located in the northern suburbs of Athens. Our client is a leading company with production plants in Greece and abroad, having a nationwide sales and distribution network, that satisfies on a daily basis the dietary needs of Greek consumers, with products such as, milk, yoghurt, cheeses and fresh fruit juices. In this project our client wanted to understand the amount of human resources and the material handling equipment needed, in order to manage the storage and delivery of dairy products in a daily basis. To this end, during the first two phases of this project, we calculated the requirements in human resources and material handling equipment, by taking into consideration and analyzing the operations plan of the distribution center (e.g. warehouse layout, storage equipment, use of ramps, processes, etc.), as well as the annual freight flows, while in the third phase of project, by taking into consideration the analysis of Phases 1 & 2, we proposed a detailed organization chart which contained the necessary staff and material handling equipment for each work station in the distribution center. By the completion of this project, our client is able to manage the operation of its facilities, optimizing the efficiency level and minimizing its operational cost.

OPTILOG Advisory Services developed a tender for the procurement of a Warehouse Management System (WMS) in a leading pharmaceutical 3PL company. The main scope of this project was to prepare a complete tender and adopt an integrated evaluation methodology in order to minimize the risk and maximize the impact of the tender, during the procurement phase. This project comprised of three main phases. Initially, we mapped the current warehouse operations, as well as the requirements of our client and subsequently, we developed the necessary tender by taking into consideration the general principles for a procurement for a WMS (RFI, RFP, RFQ). In the second phase, following an integrated methodology which comprised of specific tools and techniques, we assessed all the proposals of the potential suppliers and finally we proposed the supplier who satisfied our client’s requirements. Last but not least, during the last phase of this project, we coordinated and provided the project management of WMS installation process while we also supported the 3PL company during the roll out phase of the WMS.

Our client is a leading material handling equipment manufacturer that operates in multiple sites globally and provides material handling equipment, logistics systems and services. In the context of the current project, OPTILOG’s team calculated the CO2 emissions that arise from: a) the company’s premises, b) the transportation carried out by leasing vehicles, c) the transport services provided by contractors, d) the transportation carried out by the privately owned vehicles used by technicians and salesmen, and e) the transportation of its staff. The first phase of the project comprised of mapping the current situation (AS-IS) and calculating the CO2 emissions produced for each emission category, by using international and national standards. The most significant emission sources were indicated, while practices for decreasing the environmental impact of the company were provided. Finally, a series of recommendations were proposed in order to offset the CO2 emissions (carbon neutral company) via the UN CLIMATE NEUTRAL NOW program. The company wanted initially to monitor the environmental impact in terms of the total CO2 emissions produced and set a year base layer. The following years, the company will have the opportunity to compare and assess its environmental performance, while introducing actions which minimize the environmental impact.

OPTILOG Advisory Services developed a study for the assessment, reorganization and costing of the warehouse facilities of a leading pharmaceutical 3PL company in Greece. Our customer is a Greek 3PL company specializing in the storage and distribution of medical and health care products. In this study OPTILOG’s team mapped the current status of the warehouses as well as analyzed a series of primary data with the aim to map its current operation and identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies. Based on the above results of our assessment, as well as by taking into consideration the requirements of our customer, in the second phase, we prepared and delivered a new layout design which provided a more efficient warehouse operation. By the completion of the assessment and reorganization of the warehouse facilities, we applied the Activity- Based Costing (ABC) method in order to analyze and calculate the current fixed and variable costs. Via this study, our customer managed to optimize its efficiency level, improve its warehouse operation, and calculate its total operational cost by using a reliable costing tool (OPTILOG Smart Costing Tool).

Our customer is a Greek 3PL company specializing in the warehouse and distribution of medical and health care products. OPTILOG Advisory Services prepared and delivered an intense executive course on advanced topics that deals with logistics operations. By attending this seminar, executives are more likely to tackle daily problems and challenges and also to create dynamic, cost-effective, productive warehouse, logistics, and inventory processes. The outline of the seminar included topics that addressed top issues facing warehouse management (e.g. warehouse layout, materials handling & storage equipment, safety guidance, warehouse information systems, etc.), inventory management (e.g. stock control techniques, EOQ, TBO methods, ABC, working examples, etc.), demand forecasting (e.g. qualitative and quantitative forecasting methods, typical working examples, real-life cases, etc.), as well as distribution planning and execution (e.g. City Logistics, VRS, FMS, Reverse Logistics, UCC, etc.).

In this project, the team of OPTILOG Advisory Services calculated the carbon footprint of a significant transport and logistics company, arising from the privately owned fleet of vehicles. Initially, we mapped our client’s distribution network, by taking into consideration the type of vehicles, the vehicles’ technology engine, the vehicle’s fuel consumption, the transportation trips, the cargo moved, etc. Then we processed and analyzed the available transport data, calculating the total CO2 emissions for the whole fleet as well as we performed an assessment for each truck separately, indicating the environmental friendly trucks as well as those that enable the highest negative environmental impact (first in row for replacement). For measuring carbon dioxide emissions, we applied an international recognized standard (EN 16258:2012), which takes into consideration the fuel consumption of the vehicles. Furthermore, we proposed a series of recommendations for minimizing and offsetting the environmental impact arising from the transportation activities of the company. By the completion of this project, our client is able to monitor and compare its carbon dioxide emissions and apply measures to decrease the company’s carbon footprint.

Our customer is a world market leader in its core business, the trade in assembly and fastening materials, having more than 400 companies in over 80 countries and more than 66,000 employees on its payroll. OPTILOG Advisory Services prepared and delivered an executive seminar in logistics operations, focusing on warehouse and distribution operations. The outline of the seminar included topics that tackled typical logistics problems in warehouse management (e.g. warehouse layout, materials handling & storage equipment, warehouse information systems, etc.), inventory management (e.g. stock control techniques, EOQ, TBO methods, ABC, working examples, etc.), industrial logistics (MRP, MRP II, JIT, etc.), demand forecasting (e.g. qualitative and quantitative forecasting methods, typical working examples, real-life cases, etc.), as well as distribution planning and execution (e.g. City Logistics, VRS, FMS, Reverse Logistics, UCC, etc.).

Our client is a leading advertising company which publishes material in the supply chain and logistics sector in Greece. Since our client is following an environmental friendly policy in their daily operation, the request was to calculate the carbon dioxide emissions arising from their activities. OPTILOG’s team mapped the current situation of the company and calculated the CO2 emissions that arise from: a) the company’s premises, b) the outsourcing process for magazine printing, c) the transport services provided by contractors, d) the transportation of the privately owned and leasing vehicles, and, e) the transportation of its staff. The calculation was conducted for each defined emission category, indicating those that produce the highest volume of CO2 emissions. Furthermore, a series of measures were proposed in order to minimize and finally offset the company’s environmental impact. The company is willing to monitor the negative environmental consequences of its operation in an annual basis. With the implementation of the current project, our client can compare its performance and integrate practices which will drive to more sustainable and environmental friendly solutions.

OPTILOG Advisory Services prepared and delivered an executive seminar in e-Commerce logistics. The seminar was attended by senior level executives from the 3PL and retail market. The integrated two-day workshop on “e-commerce logistics” included an extensive reference to the current situation in the e-commerce market, presenting as well tools, practices, methods and case studies for the proper and optimal management of the logistics processes, with the goal of optimizing the e-shop ordering cycle with the lowest operating costs. The innovation of this workshop was the introduction of two new important practices: a) hands-on experience by using simulation game, b) business mentoring / coaching by experienced consultants through business clinics. The seminar had a particularly high response to the Greek logistics market and provided substantial insights to those who attended it.

Our client is a leading company with production plants in Greece and abroad, having a nationwide sales and distribution network, that satisfies on a daily basis the dietary needs of Greek consumers, with products such as, milk, yoghurt, cheeses and fresh fruit juices. OPTILOG Advisory Services developed for its client a full and detailed plan for the relocation of a warehouse of chilled products from the southern to the northern suburbs of Athens. Moreover, in this project our client wanted to convert current warehouse facilities of the company situated in the northern suburbs of Athens to a distribution center that would be capable to manage the storage and delivery of dairy products in a daily basis. Initially, we reviewed and assessed the current operation of both warehouses, and then we took into consideration and analyzed the freight flows of the two warehouses. Subsequently, by taking into consideration our client needs, we delivered a new operation plan of the distribution center (e.g. warehouse layout, storage equipment, use of ramps, handling equipment, processes, etc.), as well as the required process for a smooth relocation of the warehouse that was located in the southern suburbs of Athens. Furthermore, our team trained the staff of our client based on the new processes which were defined during this project.

OPTILOG Advisory Services participated as sub-contractor in a project that deals with the assessment and reorganization of the supply chain for an Electricity Distribution Network Operator. In this study OPTILOG’s contribution focused on the optimization of the warehouse operations as well as on the inventory management and stock control. This project comprised three main phases. Initially, we mapped the current status of the warehouses as well as of the spare parts stock and then we analyzed thoroughly a series of data with the aim to achieve initially a series of quick wins. In the second phase, we applied an integrated methodology which comprised of specific tools and techniques in order to assess the current situation and identify bottlenecks and challenges in the logistics processes of the company. Last but not least, in the third phase of project, by taking into consideration the analysis of Phase 2, as well as by using our significant experience from similar successful projects, we proposed a detailed action plan with smart and easy to implement proposals which could contribute to the optimization of warehouse and inventory management. By the completion of this project, Electricity Distribution Network Operator is able to manage the network of its warehouses as well as the corresponding inventories, optimizing the efficiency level and minimizing its operational cost.

In this project, OPTILOG Advisory Services designed and developed a 3-year sustainability plan for a leading 3PL company which provides a range of customized tailor made logistics solutions in Greece. Furthermore, OPTILOG’s team calculated the CO2 emissions that arise from: a) the transport services provided by the company (Scope 3), b) their premises (e.g. warehouse facilities), and c) the transportation of its staff. Initially, the first phase comprised of the mapping and the assessment of the current situation (AS-IS) in terms of existing sustainability actions. Subsequently, 10 companies of excellence in sustainability actions were selected in order to identify the best and most suitable actions that could be adopted by our customer. Deriving the benefit of our significant experience in similar successful projects, and by taking into account global best practices in sustainability actions, we developed a 3-year sustainability plan for our client based on four pillars: environment, society, human, and market. The sustainability plan has been developed by taking into consideration national and international corporate responsibility standards. The main scope of the project was to set a plan that upgrades the operation of the company, incorporating green and sustainable practices while enabling innovative solutions and targeting to report this strategy in the following years via a Corporate Sustainability Report (CSR).

OPTILOG Advisory Services developed the direct marketing plan of a leading company in Greece, with strong presence in the energy sector and substantial contribution to the development of the Greek economy. The developed plan was primarily aiming at demonstrating, to a significant number of companies with corporate fleets, the benefits of using natural gas as a motor fuel (CNG). At the same time, the promotion of ambassador CNG vehicles was conducted, performing the retrofitting of a significant number of vehicles (trucks and vans) which operate with gasoline or diesel to CNG fuel (i.e. dual-fuel or bi-fuel conversion). Furthermore OPTILOG Advisory Services was responsible for the dissemination of the results from the use of natural gas (CNG) in order to promote and spread the use of CNG to the business community and to the public. Those actions were implemented in the areas of interest covered by the CNG stations which were introduced by our client. The results showed that the use of the CNG as a motor fuel provided additional environmental benefits, reinforcing the green and sustainable strategies that OPTILOG Advisory Services is engaged with.

OPTILOG Advisory Services developed a feasibility study for the assessment of a warehouse for chilled and frozen goods. In this study we conducted an analysis and an evaluation in order to determine if the proposed warehouse was technically feasible, was feasible viable within the estimated cost, and would be profitable in the future. We provided this study for our client which is a company whose only shareholders is the Ministry of Finance and is supervised by the Ministry of Ministry of Development and Ministry of Rural Development and Food. The conclusions of the feasibility study outlined in depth the various scenarios examined and the implications, strengths and weaknesses of each. Our team supported our client to make a decision and this feasibility study was a major information source.

OPTILOG Advisory Services developed a pre-feasibility study concerning the establishment and operation of an Urban Consolidation Center (UCC) in the city of Athens. Initially, we conducted a benchmarking study in order to identify best practices and real-life cases in Europe. Based on the assessment we made, we identified certain European UCCs that are close to the Greek operating environment. Subsequently, we visited these UCCs in order to capture a series of information concerning their operation (e.g. infrastructure, equipment, information systems) as well as the regulations that are currently in use that support the operation of a UCC. We then created a list of challenges and pre-requisites that should be met in order for a UCC to become sustainable and viable. Furthermore, we conducted a survey in the historical center of Athens (as well as in Kolonaki area), where we captured the current methods used for freight pick-up, delivery and reverse logistics operations. Then we investigated how end-users (i.e. shops) assess the use of a UCC for accommodating their logistics operations. The results of the pre-feasibility study revealed the next steps that have to be followed for the successful establishment of a UCC in Athens.

OPTILOG Advisory Services prepared and delivered a report describing the current status and the future challenges in the Greek logistics sector (using the latest available 2015 and 2016 data). Various primary data were collected, analyzed and used from National, European and International organizations in order to sketch the current status of the Greek logistics sector. Results included information about the contribution of the logistics sector in the national GDP, the current status of freight transport flows, information about the current transport infrastructure, logistics equipment, ICT and other significant sectorial information in Greece. This report will be used for the production of a special booklet entitled “Invest in Greek Logistics” and will be disseminated in national and international level (e.g. via exhibitions, roadshows, etc.).

OPTILOG Advisory Services prepared and delivered an executive seminar in logistics operations in a Greek manufacturing company producing high-quality disposable products for personal hygiene. The company holds a strong position in the competitive Greek Market and has intense export activity in many countries all over the world. The curriculum of the seminar included topics that tackled typical logistics problems in demand forecasting (e.g. qualitative and quantitative forecasting methods, typical working examples, real-life cases, etc.), inventory management (e.g. stock control techniques, EOQ, TBO methods, ABC, working examples, etc.), warehouse management and operations (e.g. warehouse layout, storage equipment, warehouse information systems, etc.) as well as in industrial logistics (MRP, MRP II, JIT, etc.).

OPTILOG Advisory Services developed a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report for a leading 3PL operator in Greece. More specifically, OPTILOG provided a full and detailed list of actions in terms of environment, society, human and market and used the GRI-G4 standard in order to produce the report. A series of GRI-G4 indicators (both qualitative and quantitative) were calculated in order to assess the performance of the 3PL operator in the four aforementioned pillars. Special focus was given to environmental actions and more specifically to the minimization of GHG emissions via the calculation of the carbon footprint in organizational level (i.e. premises, freight transport services, staff transportation). Via this report the 3PL operator expects to develop and further expand constructive public dialogue regarding social responsibility of business, so as improve sustainability performance.

OPTILOG Advisory Services implemented a study that examined various environmental-friendly ways of moving the employees of a leading 3PL to/from its premises. Initially OPTILOG reviewed and assessed the current way that the staff was moving from/to the company’s premises and identified bottlenecks and challenges (in terms of time and cost). Then the team of OPTILOG developed a tool in order to assess which of the 3 different environmental-friendly options (i.e. mass transportation media, company’s bus, and car sharing) was the most suitable per employee. After figuring that, OPTILOG supported the 3PL company during the implementation phase and identified also a series of incentives in order to minimize the “resistance-to-change” of the employees.

OPTILOG is participating as full partner in a 3-year research project funded by the European Union under the Horizon 2020 program. The U-TURN project aims at addressing freight urban distribution, focusing on food logistics. The project will contribute to the optimization of freight distribution in urban areas, especially addressing the requirements and needs of food transportation, and will suggest innovative collaboration practices and tools towards achieving more efficient operations from both environmental and cost perspective. The project will analyze existing freight urban flows, identify synergies and winning logistics sharing and collaboration strategies (e.g. transport pooling, urban consolidation centers) and will assess them in three ways: through comparative analysis based on actual market data, through simulation experimentation and via pilot execution in four different countries: Germany, UK, Italy and Greece. U-TURN will further contribute to the adoption of these strategies through managerial assessment, quantifiable benefits and the provision of tools, including a “smart” transport matching tool, a collaboration platform, a simulation tool and an economic assessment model. The project aims to exploit the opportunities that currently exist for consolidation of transportation flows from food manufacturers to the various point-of-sales located in urban areas, as well as from local food producers and online retailers directly to consumers, and the high industrial interest behind this topic.

Our client is a leading international freight forwarder/3PL (group of companies) that operates in multiple sites globally. The group is committed to fulfill its entrepreneurial responsibility with regard to the three pillars of sustainability by its integrated management in the areas of quality, safety, health and environment.
In order to follow the group’s policy, the Greek chapter decided to initiate a process for carbon footprint calculation in its road transport operations. The calculation of carbon dioxide emissions has been also a request by certain companies on behalf of whom our client is providing storage and transportation services.
We used our significant experience from similar successful projects to propose an integrated methodology for carbon footprint calculation. Initially, we mapped our client’s distribution network (line haul & short haul). We also processed and analyzed available transport data (e.g. transportation trips, amount of cargo moved, type of truck and engine technology, etc). We then applied an EU-approved methodology for measuring carbon dioxide emissions. By the completion of this project our client is able to measure and monitor its carbon dioxide emissions (in terms of road transportation services) in annual/monthly/daily level and provide also customized and tailor-made information to its clients (i.e. shippers) about their own CO2 emissions.

Our client is a leading 3PL company in Greece that provides storage and transportation services in a significant number of companies that operate in the retail, banking, and automotive sector. Our client wanted to formulate its sustainability plan, set targets for the following years and report all these actions via a Corporate Sustainability Report (CSR). We used our significant experience from similar successful projects to propose a sustainability plan that sets out an innovative sustainability vision, commitments and targets, and demonstrates how our client will grow its business while building a more sustainable tomorrow. Initially, we mapped the current sustainable actions (AS-IS) that our client takes and we provided an initial assessment. Then by taking into consideration 11 corporate sustainability plans from similar sectors (i.e. logistics service providers, automotive industry, and retail sector) and based on our client needs, we proposed a tailored-made sustainability plan by proposing actions in 4 pillars i.e. environment, society, human resources, and market. Furthermore, we implemented the actions that deal with the environmental pillar and we used GRI indicators in order to report the findings. The vision of our client was bold, and we supported it in the formulation of a roadmap that creates the right balance between short-term progress and long-term expectations. Together we set a plan that will keep our client’s vision on track with three priorities: a) progress against its commitments and targets, b) focus on two areas where our client can make the biggest difference: Energy and Climate Change, and Sustainable transport and c) innovation, collaboration and partnership to enable new possibilities and solutions.

The aim of the project was to develop an accurate and reliable method to assess the carbon footprint (Life-Cycle Assessment) of pastry and flour related products and to promote energy and resource efficiency in food industry sector through appropriate programs and measures. Life-Cycle assessment (LCA) is a technique to assess environmental impacts associated with all the stages of a product’s life from cradle to grave (i.e., from raw material extraction through materials processing, manufacture, distribution, use, repair and maintenance, and disposal or recycling). Our client requested OPTILOG’s support in the following actions: a) Compiling an inventory of relevant energy and material inputs and environmental releases, b) Evaluating the potential impacts associated with identified inputs and releases, and c) Interpreting the results to help make a more informed decision about production of pastry and food products. We used our significant experience from similar successful projects to calculate and assess the carbon footprint of a family of products through all value chain. We adopted the PAS2050 standard and provided the following services: a) internal assessment of the existing life cycle GHG emissions of a family of products, b) evaluation of alternative product configurations, sourcing and manufacturing methods, raw material choices and supplier selection on the basis of the life cycle GHG emissions associated with the selected goods, c) comparison of goods using a common, recognized and standardized approach to life cycle GHG emissions assessment; and d) support to the reporting on corporate responsibility.

Our client is a leading wholesaler and distributor in Northern Greece of well-known and trusted consumer brands. The company operates with its own fleet of trucks and visits various wholesale and retail points in 5 regions of Northern Greece. Our client wanted to calculate the carbon footprint of its fleet of trucks as well define the transportation cost of its daily distribution.
For the footrprinting calculation we used our significant experience from similar successful projects to propose an integrated methodology. Initially, we mapped our client’s distribution network. Then we processed and analyzed available transport data (e.g. transportation trips, amount of cargo moved, type of truck and engine technology, etc). We then applied an EUapproved methodology for measuring carbon dioxide emissions. For the calculation of the transportation cost of its daily distribution, we applied the Activity- Based Costing (ABC) method in order to analyze and measure the current fixed and variable costs. The results from the analysis were linked directly with the carbon footprint results as the routing of the trucks, the distance travelled daily as well as the loading factor of each truck affect both transportation costs and CO2 emissions.
By the completion of this project our client is able to measure and monitor its carbon dioxide emissions and minimize its operational cost (in terms of daily distribution of goods).