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Tag: Arvato

  • Shopmatic Selects Arvato as Customer Service Partner

    Shopmatic Selects Arvato as Customer Service Partner

    Arvato, a leading international customer service provider, today announced a new partnership with Shopmatic to provide customer service for the company’s fast-growing e-commerce platform. Shopmatic – which has grown 200 percent year over year—helps budding entrepreneurs take their retail businesses online, enabling them to sell their products through multiple channels with integrated payment services and shipping functions.

    Arvato’s customer service representatives will support Shopmatic’s sellers by setting up their accounts, designing and configuring their e-commerce shops and marketing their online presence to maximize sales. Arvato will also provide technical support to ensure the sellers are able to optimize the platform’s features.

    “Our vision is to help our sellers successfully develop their e-commerce offering and fulfill their entrepreneurial ambitions,” said Anurag Avula, CEO of Shopmatic. “Given our rapid growth, we needed a partner who can help us scale quickly and provide the best customer support to our sellers. Arvato’s expertise will empower and guide our sellers through all stages of their e-commerce journey with Shopmatic.”

    Initially, Arvato is supporting Shopmatic customers in India, Singapore and Hong Kong, with English language support provided out of its Alabang, Philippines, location and support in Hindi and English provided out of its Gurgaon, India, location. Services are provided via phone, email and chat. Future plans include support for Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, United Arab Emirates, South Africa and Kenya as Shopmatic prepares to expand into new markets.

    “It’s been incredibly rewarding to work hand-in-hand with Shopmatic and guide them through their exciting growth trajectory,” said Fara Haron, CEO of Global BPS, Arvato. “Working with digital start-ups is unique because circumstances are changing almost daily and there’s a great need for creativity and flexibility. In partnership with Shopmatic, we’re able to shape their approach to customer experience to ensure it fully supports their wider strategic vision.”

    Arvato supports numerous clients in their customer service efforts from digital start-ups, like Shopmatic, to Fortune 500 companies across a range of industries including consumer technology, financial services and retail. Arvato currently has nine customer service sites in Asia across India, China, Singapore and the Philippines, and its employee headcount in the region has grown nearly tenfold over the past seven years. In addition to its expansion in Asia and its strong European heritage, Arvato has a growing North American presence with eight sites, including their newest location in Waterloo, Canada.

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  • Arvato takes over warehousing and distribution for ECOVACS Robotics

    Arvato takes over warehousing and distribution for ECOVACS Robotics

    Arvato SCM Solutions is the new fulfillment partner for the in Duesseldorf, Germany based European Headquarter of ECOVACS Robotics, a global leading manufacturer of home robotic appliances. As part of the collaboration, the service provider is responsible for the entire warehousing and distribution processes of robots and accessories for the EMEA region since the beginning of March. Operating out of Arvato’s 75.000 square meter logistics site in Dueren (North Rhine-Westphalia), an essential part of the solution developed for ECOVACS is Arvato’s new transport management system, which allows all inbound and outbound shipments to be managed and billed carrier-neutrally.

    “For our growth in Europe, we needed a partner with experience in retailing,

    covering specific retail requirements, while at the same time providing a high level of system automation as well as efficiency through scalable structures,” explains Andreas Wahlich, General Manager of ECOVACS Europe. In the highly competitive European market for home robotic appliances, the robotics company currently ranks second in terms of market share. In its home market China and the Asia-Pacific region in general, ECOVACS is the market leader.

    The new business was implemented at the state-of-the-art multi-user site in Dueren. From there, Arvato SCM Solutions manages and distributes ECOVACS robots to business customers, distributors and consumers in the EMEA region. “We started with several central European countries as well as some third party countries like Switzerland and Ukraine,” states Dennis Schmitz, Director Account Management Hightech & Entertainment at Arvato SCM Solutions. Overall, he expects a shipment volume of around 300,000 floor and window cleaning robots in the first year – with a strong growth tendency for the following years.

    “ECOVACS is a client with high growth potential and active in the fast-evolving robotics market – a target industry that is also a part of our growth strategy,” says Thomas Becker, Executive Vice President Hightech & Entertainment at Arvato SCM Solutions. “Here we can leverage one of our strengths, focusing on standardized and efficient processes in highly complex retail environments.”

  • Arvato and C & A are developing new cartons for the e-commerce business

    Arvato and C & A are developing new cartons for the e-commerce business

    Arvato SCM Solutions and C & A have jointly developed a new packaging solution for shipping fashion items in the online business. So far, cartons have already been automatically cut to the actual size required, which saves costs on the material and optimizes shipping, as less air is transported. Now, the lid has been redesigned, and is fixed to the back and front of the carton after being positioned. The punched tear strip on the front of the lid enables easy opening as well as re-closing in case of a return of the package. The cardboard itself, which adeptly displays C & A branding on all sides, is made from unbleached recycled material.

    “We have noticed that many of our customers are not sure where to open packages,” says Knut Brüggemann, Head of E-Commerce Operations at C & A. “That’s why we analysed our packaging concept together with Arvato and developed a more functional design that now displays our C & A branding even more prominently.”

    Efficient use of materials saves costs

    But not only simple handling and an appealing design are required for modern packaging solutions. Sustainability also plays an increasingly important role against the backdrop of steadily increasing transport volumes in online commerce. For this reason, C & A not only uses recycled materials in its cardboard packaging, but also uses as little material and space as possible to protect the environment: for this reason, the cardboard is automatically cut to the correct size before the package is sealed.

    In practice, this process is as follows: after the articles have been picked and automatically pre-sorted for the customer’s order, an employee at the shipping packing station checks the ordered goods for completeness and packs all articles in a prepared cardboard base. After that, the open carton is transported to the sealing machine by means of conveyor technology that is equipped with both photo and video documentation as well as weight determination. After the delivery papers and a return label have been automatically attached to the packaging, a pressure-sensitive unit measures the box filling height. Once this has been determined, the cardboard is reduced at the corners to the exact size in millimetres by means of cutting knives and is then glued to the newly developed cardboard lid.

    Through this cutting process, less filler material such as air cushioning is needed because the cut-down material remains in the carton as a space filler. In addition, adhesive material is saved because, thanks to the

    innovative cover, only an adhesive strip for closing a return shipment is required at the most.

    A further environmental aspect: “If the boxes contain less air, they require less space on the truck. This reduces the transport volume by around 250 truck journeys per year. Not only does this benefit the environment through less CO2 pollution, but also the consumer who has less packaging material to dispose of,” explains Michael Sorge, site manager of the 45,000 m² Arvato distribution centre in Hannover-Langenhagen, from where C & A customers in 20 European countries will soon be supplied. “Space-saving packaging brings the requirements of environmental compatibility, resource avoidance, damage limitation and customer experience into an optimal relationship.”

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  • Arvato welcomes NATIVE UNION as new customer

    Arvato welcomes NATIVE UNION as new customer

    Arvato SCM Solutions in Asia adds NATIVE UNION as a new customer. NATIVE UNION is an internationally acclaimed Hong Kong and Los Angeles based tech accessories company that was founded in 2009. Arvato SCM Solutions’ business unit Hightech & Entertainment is now handling NATIVE UNION’s global logistics services.

    As part of its services for NATIVE UNION, Arvato provides global warehousing and distribution from its logistics center in Hong Kong, supplying the brand’s products to retailers and distributors across Europe, USA and Asia. In doing so, Arvato offers both domestic and international freight management solutions to NATIVE UNION. In addition to this, Arvato also provides value added services including labelling and bundling, and is responsible for the brands e-commerce fulfillment.

    “We were looking for an international supply chain partner that would give us a true competitive edge, supporting us on our continuous growth path,” says Farouk Merzougui, Chief Operating Officer at NATIVE UNION. “In Arvato, we have found this partner. They are as passionate about our goals as we are.”

    Finding solutions for the ever increasing need for flexibility and agility in the supply chain is crucial. The speedy ramp up showcases Arvato’s ability to develop and implement tailored strategies for its clients in a global marketplace. „Worldwide, the demand for NATIVE UNION’s products is booming. Our Hong Kong SCM team led by Andreas Podwojewski has successfully implemented the business in the shortest amount of time possible to meet this raising demand”, says Raoul Kuetemeier, Head of Asia at Arvato SCM Solutions.

    In total, more than 500,000 units were shipped in the first three months of the collaboration. One of NATIVE UNION’s popular products is the multi-USB charger and cable management system ECLIPSE CHARGER that came on the back of a very successful kickstarter campaign, where Arvato shipped almost 10,000 orders of the new product to customers all around the world. Overall, Arvato SCM Solutions covers 48 countries from its Hong Kong site.

    “NATIVE UNION is a client with a lot of potential in its field, fulfilling the consumer’s increasing demands for high quality, design-led products,” says Kuetemeier. “We have been happy about our partnership and collaboration since day one and we are very excited about developing and expanding business with NATIVE UNION – in Hong Kong and beyond.”

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  • Arvato Takes Over European E-commerce Logistics for Doppler Labs

    Arvato Takes Over European E-commerce Logistics for Doppler Labs

    Arvato SCM Solutions has acquired Doppler Labs as a new customer. This US start-up from San Francisco has developed the first 3-in-1 wireless smart earbuds, Here OneTM; and Arvato’s Hightech & Entertainment business unit is now handling the company’s e-commerce logistics for all of Europe.

    “In Arvato, we are pleased to have found a fulfillment provider that will promote our expansion to Europe with its network and e-commerce expertise,” says Kevin Lynch, Business Operations Manager, Doppler Labs. Founded in 2013, the start-up currently has more than 70 employees and specializes in the development of smart wireless earbuds that can dynamically increase or decrease the volume of real- world sound. The Here One earbuds can also stream music, take phone calls, and filter out and reduce ambient noise with the aid of a connected smartphone app.

    “Doppler Labs is a start-up company with strong potential, and we are happy to support their plans for expansion,” says Martijn Nielen, VP Netherlands at Arvato SCM Solutions.

    In addition to inventory management, the logistical services for Doppler Labs include picking, packing, shipping, and clearing the goods for customs. When an order is received, Arvato works with the online platform Salesupply, whose Shopify e-shop solution has an integrated order management system that manages all orders generated through the Doppler Labs webshop. The electronic processing of all information is handled by an SAP-Lite solution. “This is ideal for start-up companies such as Doppler Labs who are commencing the journey to scale globally,” emphasizes Martijn Nielen. “They benefit from being able to use a sophisticated system like SAP, in the ‘Lite version’, for an attractive price. Moving forward, I see great prospects for us to grow together.”

    Arvato is using its Dutch network for Doppler Labs’ B2C e-commerce business in Europe. The distribution of the smart earbuds throughout Europe is handled from the Arvato site in Gennep.

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  • New technology for greater transparency and more secure processes in the warehouse

    New technology for greater transparency and more secure processes in the warehouse

    As part of its B2B logistics services, Arvato is focusing its packaging process across Europe on camera technology for the first time to further increase the already high process reliability in the supply chain. To do so, cameras installed above the packing stations document whether each shipment is complete and contains the right contents in the right packaging. “We’ve already put this in place for packages and are currently working on a pallet-level solution,” says Thomas Becker, Executive Vice President Hightech & Entertainment at Arvato SCM Solutions. “The primary advantages include traceability and identifying sources of error. This cuts down on costs and helps us when dealing with possible customer complaints.”

    The consumer electronics industry’s interest in the ongoing optimization of the security measures in the supply chain is high. “As a manufacturer of premium cameras, security is our top priority,” confirms Christopher Brawley, Managing Director for Fujifilm Electronic Imaging Europe GmbH. This is largely due to the value of the goods; for example, the sales price of the newly launched medium-format GFX 50S runs several thousand euros. “There is no general solution that is right for every industry and every customer. Instead, we are convinced that every process step can be improved through new and innovative solutions to guarantee a secure supply chain overall and a corresponding added value for our customers,” says Alexander Jeske, who is responsible for innovation management in the Hightech & Entertainment division at Arvato SCM Solutions. This is an approach that is entirely in the spirit of Fujifilm.

    Arvato runs the European central hub in Düren in North Rhine-Westphalia and is responsible for all B2B logistics for the world’s largest photography and imaging company. In addition to warehousing, order picking, shipment packaging and transport management, the services Arvato provides in part of the 75,000 m2 logistics center today include the procurement of materials as well as numerous value-added services. The fulfillment services further include postponement activities, such as assembling sets, repackaging and bundling goods as well as “countrymizing,” which means applying country-specific product characteristics.

    “Security has always been the focus of all our services ever since we started working together ten years ago,” emphasizes Thomas Becker. Fittingly, Arvato’s Düren location holds a TAPA certification (Transport Asset Protection Association) for high-quality products and focuses on automation and innovation in the supply chain. This means that all incoming shipments with Fujifilm products, including high-quality cameras, lenses and other photography accessories, are checked for completeness by an automated weight and volume control system. This prevents more than just stock differences since the geodata registration also serves as the basis for each additional control action along the supply chain. According to Thomas Becker, “This seamless transparency and control enables us to prevent damages and losses along the supply chain and to document shortfalls with our suppliers.”

    In addition to the camera documentation system now in place as part of the packaging process, Arvato is currently reviewing additional measures related to its innovation activities to further increase security in the supply chain. These include applications to create complete transparency in last mile delivery and solutions to localize high-quality goods in the distribution process in close to real time.

    Thomas Becker says, “We work in close cooperation with our partner, Fujifilm, on each and every measure since the technology used must always meet the customer’s individual requirements.”

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  • Arvato Unveils Enhanced Automation at New China Distribution Centre

    Arvato Unveils Enhanced Automation at New China Distribution Centre

    International leading service provider for supply chain management, Arvato SCM Solutions, has begun operations at a new China distribution center. The new multi-client facility in Shanghai is equipped with conveyors spanning across five floors, a pick-by-light system and various customized processing modules that feature hands-free scanners.

    “Enhanced automation, increased flexibility in processing lines with customized client specific setups are key characteristics of the new warehouse”, said Raoul Kuetemeier, Head of Asia at Arvato SCM Solutions.

    Arvato had consolidated three of its existing Shanghai sites into the new facility. “We commit to highly-competitive efficiency and agility in our domestic distribution solutions. The new warehouse and technologies installed will support us in achieving these goals”, said Kuetemeier.

    Backed by Arvato’s IT backbone, processes such as picking and dispatch will be supported by semi-automatic technologies such as the newly upgraded pick-by-light system. This will allow Arvato to channel resources on more complex operations such as kitting, returns management and further value-added services. With the automation in place, capacity and flexibility that are critical to manage extreme peak volumes in China have also been enhanced.

    Solutions offered at the site include retail fulfillment, e-commerce and spare parts logistics. Located in the Qingpu district of Shanghai, the new warehouse is within five minutes to the nearest expressway and 15 minutes to the closest airport. The facility will service clients primarily from the high-tech and entertainment, and consumer products industries.

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  • Arvato scores two awards for its logistics solutions in China

    Arvato scores two awards for its logistics solutions in China

    Arvato SCM Solutions was honoured with “Best Partner” and “Service Award” by Oriflame – one of the world’s leading direct selling beauty companies. The awards recognise Arvato’s exceptional contributions in developing and executing an agile B2B and B2C domestic fulfillment system for Oriflame’s China business.

    “Oriflame’s vision has always been to be the top direct selling beauty company and China is a key growth market.” says Jason Dong, operations director at Oriflame China. “To support and further build upon our expanding network of consultants and customers, we rely on partners like Arvato that are able to innovate in its solutions and adapt swiftly to our needs.”

    Arvato was commended for the implementation of digital solutions that enhanced the efficiency and quality of its domestic fulfillment model. This includes automation of the order management process and utilisation of computerised tools such as the Pick-by-Light system; with all data integrated into one centralised IT back-end system. The result is end-to-end visibility, better accuracy and control that are critical for managing Oriflame’s wide portfolio of Swedish, nature-inspired beauty products.

    For Oriflame’s consultants and customers, the seamless flow of information allows them to track their orders in real-time via the Oriflame app, WeChat app, or Short Message Services (SMS). Because of the scalability and flexibility built into the system, Oriflame’s customers can be sure that they receive their orders timely even during extreme promotional peak periods such as during China’s annual 11.11 Global Shopping Festival. Their customer journey with Oriflame is further enhanced with an efficient returns management process through Arvato’s reverse logistics solution; and receipt of the most up-to-date promotional materials through Arvato’s value-added services.

    “The ‘Three-Year Service Award’ also marks a significant milestone in the partnership between Arvato and Oriflame,” says Li Zhang, head of the consumer products business unit at Arvato SCM Solutions China. “Over the span of three years, Arvato has expanded its services to three sites across China – Beijing, Shenzhen and Shanghai; in support of Oriflame’s rapidly growing business.”

    Arvato received both awards at Oriflame’s 2017 Summit for Service Providers.

  • Arvato provides trade logistics for shoes and accessories by Marc O’Polo

    Arvato provides trade logistics for shoes and accessories by Marc O’Polo

    Arvato SCM Solutions and MARC O’POLO have expanded their cooperation: as of December 2016, the supply chain and e-commerce specialist is now also responsible for the trade logistics of the premium fashion brand’s shoes and accessories, using RFID technology. As well as storage, order picking and shipping, Arvato will be providing special value-added services from its distribution site in Dortmund. From now on, MARC O’POLO products will be sent from there to trade partners in 16 countries. Goods will be sent to both MARC O’POLO shops and franchise stores, as well as wholesale partners such as Zalando, Amazon, Görtz or Breuninger. The partnership between Arvato and MARC O’POLO was established in 2010. The full service provider initially supported the fashion brand with comprehensive services in the international e-commerce sector. Then, in 2015, Arvato organised a comprehensive omnichannel integration with processes such as Click&Collect, Reserve&Collect and cross docking, as well as introducing a new CRM system and the ‘MARC O’POLO for members’ loyalty scheme.

    Providing trade logistics contributes to a further link of the process chain. Arvato will be in charge of storage, order picking and preparing goods for shipment, all from its 32,000 square metre distribution centre. This task includes comprehensive value-added services such as the allocation of filling material and customer-specific labelling. The goods are then sent to trading partners in countries such as France, Croatia, Sweden, Russia or China.

    Furthermore, since the MARC O’POLO merchandise in both the high street and online shops is equipped with RFID tags, RFID technology has been introduced in the loading docks. This means that items are no longer scanned individually – instead, ready-packed product ranges can simply be recorded in bulk before shipping. This significantly reduces processing time and costs.

    “Storage area and transport costs can also be reduced, thanks to the consolidation of the B2B and B2C business. This is because the journey between the B2B and B2C warehouses in Munich and Dortmund has been respectively cut,” says Niels Weithe, Managing Director for Consumer.

    Products at Arvato SCM Solutions, pointing out another advantage. Karl-Heinz Lauterbach, Managing Director of MARC O’POLO Shoes, is also impressed by the advantages of an even tighter cooperation with Arvato: “Creating closer ties between the online shop and B2B warehouses will optimise our stock in the long term and increase availability in the online shop. Trading partners will benefit from this shelf extension through an optimised sales ratio and turnover.”

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  • Arvato opens bonded warehouse in China

    Arvato opens bonded warehouse in China

    Arvato SCM Solutions is expanding its presence in China with a new bonded warehouse that will serve clients in the high-tech and entertainment and consumer products industries. The new 2,000 m² facility is located in the Shanghai Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone.

    “The launch of our third distribution center in China is necessary as we meet an increasing demand for logistics services in the region,” said Raoul Kuetemeier, Head of Arvato SCM Solutions Asia.

    The Shanghai Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone is unique for its government incentives and preferential tax policies; a strategic location for the distribution of goods into mainland China and trade between Asia and rest of the world. “This new bonded warehouse enhances our logistics network in the Chinese market and underscores our commitment to provide the most flexible and competitive supply chain solutions for our clients.” said Kuetemeier. Arvato is already represented by five distribution centers across Asia.

    Arvato will provide end-to-end logistics services in the new multi-user facility. This includes the processing of imports and exports as well as warehousing, multi-channel distribution, returns management, and other value-added services. The access-controlled location is also equipped with a monitoring system and has more than five loading bays. In the licensed bonded warehouse, goods can be stored duty-free indefinitely.

    The new logistics center in Shanghai’s Pudong district offers outstanding structural conditions for efficient distribution. It is within close proximity to the Waigaoqiao harbor and Yangshan deep-water port. The airport, central highways and container freight station within Shanghai are also easily accessible.

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  • Arvato gears up for Asia

    Arvato gears up for Asia

    Arvato has designated Singapore as the new Asia-Pacific headquarters for its supply chain management (SCM) Solution Group. To facilitate this, the company has relocated its existing sites in the country to a single 80,000 square feet unit. Raoul Kuetemeier has stepped up from his previous general management role in China to Head of Asia.

    “We see an increasing demand for SCM solutions that integrate China and other Asian countries and markets. The new headquarters helps us to establish a strategic footprint in the region,” said Kuetemeier. “With our resources pulled together, we also enhance the efficiency of our highly customized SCM strategies and strengthen our leading position as a SCM solutions provider in Asia’s high-tech and entertainment sector.”

    Arvato’s new premise in Changi International Logispark, one of Singapore’s most established logistics clusters, is furnished with an office, warehouse and assembly area where Arvato will carry out increased volumes of regional logistics and value-added services for its clients. The location is prime for its proximity to the Changi airport as well as freight forwarders and expressways. This way, it complements Arvato’s global operational network.

    As part of his new responsibilities, Kuetemeier will focus on streamlining the operations and sales activities for the Arvato SCM Solution Group in the Asia Pacific region. In his new role, he oversees more than 600 employees across Singapore, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Bangkok, Tokyo and Hong Kong.

    Kuetemeier joined Arvato in 2004 where he played a key role setting up new facilities in Germany and Austria. Prior to his current position, Kuetemeier was based in China for eight years. He has a proven track record of supporting multi-national clients to develop their strategic supply chain strategies in Europe and Asia.