The Raben company has grown along with the dynamically developing logistics market. From the very beginning of the company’s existence, the management board was aware that GS1 standards were essential for achieving its goals. How has the cooperation with GS1 developed?
Edyta Staszczyk, Operations Support Manager at Raben Logistics Polska: The first application of GS1 standards used by the Raben Group concerned logistics labels. When accepting goods into our warehouses, we must register the necessary product data, such as: EAN-13 code, expiration date, production batch number, etc. Initially, we entered this data into the warehouse system manually. Since 2002, we began scanning logistics labels, which were being used on an increasing scale by goods suppliers. The GS1 logistics label software, containing information in the form of barcodes marked with appropriate application identifiers, became a real breakthrough for us. Automatic identification of goods during the unloading process brought a significant acceleration of this process. Equally important was the improvement in data quality. Entering correct product parameters during warehouse intake is critical for subsequent processes in the warehouse.
Data on the production batch and SSCC numbers are essential for the correct goods tracking procedure, which is crucial for many customers, for example in the food industry. Currently, most goods delivered to our warehouses have logistics labels, which we successfully read during the intake process. We regularly verify missing or incorrect labels and encourage our customers to introduce the GS1 logistics label. It can undoubtedly be said that the logistics label is the most important document used in the contract logistics processes of the Raben Group. We also observe that its use is gradually increasing among manufacturers and final recipients of goods.
In subsequent years, while implementing wider use of radio terminals in warehouse operations, we also based our work on identification through scanning logistics labels. The SSCC number on the label is a unique identification of the logistics unit, which is assigned by the product manufacturer. For us, in the warehouse, this is the primary number that we scan during all performed operations. We also have the ability to report SSCC numbers for customers. Such a solution guarantees the correct traceability of each unit throughout the entire logistics chain.
The next stage in meeting the growing market requirements was the implementation of the Raben Group’s own GS1 logistics label. It was used for the first time in 2005. Currently, the company marks all pallet units assembled in warehouses with its own labels. As a participant in the GS1 system, we also generate our own SSCC numbers and mark those pallets that do not have original numbers assigned by the manufacturers with them. The design of the Raben logistics label was prepared in cooperation with the Institute of Logistics and Warehousing. It managed to combine two functions: the label contains both codes required by GS1, which are used by recipients, as well as transport information relevant to the Group’s internal transport network. Thanks to this solution, we have a uniform shipping label that is scanned in subsequent stages of the supply chain both in the Raben transport network and in the warehouses of final recipients.
In recent years, there has been a very large development of electronic EDI communication in the logistics industry. The Raben Group has EDI integration with most customers for whom it provides contract logistics services. We obtain delivery notifications to our warehouses and orders for picking and delivery of shipments to recipients from customers electronically. We, in turn, communicate transaction confirmations back, and also report additional activities, such as changes in goods quality, inventory levels, or accepted returns. We have also launched communication regarding transport services, including delivery notifications to recipients. Striving for standardization, we decided to implement EDI messages compliant with the GS1 standard in the Raben Group. With the help of experienced ILiM consultants, we developed standard messages that we currently use in all new projects and encourage our customers to do the same. For correct routing of messages, we use GLN location numbers, with each of the Group’s warehouses having its own unique GLN number. Thanks to the implementation of GS1 in EDI communication, we have a stable and unified solution that helps us meet our customers’ requirements, giving them a guarantee of good and reliable communication.
GS1 standards have also become an excellent answer to the Raben Group’s needs related to globalization and aspirations to be a leader in the Central and Eastern Europe region. Without them, it would be difficult to create distribution centers serving not only the Polish market but also neighboring markets. The first such center was established in 2010 in Chorzów, from where orders for Polish, Czech, Slovak, and Hungarian recipients are fulfilled daily. For customers who decided to consolidate the service of several countries in one warehouse, this means cost optimization. The consistent GS1 standards used in these countries are very helpful. The use of GTIN and GLN numbers and EDI messages guarantees that despite different languages, communication in the chain: Seller – Logistics Company – Buyer runs smoothly and without interference. The global GS1 logistics label standard proved to fully satisfy the requirements of foreign recipients as well. The globally unique SSCC number, contained in the GS1-128 code, enables tracking of goods in each of the countries covered by joint distribution. Having a WMS system (currently JDA/RedPrairie) based on GS1 standards and a data exchange model compliant with GS1, the Raben Group was well prepared to take on the European challenge.
Summing up the cooperation between Raben and the Institute of Logistics and Warehousing and the GS1 organization, it is also worth mentioning many joint projects concerning, among other things, warehouse optimization, new technologies, or procedures. For example, we organized audits during which ILiM checked our processes and system for traceability. Thanks to them, we are sure that our services in this area are of the highest quality. We also had the opportunity to participate in training sessions, workshops, and meetings organized by ILiM many times, and our representatives were members of the ECR council. We particularly appreciate the role that the Institute of Logistics and Warehousing plays, connecting the needs and communication of three sides of the market: goods manufacturers, logistics operators, and recipients. This gives us a unique opportunity to gain new experiences and develop the best solutions.