Westfleisch, one of the leading companies in the European meat industry, is relying on the software solution from the tech company Loopario (formerly Logistikbude) to digitize its load carrier management.
The software is being used by the logistics company Wetralog, initially at the Coesfeld site. If the set goals are achieved, the system will be gradually implemented at other locations. The aim is a fully digital process that reduces manual work steps and media breaks, creates greater transparency, and improves the quality and controllability of the processes. The project is currently in the integration and pilot phase; the go-live is planned for the end of September.
“For us, modern logistics means more than just transporting goods from A to B. We want to intelligently connect the flow of goods, information, and load carriers and develop Wetralog step by step into an even more data-driven logistics company,” says Christian Neekamp, Managing Director of Wetralog. In close collaboration, the logistics company, Westfleisch, and Loopario analyzed existing processes and developed a clear vision for a fully digital process.
Greater transparency in complex cycles: Reusable packaging plays a crucial role in the meat industry. In Germany alone, around 85 million E2 crates are in use, while the German Meat Industry Association (VDF) estimates the number across Europe at approximately 260 million containers. At Westfleisch, in addition to E1 to E3 crates, pallets and numerous other reusable load carriers are also in use. These are issued with the goods, unloaded at customers’ or logistics partners’ locations, returned, inspected, cleaned if they have been in direct contact with the goods, and then reused.
Previously, information from delivery and return processes was collected and processed across various established systems and process steps. The potential for further standardization and digital support of processes existed, particularly in the consolidation and further processing of this information. Neekamp explains: “Our aim is to continuously review even established operational processes and digitize them where this allows us to sustainably improve transparency, process quality, and controllability.”
A unified system for all load carriers: Loopario’s Load Carrier Management System (LCMS) now provides a digital foundation for all parties in the supply chain. Load carrier movements are recorded in a single system, inventory levels are displayed transparently, and the data is assigned to the respective customer and empty container accounts. This allows Wetralog, as well as customers and logistics partners, to work with the same system and standardized processes. Furthermore, the software can be easily integrated into existing ERP systems via digital interfaces.
“The collaboration with Westfleisch is an important step for us in the field of food logistics. Especially in this sector, complex reusable packaging systems meet high demands for hygiene, speed, and transparency – and this is precisely where digital load carrier management can create significant added value,” says Dr. Philipp Hüning, Co-Founder and CEO of Loopario. “With Westfleisch and Wetralog, we have market-relevant, professional players at our side with whom we will jointly advance this topic,” he adds.
Load carrier management as part of the digitalization strategy: Digital management of load carriers creates a modern and attractive working environment because manual data entry and coordination are eliminated. This frees up employees to focus on value-added activities. The standardized database also forms the basis for improved process quality and proactive, resource-efficient management of load carrier inventory. In the future, deviations and bottlenecks should be identified and addressed more quickly. This project is therefore another step in Wetralog’s ongoing digitalization efforts.
Gradual rollout across the entire group:
The Coesfeld site marks the start of the solution’s implementation. Following the go-live, Wetralog and Westfleisch will gather valuable experience that will inform subsequent expansion phases. If all defined goals are achieved, the system will be gradually rolled out to the group’s other sites and companies. Robert W. Friemel, Senior Manager of Corporate Development at Westfleisch, summarizes: “For us, the true value of digital solutions lies in the synergy between technology, clear processes, and a robust data foundation. Loopario’s solution provides the basis for further developing our processes and, in the future, transferring this approach to other business areas.”
