A leading building products manufacturer sought to improve and streamline its supply chain operations. With over 3,000 employees and more than two dozen manufacturing facilities from coast to coast, the manufacturer wanted to expand its trucking fleet while also improving overall visibility through the implementation of fleet management technology.
After a thorough review of multiple third-party technology solutions, the manufacturer concluded that none of the technology providers could meet their unique operational needs. Off-the-shelf software was missing some of the necessary functionality that the manufacturer required; other options were overwhelming and difficult to manage, and other potential opportunities required customized solutions that were both costly and ineffective.
The manufacturer found Penske's solution easier to manage because it is able to expand and grow to meet future needs. To help with the learning curve, Penske transportation professionals helped train the manufacturer, so they could get up to speed and enjoy its full functionality. And because Penske provides a superior product right out of the box, the manufacturer enjoyed significant cost savings. Penske technology, coupled with the expertise Penske associates bring to the table, provides a robust collaboration of people and teams that helps achieve results faster.
Penske Creates Customized Transportation Solution
Penske Truck Leasing had established and maintained a relationship with the building products manufacturer for nearly 25 years. Initially, the manufacturer attempted to implement a technology solution that proved to be a much larger undertaking than they anticipated. With the complexity and vast amount of information and processes that require constant attention, they turned to their long-standing Penske relationship for assistance. Penske provided the people, knowledge and processes in a flexible, hybrid solution to help the manufacturer improve supply chain performance.
The partnership has allowed the manufacturer to increase customer service, grow the size of its in-house fleet and tap into dedicated capacity. Utilizing Penske's expertise also enabled the distributor to focus on its core business while Penske handles its supply chain operations.
Penske Technology Sets Foundation for Improved Supply Chain Operations
Penske implemented its ClearChain® technology suite to support both private fleet operations and Penske Dedicated Contract Carriage (DCC). ClearChain is able to pull information from multiple sources through electronic data interchange as well as GPS technology and electronic onboard recorders. The information allows the manufacturer to better manage inventory, improve customer service, optimize routes, sync deliveries with production schedules and mitigate supply chain disruptions.
With ClearChain, Penske is able to take large streams of incoming data, organize it, and then provide useful analytics that show the manufacturer where supply chain improvements can be made. The software also creates a series of checks and balances to ensure the accuracy of the data as well as the accuracy of shipments, inventory levels and financial transactions throughout the supply chain.
"We treated this implementation as if it were our own," said Andy Moses, senior vice president of sales and solutions, Penske Logistics. "We are now fully engrained as a partner and this was established in not only the solution we provided, but also the training and support that accompanied this solution."
People and Technology Tie It All Together
Along with the ClearChain technology suite, Penske also implemented a new fleet management system, onboard technology and a fully updated telecom practice. These technology advancements are supplemented by two onsite team members who support the technology and processes.
With these solutions, the manufacturer is now able to recognize and prioritize improvement opportunities. They have also developed a variety of key performance indicators to regularly measure effectiveness around quality, safety and cost.