Quality improvement for Heisterkamp 'trailer truckers'
Heisterkamp Transport, based in Oldenzaal, is the European market leader in trailer trucking. Customers manage the flow of goods and load their trailers, while Heisterkamp provides the “wheels”: the tractor unit and driver. This approach has proven so successful that Heisterkamp now offers the service from multiple locations across Europe. Until recently, these locations planned their operations independently and did not share a common database. CQM supported Heisterkamp in transforming these separate systems into a single integrated planning platform.
Heisterkamp Seeks Tailored Solutions
As Heisterkamp expanded rapidly, it became clear that its local, stand-alone operations were no longer sustainable. To improve efficiency, reduce errors, and gain better visibility across the organization, the company sought to standardize its processes through a single, integrated planning system.
Over the course of a year, Heisterkamp worked with logistics consultancy Cape Groep to identify and document its requirements. The conclusion was clear: the complexity of the planning process called for a customized solution, and CQM was selected to develop it.
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ROTA
CQM developed an application that Heisterkamp named ROTA (Latin for “wheel”). The initial version featured a standardized order-entry module and a digital planning board. Its user interface closely resembled the legacy system, providing planners with a familiar and intuitive experience. Following user training, ROTA was successfully implemented. The benefits became apparent almost immediately: planning could be completed in less time, and it became significantly easier for one planning team to temporarily take over activities from another. CQM then enhanced the platform step by step with additional functionality, including integration with onboard vehicle computers, real-time location tracking through a plan.cqm map, driver scheduling, and a Gantt chart that enabled planners to quickly identify available tractor units.
Creative Collaboration and Solution-Oriented Thinking
The development of ROTA is a strong example of CQM's preferred way of working: a co-creation approach that maximizes the expertise of both parties. According to Devlin Scholten, Operations Manager at Heisterkamp: “The collaboration has been exceptionally smooth and collegial. CQM’s way of working aligns perfectly with Heisterkamp’s pragmatic, no-nonsense culture. Throughout the project, I never heard ‘no’. Instead, the team consistently thought creatively and worked with us to find solutions.”
The publication and/or reproduction of text and images is permitted only with the express written consent of CQM.
Photo credits: CQM and Heisterkamp.
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