How Bottomline extracts more value from Slump On’s data

Introduction

Slump On is a supplier of lubricants and renewable fuels to customers in the north of Holland, focusing on retail (fuel stations) and B2B customers such as transport operators and companies in the farming and agriculture industry who have their own fuel tanks..

The challenge

Frank Dijkstra, logistics manager: “In many cases we have access to our customer’s real-time supply data, and it’s up to us to plan and where possible combine deliveries. So the main challenge for us is to optimize route planning, while making sure we always meet our customer’s expectations.”

“One side-effect of the energy transtion is that our portfolio is getting more and more diverse, with different types of diesel, petrol, biofuels… Our tankers have up to 5 compartments, which means we can deliver different products on a single run. But from a planning perspective, of course, that adds complexity.”

Why Bottomline?

“We have outsourced a large part of our planning and transports to Bottomline for many years now. And they have proven themselves to be reliable partners. They are definitely willing to go the extra mile, and to do everything that’s technically possible to ensure our stations are stocked. Even, or especially, when circumstances are difficult.”

“For example, we had some problems in recent summers because of a shortage of supply at some depots, because of low water levels in rivers or geopolitical circumstances. And I know that for them, driver shortages can be a problem as well.  Such challenges can put a partnership to the test, but it’s precisely at such moments that Bottomline have made a difference. We know that we can rely on them 24/7, to solve problems together. It’s an excellent working partnership. In fact, at times it feels more like working with colleagues than with a supplier.”

The results

“We’re confident that together we’re doing everything we can to maximize efficiency. Outsourcing your planning means that you place a great deal responsibility for your supply with an external partner. That requires trust, but also transparency.”

“Over the years we’ve finetuned the way our systems interact, so we get periodical reports with exactly the information we need. We regularly review our priorities and possibilities for further optimization. And Bottomline keeps us informed on any issues in the supply chain, and what they’re doing to tackle any bottlenecks. I appreciate that openness: it gives me the confidence that they’re doing everything in their power to solve such issues.”