Being incredibly flexible. That's what customers need

From paper receipts to complete automation. Kobout did it. In 2017, Kobout's logistics team initiated this process of constant improvement. Always with the customer in mind. Whether customers want a standard set of bolts, private label or an extra barcode: nothing is too crazy for Kobout's inspired team.

This year Kobout is celebrating its 45th anniversary. From day one, development and process improvement have been paramount. "We have 60,000 locations in our warehouse and over 100,000 different bolts and nuts in the assortment. That makes it quite a challenge to ship thousands of order lines every day," Joost Kunst also knows. That's why the company started a process in 2017 to replace paper and checklists with a warehouse management system, which has been continuously improved over the years. 

The digital age

With results: by mid-2024, the process is running like clockwork. "The number of customer complaints has dropped by 75%," he says. Joost points to the automation system. "Everything is measurable these days. We analyze every error message. With that you recognize the bottleneck faster and can solve it. That takes time and sometimes we have to switch teams. But it's always worth it. So we start every day with a consultation: which points need attention, what should we pick up and what can be fed back. That way we are constantly growing. Sometimes the fault lies somewhere personal. Then we engage in conversation to help our colleague. That too is progress."

An entire organization

The nearly 1.5-acre warehouse houses 44 Hänel Lean-Lifts. "Such an elevator ensures that the right la is brought to working height. The product, provided with a barcode, is scanned so that the order picker always has the right item to grab. Did you know that once our products arrive, they are already available for sale within 24 hours? It's quite an organization for a box of bolts; bizarre, but also very beautiful!"

It does not stop at automation alone. "Our people are and remain the most important factor within Kobout," Joost emphasizes. "That's why we look very consciously at who fits in which place. A matter of knowing your people and knowing what they can do and what they want." 

Customers with a gold ribbon

By standardizing, Kobout offers optimal customer service. "At the same time, we are incredibly flexible!" adds Joost. "And I think that's what our customers need. First of all, we have standardized many exceptions. Think of a private label, metalwork or a special set. Take a private article number: in that case, the order picker takes a printer and immediately puts the right sticker on the box. That's nice, huh," he laughs proudly. "But also special sets of a bolt, nut and washer is no problem. Or a customer who wants his bolts packed in a bucket with a lid to take the materials with him on the construction site. 'Can't do' doesn't exist with us." 

Future

"In the coming months, we will expand our product range much further, so that we can supply even more special sizes, materials and qualities from stock. We expect to make a difference - also in the future - with our well-trained staff, extensive product range, optimal customer service and excellent quality. The solutions we have designed to this end are very scalable. This allowed us to absorb the growth of the last two years without any problems and we are ready for the next big steps!"