“Using Log:Nett TA is crucial for achieving cost control. All transfers in Log:Nett TA occur automatically and without any hassle. I am currently in dialogue with Locus Solutions about invoice control, which will help improve our warehouse routines,” says logistics manager Knut-Børge Bentsen of NB Engros in Narvik, Norway.
The transition to the TA system Log:Nett occurred in 2012, coinciding with NB Engros’ adoption of SAP’s business system. Locus Solutions is characterized by excellent support, punctuality, and assistance with upgrades.
Leading Supplier of Consumables
NB Engros, a North Norwegian company with over 200 years of trading tradition, started in 1812 with farm operations and trade by Statius Jacob Matheson Mosling in Ofotfjorden, Fagernes. Over six generations, the business evolved from local trade to become one of Northern Norway’s leading suppliers of consumables to the business sector. In 1993, the company became a co-owner of the Norengros chain, making NB Engros and Norengros one of Norway’s largest players in the industry. NB Engros established sales offices and stores in Harstad in 1999, in Bodø and Mo i Rana in 2007, and in Finnsnes in 2017. The Narvik-based company has an annual turnover of about 250 million NOK, employs 80 people, and operates a 4,500 m2 warehouse.
Data Translation and Compatibility
“Log:Nett TA plays a crucial role in converting our files for PostNord. This data translation involves receiving a data file from our systems and transforming it into a format that is compatible with PostNord’s requirements. Log:Nett TA’s ability to efficiently convert these files ensures that our daily operations run smoothly,” explains Bentsen. He highlights that NB Engros maintains master data directly on goods and customers, which is essential for accurate and efficient logistics operations.
“Recently, I noticed a transfer was mistakenly sent to the outdated postal code 8550 Lødingen. However, Log:Nett TA detected this discrepancy and stopped the shipment. This level of detail is crucial, especially when dealing with limited dangerous goods, where accuracy in product data is non-negotiable. Correcting such errors in shipping not only benefits our internal departments but also positively impacts our customers. Log:Nett TA’s robust data conversion and validation capabilities ensure that our deliveries are accurate and prevent unexpected incidents. Our customers often inquire about the geographical location of their goods and expected delivery times, making a reliable tracking system that can accurately manage the flow of goods before integrating with our EDI solution indispensable,” Bentsen adds.
Self-sufficient System
“How does the collaboration with Locus Solutions’ support department work?” “We have little contact with them because the system works flawlessly. The system operates on its own without any problems. We use a translation function in the system that ensures timely deliveries,” says Bentsen. “For NB Engros, the system works as it should. Potential additional services include transferring our customer numbers to PostNord and discrepancy reporting. When I’m in the system looking at shipments that stall in the warehouse and don’t reach the customer, an automatic email function that registers transfer errors could be useful.”
Cost Control
“We dispatch 10,000 parcels a month. Since we purchase all freight, system errors can lead to significant costs. Here, the use of Log:Nett TA is crucial for achieving cost control,” Bentsen states. “All transfers in Log:Nett TA occur automatically and without any hassle. I am now in dialogue with Locus Solutions about invoice control to improve such routines.” He shares that the company is working on changing the tracking of goods, especially at the batch and serial number level, and will rely on an additional system to transfer accurate data. “We still pick goods from paper in the warehouse,” says Bentsen. “In the long term, we are considering other solutions. We need to become more digital to keep up with developments. We’re considering either paper printouts for reception and picking or scanning barcodes on shipping labels where customers can upload their labels. If we can streamline these routines, it could help reduce operating costs,” Bentsen concludes.
Locus is an Enghouse Transportation company, part of the Enghouse Systems limited, and is a leading provider of fleet management solutions for the Public Safety and Transportation & Logistics sectors in the Scandinavian market. The company operates out of offices in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. For more information, please visit https://www.enghousetransportation.com/.
