4FLOW: Enhancing Supply Chain Efficiency with Real-Time Data

4flow is a leading global provider of supply chain consulting, software and fourth party logistics (4PL) services. The company carries out more than 200 projects with clients all over the world each year. As a neutral 4PL, 4flow management handles the continuous planning, optimization, and management of a large number of transportation networks and global end-to-end supply chains on behalf of small to medium-sized companies as well as internationally operating companies representing a range of industry verticals. These include automotive, machinery manufacturing, consumer packaged goods and retail, life science and high tech. With over 700 employees, 4flow is a global partner for its customers at 17 locations in Europe, Asia, and in North and South America. The company’s global headquarters is in Berlin, Germany.

4flow, a leading global provider of supply chain consulting, software and fourth party logistics (4PL) services, was facing a significant challenge. The company was dealing with rapidly increasing deviations from previously planned transport processes. Early detection of these deviations was crucial to avoid additional costs and maintain efficiency. However, without real-time data, achieving absolute supply chain visibility was a daunting task. As a neutral 4PL that is not fleet-based, 4flow did not have access to real-time transportation data. The lack of visibility resulted in inefficiencies and increased costs from deviations and exceptions, such as late penalties and dispute management costs. In the worst cases, it led to extended supply chain disruptions. Late identified delays meant the time needed to take preventative measures was lost, potentially leading to late fees and penalties. Manual communication between carriers, customers and transport planners was also required if shipping status data was not automatically exchanged between supply chain partners.

To address these challenges, 4flow partnered with Shippeo to implement real-time tracking information into the 4flow integrated transportation management system (iTMS). Shippeo’s real-time transportation visibility allowed 4flow to increase supply chain transparency and leverage data to boost efficiencies for shippers, carriers, and end customers. The integration of real-time tracking information into 4flow’s IT system created the data layer necessary to identify deviations much earlier, thus reducing additional costs and unlocking the productivity and service benefits of real-time tracking. Now, 4flow’s transport execution teams can instantly trace a single part right down to the truck carrying it. The information and transparency gained can be shared with customers at any time. This real-time data and optimized estimated time of arrival (ETA) calculation, combined with 4flow’s deep understanding of supply chain optimization, are helping to build more resilient and efficient supply chains for 4flow and Shippeo’s joint customers.

• The partnership with Shippeo has significantly enhanced 4flow's operational efficiency. The integration of real-time tracking information into the iTMS has enabled 4flow teams monitoring customers' logistics networks to detect deviations much earlier, thus reducing additional transportation costs. This has led to a significantly more efficient exception management. Resource utilization at warehouses and loading points was also improved, reducing transportation costs by double digits. The increased supply chain visibility has also increased efficiency and full transparency for carriers, customers, and transportation planners. The accurate time of arrival calculations enable 4flow to optimally support its customers and assess impacts on processes and production faster. The real-time data and optimized ETA calculation, combined with 4flow’s deep understanding of supply chain optimization, are helping to build more resilient and efficient supply chains.

• 5-10% reduction in dispute management time
• 10-20% reduction of premium freight
• 40-50% reduction of penalties