| Adaptive Logistics at Daimler AG |
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 In light of the changed legal framework resulting from the implementation of the German transport Reform Act (TRG), the introduction of new technology for trailers (e.g. curtainsides) and new packaging materials, Daimler AG saw the need to examine and rethink the issue of load securement for material transports.Two systematic options for load securement on trucks presented themselves: friction-locking securement (tying down with lashing straps) or mechanically interlocking securement (load retention by the body of the vehicle).New legal requirements The main driver was compliance with the legal requirements relating to load securement measures in Germany (derived from the VDI 2700 standard as an acknowledged „rule of technology“). In this area, the legislator used the German Transport Reform Act (TRG) in 2000 to once again assign greater and more clearly defined responsibility for safe load securement to the loading companies as the clients who place the actual orders with the transport companies.Reduction of process times A further objective was to minimise in-plant process time for loading and unloading operations to ensure that the forecast increase in transport volumes did not lead to higher throughout times.Daimler shows how it uses its own „adaptive logistics“ strategy based on a legal regulation for load securement to pinpoint and implement potential for process optimisation. The solution shows that requirements imposed by society can lead to efficient and sustainable processes through the use of innovative and cooperation-based measures.The „Daimler Load Security 9.5“ directive enables all process participants (material supplier, transport provider and Daimler AG) to secure loads solely by means of the design of the vehicle body and using standardised load carriers. Specifications for trailer design For this purpose, the trailers must meet certain specifications in terms of stability and design. These specifications are as follows:• Front wall: Reinforced front wall with a continuous width of at least 2,40 m• Side wall: Pallet stop bar, pallet posts, load securing tarpaulins, blocking boards • Roof: Lifting roof with reinforced roof design• Rear portal: Minimum strength and minimum number of locking gears (twist locks)If they meet these requirements, the trailers can be universally used by other industrial sectors and for other goods (e.g. paper, palletised goods etc.).Requirements for load carrier units The new load carriers possess dimensions based on the ISO standard and are stackable in mechanically interlocking mode with a footprint of at least 600 x 1000mm.Expert opinion on compliance with statutory stipulationsDaimler AG will continue to develop practical load securement measures for heavy unit loads as required by the authorities within the framework of the German Transport Reform Act (TRG).DEKRA is advising Daimler AG as an independent and recognised expert organisation for load securement.Integration in the overall „adaptive logistics“ management concept In line with its overall logistics strategy, Daimler aims to introduce adaptive logistics processes and standards.CHALLENGESChallenge 1: Within the general context of load securement: identification of all stakeholders: plant logistics, police, transport industry, German Federal Office for Freight Traffic (BAG), work health and safety, freight purchasing, legal issues, suppliers, the Association of German Engineers (VDI), bodies and committees, project organization and project budget.Challenge 2: Development of suitable practical tests.Challenge 3: Identification of independent testing bodies with suitable experts.Challenge 4: Ensuring technical implementation by the body manufacturers (market availability).Challenge 5: Extensive training network and long-term implementation by all process participants.One of the key elements in this strategy is the development of stable processes that remain stable even when framework conditions change.The Daimler Load Security 9.5 directive complies with the statutory provisions and ensures a robust process for efficient and safe transport operations.„When we began our review with the aim of defining a standardized procedure for load securement, we couldn‘t have imagined that the outcome would generate such a positive response and such widespread interest in the transport logistics field.“Erich de Vries, Head of the Load Security Project,Daimler AGLESSONS LEARNED AND SUCCESS FACTORS• Shortcoming: Lack of load securement specifications for Daimler load carriersSolution: Creation of a Group-wide working group with independent expert support, definition of a budget• Shortcoming: Use of pallets and load carriers that are unsuitable for mechanically friction-locking load securement (tying down)Solution: Mechanically interlocking load securement through stabilisation of the vehicle body• Shortcoming: Lack of load securement specifications for curtain side and MEGA trailers with no side wall for loadsSolution: Road tests and stipulation of body design – e.g. pallet stop bar and roof reinforcement• Shortcoming: Lack of legal predictability for the organisation and particularly for management personnel (shipper responsibility)Solution: Compilation of a guideline with Group-wide validityKey success factors in the implementation of „Daimler Load Securement 9.5“• Clear-cut identification of stakeholders and their needs • Retention of mechanically interlocking load securement concept, hence optimisation of process times• Standardisation of practices through definition of the directive as a corporate guideline • Clearly defined requirement profile for transport service providers and trailer body manufacturers• Commissioning of a neutral expert organisation• Stipulation of tasks, expertise and responsibility in the transport process for load securement• Legal predictability for employees and management executives• Front-to-end information and training for process owners including body manufacturersTHE BENEFITSDaimler AG achieves several benefits based on this good practice. This more operational and technical solution enables Daimler AG to increase the stability and quality of supply operations. The benefits are of a economic, environmental and social nature.Economic• Less complex load securement measures and processes resulted in optimized transport costs.• The improvement of the process resulted in a reduction in overall process time and costs (for loading, safety, transport, unloading) compared to the use of a frictionlocking load securement solution in line with the VDI 2700 standard.• As a result, it is possible to absolutely minimise the need for separate transport insurance.EnvironmentalProcess improvement compared to friction-locking load securement in line with the VDI 2700 standard increased the eco-productivity of vehicles and reduced the use of load securement equipment (e.g. anti-slip matting, lashing straps etc.).Social• Accidents involving trucks pose a risk to the health of people and, in the case of hazardous products, to the environment.• With „Daimler Load Security 9.5“, Daimler AG underlines its social responsibility for driving, loading and unloading personnel as well as other road users. Responsible securement of the load is a social necessity in order to ensure the safety and protection of personnel who are directly or indirectly involved in the process. With its example, Daimler AG shows how a logistics strategy identifies the efficiency potential of a socially driven legal regulation and succeeds in implementing this regulation in the form of high-quality and stable processes.TransferablesThe adaptations to the trailer equipment for load securement purposes are generally transferable to other industries that have their shipments transported by trucks on the roads.LimitationsLegal requirements can differ from sector to sector and from country to country. This in turn can limit transferability.Different types of loaded goods can also result in additional requirements with regard to products and processes. |
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Article available in these languages: EN, RO
Date added: 24 Oct 2011
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