Albert Heijn has announced that it is to invest heavily in an overhaul of its supply chain over the coming years. The Dutch retailer said it will gradually implement automation technology for non-perishable goods in its regional distribution centres (RDCs), which will be extended following a trial at one centre.
Albert Heijn will use the Triple-O system, which has been in place in its central distribution centre in Pijnacker since 2007.
The overhaul will also see the retailer streamline its fresh food supply chain by coordinating suppliers' deliveries to a single, central location in national category centers (NCCs). As a result, suppliers will no longer keep stocks, and Albert Heijn stores will take delivery of all products from the same category in one go. The retailer believes that this will enhance its fresh offering for its customers. The new NCCs will be outsourced to a logistics service provider and will have completely replaced the national fresh centers in Nieuwegein and Utrecht in a few years time.
Sander van der Laan, Albert Heijn CEO, said, “Every day, many Albert Heijn colleagues together ensure that the shelves in our over-850 stores are well stocked. We’re looking to secure our capacity for future growth, and by simplifying our fresh food chain and mechanizing non-perishables we should be able to provide a better service at lower prices – and be ready for growth.” (7 Sept)
© 2012 - ESM: European Supermarket
