C.O.I.M. S.p.A., an Italian multinational that has manufactured chemical products since 1962 and that operates all over the world through nineteen manufacturing and trading companies, recently deployed an advanced system to organise and manage the “yard” and warehouse at its Offanengo (CR) facility. This system makes it possible to forecast and plan in detail loading and unloading flows, streamline the use of the resources employed, and integrate all the information useful for efficient and shared process management. Indeed, with this system, warehouse operations are synchronised with events in the yard, keeping the flow of vehicles in and out of the yard coordinated and regular.
“This project is yet another step in COIM’s move towards digitisation and maximum process efficiency,” explains Paolo D’Adda, Supply Chain Manager at COIM. By implementing a Yard Management System (YMS), a module of the broader Transport Management System (TMS), we aim not only to attain full traceability of the physical and information flows of loading and unloading activities, but also to foster the best working conditions for external drivers and COIM staff, as well as the highest safety standards." D’Adda concludes.
The digitising process includes an entry accreditation system, which can also be accessed outside the logistics department’s office hours. This pre-registration operation can be done both in person, at the special totem station, and virtually, by accessing the specially provided WiFi network and the system link. The result is a general streamlining of loading and unloading operations and keeping waiting times to a minimum. In addition, with the “virtual totem” mode, drivers can get information about the status of the call and news of traffic conditions without having to leave their vehicle cab, in complete safety and comfort.
“The Offanengo facility falls under the Seveso III law and therefore requires a high level of control at the entrance. Approximately 110 vehicles per day flow through the facility and loading and unloading activities are spread over a large area of about 280,000 square metres. The Yard Management system makes it possible to handle this high level of complexity by ensuring efficient management and by fully adhering to the recommendations of the European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC) and the European Chemical Transport Association (ECTA), which, also due to the chronic shortage of drivers, suggest designing infrastructures that can minimise the time spent at the yard, facilitate communication with drivers and increase the degree of comfort of the corresponding operations. The growing level of attention to this issue, which is preoccupying the logistics world at an international level, is nothing new for COIM, which has always ensured the best possible hospitality for drivers by providing a dedicated area for personal hygiene, food service and rest. The offer of collaborative interaction embedded in the Yard Management System and developed in 26 accessible languages includes a mini-safety course with corresponding test, so that drivers know how they are expected to behave inside the facility,” continues D’Adda. “Even the more technical aspects of safety and security, such as the ADR check for dangerous goods, the vehicle suitability check required by the “Cargo Securing” regulations, and the number plate scan at the parking area entrance gate follow digitised, faster and more traceable processes. Lastly, with the Yard Management System, we have been able to incorporate multiple company functions into the logistics processes, including customer service, production, logistics and maintenance, resulting in the highest possible standard of efficiency with a view to offering the best level of service to the market.”
C.O.I.M. S.p.a. press office: Origgi Consulting S.r.l.
Manager: Daniela Origgi
d.origgi@origgiconsulting.it – Mob. (+39) 347 1729113
COIM press office team:
pressoffice@origgiconsulting.it - Tel. (+39) 039 2307137
