As an international distribution partner, HJ Bakker operates across Europe for various major (fashion) brands. We have developed a unique IT system to offer our customers maximum convenience and flexibility. A connection between our own system and the customer’s IT system forms the basis. However, the practical functionalities we have added truly make the difference.
Customization ensures efficiency
After evaluating several standard packages, we concluded that they did not meet our customers’ needs. Our customers had to adapt their workflow to the package instead of the other way around. Therefore, we developed a custom, flexible order management system with a programmer. Customers input their orders via their own trusted IT system. Through a connection, the order is correctly received by us. It’s then our responsibility to collect, sort, and deliver the products to the correct location. This precise process allows us to track the status of the shipment down to the box level. Additionally, we developed our scanner software, which is integrated with the order management system.
Comprehensive registration
Everything is registered in the order management system—from trailer number to driver, and from expected delivery time to live location. We automatically share relevant information with the customer’s IT system, eliminating the need for back-and-forth emails about a shipment. This reduces the chance of errors and increases delivery reliability, saving time and money.
We incorporated various handy features. For instance, an integration with the Dutch department of road transport shows us exactly when a vehicle needs an MOT inspection, allows us to easily view tachograph expiration dates for trucks, and track when a truck needs to return to its country of registration.
Case study: Transporting goods to Romania
The advantage of a custom system becomes evident when looking at a real-world example. Anyone doing business with Romania knows how peculiar the regulations are. Every shipment crossing the border must be registered with the government. The government wants to know everything: what is being transported, who is the driver, who is the customer, and at what time do we expect to cross the border?
Non-compliance can result in a €20,000 fine. Therefore, it is crucial to register everything accurately. With a single click, our IT system sends the required information to our customer, who then shares the data with the Romanian government. We then receive a QR code that our driver shows at the border. Again, our IT system provides the necessary customization.
New development: Sharing freight location data
Since the end of 2023, it has even been mandatory to share the live location data of a shipment with the Romanian government. Starting from the third quarter of 2024, fines will be imposed for missing data. The system for sharing this information does not yet exist. Once the system is in place, it is crucial to quickly make use of it to avoid hefty fines. With our flexible IT system, we are certain of one thing: HJ Bakker will establish that connection incredibly quickly, preventing time loss and fines for our customers.
Fulfilling every customer need
Seamless IT integration offers our customers many benefits. Higher efficiency results in time savings and cost reductions. Stores that are properly and timely stocked achieve better results. Our unique order management system contributes to our customers’ success. And if legislation or processes at our customers change, we adjust the IT system immediately. We don’t have to wait for scheduled updates but have full control ourselves. We believe that this flexibility will continue to give our customers an edge in the future.
