Handling bulk with precision
How Kärcher Australia successfully transformed their uniquely complex logistics operations with the Cario platform.
Client: Kärcher AustraliaKärcher, a global leader in performance-focused cleaning solutions, has a significant operational footprint in Australia and New Zealand. Their diverse and bulky freight needs range from large machinery to parts essential for trade and industry, contributing to a complex freight profile of approximately 80,000 shipments annually, with a mix of parcel and palletised freight. |
Industry: Wholesale |
ERP Integration: |
80k+
shipments per year
70%
parcels
30%
palletised and specialist shipping
3
warehouses across Australia
3rd Party
logistics model
Opportunity
In order for Kärcher to effectively handle over 80,000 shipments annually, they needed to replace their complex, labour-intensive logistics processes with a more streamlined and automated solution. The Cario platform was selected to deliver an integrated solution to ensure that every shipment - from the smallest parcel to the bulkiest freight - was precisely managed to uphold the high quality of service Kärcher's customers expect.
“We manage a complex freight profile with about 80,000 shipments annually, where approximately 70% are parcels, and the remaining 30% consist of palletised goods or specialised freight, such as large ride-on machines that require tailored freight solutions.”Hamish Matheson, Managing Director, Kärcher Australia and Region President for Kärcher Oceania
Outcomes
INTEGRATION – A tight 3-way integration between Kärcher's SAP system, a third-party logistics system and the Cario platform created a seamless logistics workflow
AGILITY - Continuous optimisation of carrier selection and routes for freight has delivered agility and cost efficiencies in the supply chain
BENCHMARKING - A recent freight tender benchmarking exercise confirmed the solution’s competitive edge in price and service quality
CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE - The Cario system automatically identifies and corrects errors in raw delivery data, streamlining parcel routing for accuracy and speed
“The thing I love about the Cario system is its flexibility and its customisability to give you the exact solution that you need for your specific set of circumstances.”
Hamish Matheson, Managing Director, Kärcher Australia and Region President for Kärcher Oceania
Future
The Cario platform has given Kärcher the capabilities to quickly resolve everyday freight challenges while enhancing its already exceptional customer service experience. However, the ongoing partnership between Kärcher Australia and Cario will continue to focus on enhancing supply chain visibility and adapting their operations as their freight requirements grow and evolve.
Looking ahead, Kärcher will soon be introducing the Cario mobile app to allow sales teams to track shipments and customers to lodge queries on the go. The app's AI capabilities will also improve package measurement and provide predictive ETAs based on real-time data.