Paper and packaging logistics

Growing costs, limited capacity and increased competition – Packaging and paper supply chain

The paper and packaging industry is facing a number of distinct challenges. The rapid decline of print media and the growth of e-commerce, represents a major shift in how products from the paper and forest industry are distributed. Moving from a predictable, volume-based model, for example the newsprint industry, to one driven by fluctuating demand, such as online packaging, calls for a step change in transportation management.

On top of this, as more and more companies enter the global marketplace, the level of competition keeps increasing, impacting many businesses’ ability to grow revenue. As forestry land becomes more and more expensive, many companies are considering remote growing locations. And while these may be cheaper, the impact on the cost and complexity of logistics should not be underestimated, not to mention the environmental consequences. In this context, the digitalization of the forest product supply chain is one of the most fruitful avenues for companies looking to get ahead of the competition.

At Alpega we help paper and packaging companies:

• Maintain real-time visibility over shipments and ETAs
• Identify and contract specialized carriers at short notice
• Uncover cost opportunities throughout the paper and packaging supply chain
• Increase customer satisfaction rates

Paper and packaging transportation – Flexibility and visibility

The need to be agile, reactive and lean is greater than ever and can only be achieved with an optimized supply chain. In this context, Alpega’s modular product suite is designed to seamlessly provide real-time visibility and planning capability.

While transportation management in the paper and packaging industry continues to evolve, the one constant is the need for visibility. Tracking shipments in real-time, knowing when they will arrive and where they will be needed, all based on limited knowledge is a key challenge. Solutions such as TenderEasy enable spot bidding and ad-hoc transportation opportunities, which paired with Real Time Visibility Network solutions, are vital to staying flexible in an ever-changing market.

Software designed for the paper and packaging industry

Digitalizing the supply chain process with a TMS is an effective means of keeping track of products and ensuring they meet the relevant legal requirements. Alpega TMS digitalizes transport order management and ensures all documentation is gathered in a single location.

In addition, as shipments in the paper and packaging industry are relatively low value, cost efficiencies are mainly found in the optimization of the transportation process itself. In this context, the slot booking process is often a prime candidate and a slot booking platform, such as Smart Booking, provides the real-time visibility needed to cut waiting times and costs. It’s a vital touchpoint for warehouses, carriers and shippers and businesses which optimize their loading and unloading gain a huge competitive advantage.