Logistics planners and operators in Yara Porsgrunn, Bilfinger and the Port of Brevik were the first in the Yara group to use the company's new logistics app, Digital Lean Container, DLC. Now they are working on the same app and digital platform to improve the logistics flow of 20,000 fertiliser containers annually, to 90 markets worldwide from Herøya.
Got the app we want and a new workday
"We have got the app we want. They have listened to our input," say satisfied logistics employees. Every day, they work together to pack about 55 containers, filled with around 25 tonnes of fertiliser in sacks and bulk, from Herøya.
Terminal operators in Brevik Port also benefit from the DLC app. By following continuous updates on load lists, and trucks on their way to the port, terminal operators in Brevik can plan to avoid queuing and waiting at the terminal.
Collaboration across
New DLC app is part of a major digital shift in the Yara Group.
"It is important that we get the collaboration across, so that the value chain as a whole benefits from it," says Merete Østby. She is leading the effort to digitise Yara's value chains associated with production at Herøya.
First fully integrated digital solution
"It is the first time, and completely new here in Porsgrunn, that we have such a fully integrated digital solution that is used by both operators and planners in Yara, Bilfinger and those in Brevik Harbor. We have started here in Porsgrunn, but are also looking at whether we can use this application at other sites in the Yara group," says Østby.
DLC is an additional application that has its own database, but is fully integrated with the production system.
The goal is improvement
Merete Østby believes it is important that the digital solutions meet a need.
"It is not a goal to digitise in itself," Østby points out. "The goal is for something to get better, quality, efficiency and an improved system for the employees. In the DLC project, many operators were involved to check that the system was suitable for the work operation. That's important. We create a system that supports the process, and not the other way around. That is the greatest chance of achieving something that works well."
…know best where the shoe hits
"The very best thing is to bring in needs from those who have a challenge or see an opportunity. They who know the work process and know where the shoe hits and who have good ideas on how work processes can be simplified and improved".
"That's why it's very motivating to hear so many satisfied users of the DLC app."
Improved flow on containers and everyday work
Satisfied DLC app users experience better flow on fertiliser containers and everyday work.
Linda Thors is the planner. Her job is to get containers of fertiliser out and empty containers in at the right time. She plans the container flow, and communicates with Bilfinger who performs the job.
"What is the best thing that has happened in your job since you started using the app?"
"The best thing is that I do not need to check myself multiple times so as not to make mistakes. Previously, there was a lot to keep in mind, with all the sheets I received by fax, lists that were noted on, and then entered into another excel sheet and sent to the logistics department. Potentially it could be a lot of mistakes, because it was difficult to decipher handwriting. Those obstacles are completely gone now."
A completely different job
"Now all orders are in the system, and it enables me to plan ahead in time. Everything is very clear, and has become much easier. In fact, it has become a completely different job."
Linda thinks they have a better flow. "Now we load more containers per shift than we did a year ago. We can start loading immediately in the morning, because I've already prepared the list. And cargo operators can also plan for how they will solve it out there."
"How was the start of this new system?"
"Will we manage this?, I thought. But we had decided on a transition date. We started on Monday and when we got to Wednesday, I really think everything was in place. After two days, I had forgotten how we used to do these routines earlier."
Container loading
Tobias Thorsen, operator, loads fertiliser into a big sack and pallet into a container.
"The DLC app has given me a better overview of what to load and what to do. It is so much easier to correct if we have typed wrong numbers, as previous we had to start all over. Now we write the container and seal number and date, and then we take pictures with the tablet. When I press «complete», information goes to Brevik Harbor. It's okay that we're done with paper. It was probably worse for Linda than for me, I think, because she had to interpret my handwriting," he chuckles.
Warehouse for bulk
Benedikte Gundersen at Bilfinger is responsible for ensuring that bulk fertiliser is loaded into the container at the right time. Here she is in Yara's warehouse.
Loading orders in the DLC app has notification of which field in the warehouse the wheel loader should pick up fertiliser from. With five buckets, the container is full.
What are the best improvements in your job?
"Taking pictures has become much easier. It was a job we spent a lot of time on earlier," says Benedikte. "A lot of time is saved now when we can file the photos simultaneously as loading the container. We have shortened the waiting time a bit here and there. This means many more shipped tonnes in a year."
Benedikte says it has become easier to answer questions from the Marked department about a container. "Now Yara can just search up and find the pictures available instead of calling Bilfinger. It's very smart. And if we make mistakes, we can simply correct ourselves. DLC is very user-friendly, and has helped us a lot. You do not have to take a three-day course to be allowed to sign up to make a small registration. It is a simple application, easy to use, and that is great."
Smarter collaboration with Yara
Is it a quantum leap, or more improvements to be made?
"There is always more to adjust. But DLC has helped us a long way. We do the same job, but we do it a little smarter in collaboration with Yara. And the result is more loaded tonnes."
Logistic planners
Automatic load list. "The loading list is generated automatically when we enter an SAP delivery number and link it to a call," the planners explain.
"The Production Support System, PSS, retrieves information from SAP, and everything comes out completed. The system divides how many containers this will add up to, related to the number of tonnes, and we set a shipping date for the container. The information automatically goes to the DLC. Those who carry out the work in the packing plant receive the loading list on the tablet and can enter the container number as they load. Finally, a completed list with the correct container number is returned to us by e-mail, and job done."
Has the system turned out the way you wanted it to?
"There are always some details to improve. For example, all containers must be cleared through customs. We are now working to get the container number back to SAP from DLC/PSS and directly into the customs system. This is the next step, and we're almost there," say two satisfied logistics planners.
13. December 2021
