From forklift to project manager
Interview with Jasper Drijfhout, Project Manager at NVO Transport.
His career at NVO Transport began modestly. “I once started on the forklift,” says Jasper Drijfhout, now project manager at NVO Transport. “During my summer vacations, I helped out in the planning department. That was my first introduction to the hectic and dynamic nature of transport. Eventually I got the chance to take on a major digitization project including: equipping our transporters with Rietveld Efficio on-board computers and Epson scanners.”
NVO: A cooperative with history
NVO Transport is no ordinary logistics company, but a cooperative of 54 transport companies. Together, they drive more than 180 trucks in NVO house style to Scandinavia every day, as many as 220 on peak days. The foundation for this cooperation was laid in 1965, when a group of regional transporters from the northern Netherlands joined forces. “The formation was a reaction to the power of freight brokers,” Jasper explains. “Those earned commissions on the work of the carriers. By working together, carriers could better protect their interests.” In the early years, the focus was on tipper trucking, but expansion soon followed. In the early 1970s, the decision was made to specialize in transport to and from Scandinavia.
From then to now
The world of transportation has changed a lot since then. “In the 1960s, there were no mandatory driving hours, no quality certifications or satellite navigation,” Jasper says. “Also, the trucks were a lot less comfortable.” Today, NVO Transport has a modern infrastructure. Since 2017, the cooperative has been located at a storage and transshipment site on the A7 in Zuidbroek, complete with 20 dock shelters, cold and freezer cells and office space. In addition, technology and sustainability play an increasingly important role, with 24/7 track & trace, mobile telephony and attention to the environmental performance of the fleet.
Digitization as an accelerator
According to Jasper, however, the biggest step in recent years has been the digitization of processes. Within NVO, it is mandatory to work with the Efficio on-board computer and Epson scanner, linked to the Transpas TMS system.
“Drivers scan their waybills immediately after delivery. The documents arrive at the office as well as the customer immediately. As a result, invoices can be sent the same day, instead of a week later. Additional charges also come through within minutes, and carriers are paid faster. That saves a week of invoicing as well as a week’s earlier payment.”
The scan is automatically saved with the order in Transpas. “In the beginning it did take a while,” Jasper looks back. “It took us about a year and a half before everyone worked completely digitally. We gave countless training sessions. For one person it’s simple, for another-a digital illiterate-a lot harder. But in the end, everyone is satisfied.”
AI in practice
The next step is the use of artificial intelligence. All pdf files coming in through the scanners are automatically read by AI and translated directly into the correct input fields in Transpas. “This saves us an enormous amount of time and minimizes errors,” Jasper explains. “It makes our process even faster and more reliable.”
Challenges and collaboration
A project of this magnitude always has bumps in the road. For example, the wireless scanners via WiFi coverage along the way did not prove consistently stable enough. “We then decided to switch to wired links,” says Jasper. “In a project, you always run into things you don’t foresee. Then it’s about keeping faith and persevering, together with your partners. Understanding, investment and perseverance make all the difference.”
According to Jasper, the cooperation with Rietveld and Epson was crucial in this. “With the Efficio on-board computer and the Epson scanners, we have an excellent long-term solution. Rietveld is a partner who thinks along and helps us grow further.”
Rietveld: your strategic partner in mobility safety
Rietveld offers future-proof solutions. With years of experience in the construction, infrastructure, transport and logistics sectors, Rietveld is the partner for organizations that want to combine safety and innovation. We think along with you, implement and supervise the change process within your organization.
Planned as you are
Whether in planning, technology or collaboration, Jasper sees NVO’s strength in the balance between structure and flexibility. His motto: “Planned as you are.” By this he means that everyone – from driver to carrier – should be able to remain themselves, while together building a more efficient, sustainable and future-proof NVO Transport.
Wondering what Rietveld can do for your organization? Schedule a no-obligation consultation with Bouwe Jan Penninga right away.
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