September 5th start order picking first plants in Aalsmeer

We are redesigning our logistics and IT and will work uniformly at all hubs. Step by step, we will move from the old logistic system to order picking and eventually to delivery in time slots. We now order pick all flowers and plants in Rijnsburg, Eelde and, since June, Naaldwijk as well. We will take the next step at the beginning of September. The first plant auction groups in Aalsmeer will then switch to order picking.

On September 5th, we will start order picking the first plants in Aalsmeer. We will start small with a number of auction groups of clock C15. As always, diligence is a priority. We experience, learn and optimise before taking the next step. Because even in times of change, reliable service comes first.

What does this transition mean?
Order picking brings a number of changes and opportunities. Below, we tell you about the most important ones:

• Growers: the auction order of the auction groups no longer depends on the logistics set-up thanks to order picking. From September 5th, the auction order will be determined by
  random grower lots (per administration number). Moreover, as a grower, you get more opportunities to determine the auction order of the products yourself. From now on, you can also supply several auction groups on one trolley. See how Zuurbier Roses experiences this.
• Buyers: as a buyer, you will still receive the purchased products before the end of the process. What does change is the order of delivery. The auction order is no longer leading, so you may receive the plants from these auction groups in a different order.

Good to know Select Delivery, i.e. delivery in time slots to buyers, is not yet available for the relevant auction groups that switch to order picking in Aalsmeer. However, as a buyer, you can indicate that you want to receive the products after the end of the process. In that case, please contact the team manager responsible for delivery in your area. We will then discuss your options.
Next steps
When everything goes well with the first auction groups, we can take the next step and determine when we will switch to order picking with the next auction groups. The expectation is that, in three phases, we will eventually start order picking all plants in Aalsmeer. In this way, we are getting closer and closer to one standard logistics method and system at all hubs.

Growers, transporters and buyers affected by the transition to order picking on clock C15 will soon receive an e-mail. This will list the most important changes and possibilities. If there are any questions after this, the Account Managers, LDK Team Managers from your delivery area and the
Services & Contact Centre are ready to answer them.