Rhenus Logistics selects Cast Aurora developed by Barloworld supply chain software

Rhenus Logistics, one of the European leaders in contract logistics, freight logistics, port logistics and public transport, has chosen the CAST Aurora software from Barloworld Supply Chain Software to assist in the optimisation of the supply chain for its client base.

Rhenus has 4,000 employees and operates on 350 sites in 40 countries throughout the world, with a turnover of 4 billion Euros. Rhenus has an integrated network of distribution operations across Europe with more than 3 million square meters of warehousing. It is known for the broad range of high value-add supply chain solutions that it develops on behalf of its clients across many industry verticals.

In France, Rhenus Logistics designs and implements bespoke solutions to meet the complex requirements of the e-commerce, retail, consumer goods, luxury and pharmaceutical industries. Operating in the industrial sector, Rhenus also develops and offers logistics solutions to support significant industrial projects and clients worldwide, particularly in the wind farms and nuclear sector.

To meet the challenges of optimising the supply chains of its clients and prospects, Rhenus Logistics has invested in software that specialises in supply chain network design and optimisation. Mr Emmanuel Bonnet, Development Director of Rhenus Logistics, said: “Nowadays, a classic demand ‘centre of gravity’ approach is not sufficient to determine the best location of a warehouse.

New variables other than mileage only, such as capacities and costs, must be taken into account which makes the exercise more and more complex for someone who is not faced with the reality of these variables on a day to day basis. “That is why we are developing the use of CAST AURORA for our prospects and clients so they can benefit from the combination of our knowledge of this product and of the variables involved so we can question their supply chain on the basis of practical criteria, in order to increase their competitiveness.”

Mr Bonnet continued: “The decision to choose CAST AURORA to support the network design process is a logical choice for us. We have been using CAST NV 10 (previous version) for the past few years. When the new version was introduced to us we had a review of other similar products present on the market and, without hesitation we decided to pursue our collaboration with Barloworld.

This tool has evolved considerably and allows us to design our clients’ supply chain networks and test alternative network scenarios, in order to provide them with new supply chain strategies and distribution configurations that meet their service and cost targets. The effectiveness and responsiveness of the support team at Barloworld has also contributed to the decision to renew our investment in CAST.”

Gilles ALAIS, Country Manager for BWSCS in France, said: “We are delighted that Rhenus Logistics has chosen CAST AURORA. This dual recognition, both of the qualities of our software and of the confidence in the Barloworld support team is a testimony to the partnership that we have been able to establish with our clients in the long term."