Dutch Logistics Firm Claims Blockchain First

6th April 2018

Logistics BusinessDutch Logistics Firm Claims Blockchain First

Koopman Logistics Group announced today its digitalisation strategy providing supply chain visibility to its customers, partnering with IBM to develop blockchain technology. During the month of April the first vehicle delivery will take place to PON Logistics in the Netherlands in a fully digitalised process. Koopman says it is one of the first suppliers in the Automotive supply chain to leverage the value of blockchain in a true operational process.

This digital solution, developed together with technology partner IBM, provides PON Logistics end-to-end visibility of the supply chain (track & trace), but also a full electronic CMR, eliminating all paper-based processes. IBM is leading in the development of blockchain-based industry platforms in an Agile – Scrum method.

Jon Kuiper, CEO of Koopman: “By offering our customers a fully digitalised supply chain, we support them in the fundamental changes our Automotive Industry is going through. Car Manufacturers (OEMs) and fleet owners are looking for double digit cost savings and additional logistic services. By using blockchain technology we can offer our customers a data-secure environment, where data are safe and cannot be changed or manipulated anymore. Blockchain technology enables us to follow the vehicle through its life in the supply chain, adding tremendous value to our customers, giving them real-time information on the vehicle, not only its location, but also on damage, technical status, upgrades etc. This allows customers to re-engineer their logistics networks to achieve break-through cost reductions, but also helps for example to avoid mileage and VAT fraud, key issues in the cross-border sales processes of used cars. We are proud to be one of the first organisations to deliver an operational blockchain process in the Automotive sector that delivers immediate value to our customers. It is our ambition to set a new standard in our industry in the coming years”.

Providing supply chain visibility to customers is part of the Koopman strategy to deliver digital services for the industry using latest technology. Koopman aims to deliver services that allow its customers (OEMs and Fleetowners) to unlock significant value in its supply chain. Examples are full digitalisation of all transactional processes (CMR, customs processes, invoicing), supply chain re-engineering services and end-to-end services that eliminate the risk of fraud. After initial testing with key customers in the coming months, Koopman will make services and technology available for all its customers.