Coop replaces It’s Previous Container management system
Companies often face a major challenge when looking for new software. Coop tested various container management solutions in a careful selection process and eventually opted for BinMan® from LOGSOL. In September 2022, the three most promising providers were invited to Basel to present their systems. LOGSOL’s pitch was convincing because BinMan® offers many functions as standard. This significantly reduces the effort required for individual configurations.
Dominik Hew is Project Manager of the Transportation Aids Pool department at Coop and summarizes: “The current THM2011 system is an in-house development based on SAP and is reaching its limits. In particular, software maintenance and the integration of new interfaces and functions are a major challenge in the current system.” With BinMan®, Coop chose a cloud solution that is professionally expandable and “still remains close to the standard to ensure release capability,” emphasizes Robert Kunz, Product Owner and Senior Project Manager at LOGSOL.
Challenge: Data migration
The migration from THM2011 to the new BinMan® system was a challenging task that had to be approached strategically. “The variety, structure and amount of data to be migrated were more complex than we had anticipated,” summarizes Dominik Hew. Initially, it took time to check and cleanse all the data. However, this step is necessary in order to guarantee high data quality for BinMan®.
Integration of BinMan®
The project included various functional enhancements of BinMan®, all aimed at increasing efficiency and user-friendliness. These adaptations were developed in close cooperation with Coop’s departments in order to take specific requirements into account and optimize usage. A central aspect was the integration of BinMan® into the existing IT infrastructure. For this purpose, interfaces to Coop’s ERP system and to the container management system of a major supplier were programmed.
The LOGSOL team also implemented a single sign-on (SSO) as another important component. This means that users only need to log in once to gain access to different systems. The considerable simplification for users is obvious, but the function also improves the security and administration of access rights. Robert Kunz is positive about the progress: “Thanks to the agile approach, this was an interface that worked very quickly and well.”
Agile methods
The technical solution alone does not guarantee the success of the project – this depends largely on the agile collaboration between Coop and LOGSOL.
Robert Kunz explains: “It was important for us to be able to react flexibly to changes and new requirements. In agile project management, we divide the project into smaller sections, known as sprints, and continuously adapt the planning to current developments.” Dominik Hew also emphasizes the advantages: “At Coop, we already work agile in many projects, so we were very pleased that LOGSOL is also pursuing this approach.”
Effective employee training and change management
In future, over 350 suppliers and more than 1,000 internal users will work with BinMan®. LOGSOL’s flexible training approach includes practical simulations, role plays and on-site introductions as well as videos.
To facilitate the system transition, a multi-level support concept was developed that offers all users the right point of contact. “In addition, a ‘hyper care phase’ is planned, during which LOGSOL will be increasingly available after the changeover,” says Robert Kunz.
Continuous adjustments are necessary for a successful training strategy. Therefore, feedback from participants is constantly collected in order to optimize the methods and ensure that all employees are effectively prepared for BinMan®.
Working together in partnership
The close collaboration between LOGSOL and Coop has proven to be the key to the successful outcome of the project. Jonathan Giger, Deputy IT Project Manager at Coop, particularly praises the expertise in the logistics sector: “LOGSOL understands the processes and develops the software accordingly. That has helped us a lot.”
Everyone involved in the project also greatly appreciates the open communication. Cuong Tang, IT Project Manager, emphasizes: “LOGSOL has always been honest and made no false promises. They told us directly if a timeframe was too tight.”
Looking to the future
By March 2025, the existing system will be completely replaced. “There will be a ‘big bang’ when the legacy software will be switched off and BinMan® will be seamlessly put into operation,” explains Robert Kunz. With the introduction of BinMan®, Coop is not only creating the basis for more efficient processes, but also meeting the requirements of increasingly digitalized and networked logistics. LOGSOL is delighted to be part of this success story and to continue to support Coop as a reliable partner in the future.