REICHHART Logistik automates complex logistics processes with the transport management system CarLo from Soloplan, creating a flexible and future-proof transport logistics solution.
RWZ automates its agricultural logistics with CarLo
How Raiffeisen Waren-Zentrale connects SAP, dispatch planning, drivers and freight forwarders in one end-to-end transport process
The Raiffeisen Waren-Zentrale Rhein-Main AG (RWZ), headquartered in Cologne, is one of Germany’s oldest and largest agricultural trading companies and manages complex flows of goods and transport every day along the agricultural value chain. Before CarLo was introduced, many dispatch planning processes still relied on paper and Excel, resulting in substantial manual effort and limited transparency. In 2005, RWZ therefore chose CarLo by Soloplan as its transport management software. Since then, the company has continuously digitized and further developed its transport logistics.
Automation
Many processes, from SAP to driver communication, run automatically.
Flexibility
Workflows, user interfaces and queries can be independently adapted to new requirements.
Transparency
Real-time data, geofencing and digital status information provide transparency.
RWZ
Agricultural logistics for farming, viticulture, horticulture and forestry
Along the agricultural value chain, RWZ consolidates purchase and sales volumes of grain, oilseeds, potatoes and other agricultural products. It also supplies businesses in agriculture, viticulture, horticulture and forestry with operating resources, technology and services.
Efficient agricultural logistics are essential for managing different flows of goods and requirements effectively.
Why Soloplan Was the Right Choice
For RWZ, the key advantages are CarLo’s flexible customization options, the automation of recurring processes, and the ability to connect different systems and stakeholders through interfaces and digital workflows.
Flexible Configuration Instead of Complex Custom Development
CarLo’s flexible architecture enables RWZ to independently customize layouts, workflows, and automated actions. New configurations can first be tested in a test environment and then deployed in live operations – without the need for complex custom development.
Key tools include:
1. Flexible Workflows
Individual configuration of process workflows
2. Custom Layouts
Views can be tailored to specific tasks and users.
3. Automated Emails
CarLo can automatically send follow-up actions such as freight assignments.
4. SAP Interface
Transport orders are transferred directly from SAP to CarLo.
5. CarLo inTOUCH
In-house drivers are digitally integrated and can provide status updates.
6. Geofencing
Waiting and dwell times are recorded automatically.
SAP, CarLo and inTOUCH: How RWZ manages its transports digitally
In day-to-day operations, numerous processes run in parallel: orders come in, vehicles are loaded and unloaded, drivers report status information, and freight forwarders need to be integrated.
The challenge: Managing many processes at the same time
In agricultural logistics, many processes run in parallel: transports are planned, vehicles are loaded and unloaded, and external freight forwarders are integrated. For RWZ, maintaining an overview at all times is essential.
The solution
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Automated order transfer directly from SAP into CarLo
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Digital driver feedback via CarLo inTOUCH with individually defined information
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• Automated freight assignments to external freight forwarders by email
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Geofencing and GMP checks for dwell times and certificate verification
The result
CarLo actively supports employees throughout the ongoing process: the system issues warnings and reminders and automatically initiates the next steps. This reduces coordination effort and increases process reliability.
Next steps
Automation and digital connectivity
RWZ wants to continuously develop its digital transport processes. One specific next step is the OCR-based capture of special orders to further reduce manual work.
01
OCR order capture
Automatically read and capture special orders in the future.
02
Process automation
Reduce manual work through additional workflows, checks and automated actions.
03
AI-based Multi-Connector Platform (MCP)
Automatically retrieves data from ERP, telematics and other systems.
04
Flexible customization
Test and configure new requirements independently and quickly transfer them into production.
Partnership with Soloplan
Since 2005, CarLo has supported the development of RWZ’s transport logistics. Over more than 20 years, both the company and the requirements placed on modern transport management systems have changed considerably. New interfaces, automation, telematics solutions and digital workflows have transformed day-to-day operations. For RWZ, it is therefore essential that CarLo continues to evolve.
RWZ also values Soloplan’s training offering, which can be tailored and delivered personally whenever required.
Conclusion
CarLo makes RWZ’s agricultural logistics transparent, automated and flexibleel
RWZ’s success story shows how complex transport processes can be gradually digitized and automated over many years.
Manual processes based on paper and Excel have evolved into interconnected transport management in which SAP, CarLo, in-house drivers and external freight forwarders work together digitally.
With CarLo, RWZ can now:
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automatically import transport orders from SAP,
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digitally integrate the company’s own fleet via CarLo inTOUCH,
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request relevant driver information individually,
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automatically record waiting times using geofencing,
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systematically verify certificates and important requirements,
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independently configure layouts and workflows,
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and flexibly test new processes in a test environment before going live.
Looking ahead, OCR-based order capture is also intended to reduce further manual work.
CarLo is therefore far more than a tool for traditional dispatch planning at RWZ. The transport management system serves as a central digital platform through which the company manages its agricultural logistics in a transparent, automated and flexible way.
Your tailored transport solution awaits