Future-proof warehouse with technology as connecting factor

In Lonza's new, future-proof warehouse - realized in cooperation with Warehouses De Pauw - the logistics consultancy DCwise played a decisive role. "We are not a big player, but we bring big change," says Jan Baert, supply chain expert and one of the driving forces behind DCwise.

DCwise became involved at an early stage. "Even before there was a sketch or a building plan, Lonza asked us to help draw up the business case," says Baert. "We investigated the feasibility, defined the logistical needs and helped calculate the expected return on investment. The warehouse had to be future-proof: scalable, flexible and prepared for future technology."

Language of technology and business

What started as an advisory role quickly grew into an intensive collaboration. DCwise brought in the logistics expertise, but also took on project management with the aim of being the link between all partners within this project. What makes such a project so challenging is bringing together the different 'streams'. This ranges from design and construction to IT, all of course with the end user, or 'operations,' in mind. "That connecting role is characteristic of how we work: we speak the language of both technology and business," Baert adds.

DCwise tackles projects with a combination of pragmatism, technological tools and personal commitment. "We work visually and digitally as much as possible," Baert explains. "With 3D scanning and digital twins, for example, we bring spaces into razor-sharp focus. This saves time, prevents mistakes and even lets us work with suppliers remotely. It also increases safety and transparency throughout the process."

Technology with a human face

Yet technology is never the starting point at DCwise. "We are a human company," says Baert. "We listen first, then search for the right solution together, test via pilots, and adjust where necessary. Our customers feel heard. We find that more important than expensive words or standard models."

"What sets us apart? We profile ourselves as the 'men of warehouses.' But even that remains a broad term, because we work with the customer from design to implementation. Logistics is what drives us," concludes the ambitious business manager.