Background
In logistics, which is facing reduced visibility on volumes to be handled, in a market that is ever more “just in time”, variable labor costs represent a strong lever to optimize margins.
In a context of the group’s desire for growth, the methods in place, which were little automated or harmonized, required an overhaul to bring both rigor and greater securityto the time management process.
Challenges
Working alongside the client, Wavestone had three major challenges to meet:
- Securing the use of a variable element in the design of working time for 8,000 employees across 100 sites;
- Linking this to management controls to optimize staff costs as the new practices were implemented;
- Harmonizing the practices within the group while retaining the confidence of employees in the tools used, and without breaking the managerial link.
Responses and Key Success Factors
Wavestone carried out the preparatory work to implement the chosen solution which was centered on three main areas; this was done in constant coordination with the client’s internal departments, and in a way designed to maintain good labor relations:
- The first area focused onsecurity. This releated to the documentation dealing with the local rules and arbitration for the automation and centralization of key parameters;
- The second area is to progressively harmonize management rules based on their impact on employees; and then, reforming operational practices by taking a ‘big bang’ approach to them;
- The third area focuses on technological innovation, through the implementation of tablet-based electronic card readers, the use of which was validated through pilot testing on-site during the equipment procurement phase.
