Unilever set out to improve dispatch process optimisation across its factory operations to gain better visibility into product movement.
Without a clear view of how much stock was being dispatched each week, inefficiencies in planning and distribution were leading to both excess waste and stock shortages. The goal was to enable accurate tracking and forecasting to support more efficient production and dispatch decisions.
To achieve this, Neem developed a solution to centralise data and improve visibility across factories.
Overview:
The initiative focused on enabling dispatch process optimisation through a centralised system for tracking and forecasting product movement.
Neem delivered:
- A bespoke .NET web-based application
- A unified system to manage dispatch across 5 factories
- Weekly production forecasting inputs from factory managers
- Real-time tracking of dispatched products
- Dashboard visibility comparing forecast vs actuals
This created a structured approach to dispatch process optimisation, enabling better control over production and distribution.
Client Snapshot
- Client: Unilever
- Industry: FMCG
- Type: Dispatch process optimisation and supply chain visibility
- Challenge: Lack of visibility into weekly product dispatch volumes
Services delivered
- Web-based application development (.NET)
- Dispatch tracking system
- Forecasting and reporting dashboard
Neem enabled Unilever to improve dispatch process optimisation by introducing a unified system for tracking and monitoring product flow.
“An absolute game changer of a quote goes here over a few lines… probably three for best”
The Challenge: Limited Visibility in Dispatch Processes
Unilever faced challenges in managing dispatch operations due to lack of centralised visibility.
Key challenges included:
1. No Unified View: No single system to track weekly dispatch volumes
2. Inefficient Planning: Difficulty aligning production with actual dispatch
3. Excess Waste: Overproduction due to lack of accurate tracking
4. Stock Shortages: Underproduction in some scenarios
The absence of effective dispatch process optimisation made it difficult to balance supply and demand.
The Neem Approach: Enabling Structure Dispatch Process Optimisation
Neem developed a system designed to improve visibility, forecasting, and tracking across factory operations.
1. Centralised Forecasting Input:
- Factory managers input weekly production estimates
- Standardised approach across all factories
2. Real-time Dispatch Tracking:
- Continuous tracking of products dispatched
- Clear visibility into weekly output
3. Dashboard-based Monitoring:
- Visual comparison of forecast vs actual dispatch
- Easy identification of gaps and trends
4. Multi-factory Integration:
- System deployed across 5 factories
- Unified view of dispatch data
This approach enabled consistent and scalable dispatch process optimisation.
1. Centralised Forecasting Input:
- Factory managers input weekly production estimates
- Standardised approach across all factories
2. Real-time Dispatch Tracking:
- Continuous tracking of products dispatched
- Clear visibility into weekly output
3. Dashboard-based Monitoring:
- Visual comparison of forecast vs actual dispatch
- Easy identification of gaps and trends
4. Multi-factory Integration:
- System deployed across 5 factories
- Unified view of dispatch data
This approach enabled consistent and scalable dispatch process optimisation.
Key Capabilities
To enable dispatch process optimisation, Neem delivered a structured set of capabilities:
Dispatch Tracking System: Centralised monitoring of product movement
Forecasting Framework: Weekly production estimates from factory managers
Dashboard Visibility: Real-time comparison of forecast vs actuals
Multi-factory Management: Unified system across 5 factories
Impact & Outcomes: Dispatch Process Optimisation at Scale
The solution enabled Unilever to significantly improve visibility and operational efficiency.
High-Volume Processing:
- 23,000+ pallets processed weekly
- 11,788,405 kg (11,000 tons) of product managed weekly
Improved Visibility: Holistic view of dispatch trends and production data
Better Planning: Ability to align production with actual demand
Reduced Waste Over Time: Improved efficiency through trend-based decision-making
The system continues to support ongoing dispatch process optimisation across factory operations.
Looking to improve dispatch process optimisation across your operations?
Neem helps organisations build scalable solutions for supply chain visibility and operational efficiency.
Speak to our team today.
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