In the demanding world of third-party logistics, where precise handling of heavy and bulky items can make or break client relationships, D3 Logistics faced a pivotal decision.
Their reliance on external 3PL providers was limiting their ability to deliver the exceptional customer experience they promised. ‘We realised that to deliver on our promises and scale efficiently, we needed to bring this capability in-house,’ explains Moe Zayden, Managing Director at D3 Logistics.
Their journey from reliance on third-party providers to owning a state-of-the-art warehouse management system wasn’t without hurdles. But with the right technology and a steadfast partner, transformation was inevitable.
The Challenge
As specialists in heavy and bulky 3PL, particularly in furniture retail logistics, D3 Logistics knew their success hinged on maintaining precise control over their operations. ‘Our main issue was a lack of technology,’ recalls Erik Poortenga, General Manager at D3 Logistics. ‘It led to a lack of reporting and visibility in the business.’ This limitation wasn’t just affecting efficiency—it was impacting customer trust and operational oversight.
The consequences were significant. Without direct control over their warehouse operations, D3 found themselves unable to guarantee the level of service their clients expected. ‘We were disappointing the end customer,’ Erik notes, ‘obviously losing respect and trust from our clients and also being very difficult to manage the business overall without having the visibility that we now have.’
The Search for a Solution
D3’s search for the right solution was methodical and global. ‘We had a bit of a scope in regards to what we needed and what our clients needed from us as a business,’ Moe explains. The criteria were specific: the system needed to handle heavy and bulky items effectively, offer scalability for future growth, and maintain user-friendly operations.
Their search led them to WIN Solutions, an Infor Gold Partner, and Infor’s cloud-based warehouse management system. ‘We needed a system that would perform the functions required,’ Moe emphasises, ‘ensuring visibility and ultimately maintaining trust between us and our clients through accurate and reliable information.’
Implementation Excellence
WIN Solutions’ approach to implementation set them apart from the start. ‘Before we kicked off this project, WIN Solutions invited us into their office and they had prepared a very big document,’ Erik recalls. ‘They really held our hand through the whole process.’
The implementation timeline was aggressive—just two and a half months—but WIN Solutions’ hands-on approach made it possible. Their team remained on-site throughout the implementation and several weeks after go-live, ensuring a smooth transition. ‘It’s about two and a half months start to finish,’ Erik notes, ‘I believe that this is the fastest implementation that they’ve done to date.’
Transformative Results
The impact of bringing their 3PL operations in-house with Infor WMS was immediate and far-reaching. ‘My first reaction when we started using Infor and WIN Solutions was that we have full traceability of all the transactions that we do inside the warehouse,’ explains Juan, Site Manager at D3 Logistics. ‘In warehousing that is paramount. You have to know what you did, when you did it, who did it, and where you moved any particular item.’
The system’s accuracy proved crucial for building client trust. ‘Accuracy is key when you’re managing people’s or clients’ inventory,’ Moe emphasises. ‘Accuracy was something that we noticed immediately, and it’s been a strong point of the business ever since.’
The transformation extended beyond just operational efficiency. ‘Team morale improved significantly,’ Erik notes. ‘Everyone knows there is a solid system in place that they can use every day.’ This improved visibility and control has enabled D3 to monitor and optimise their operations continuously, leading to better cost management and enhanced productivity.
Looking to the Future
With Infor WMS successfully managing their operations and WIN Solutions providing ongoing support, D3 Logistics is well-positioned for expansion. Their plans include opening a new facility in Adelaide to complement their sites in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, supported by a scalable system that can grow with their ambitions.
The Partnership Advantage
For businesses considering a similar transformation, Moe offers this insight: ‘Make sure you partner with someone that would future proof the business. There’s no point in choosing a partner that may work for a couple of years, but then you’ve got to change systems down the track.’
This sentiment is echoed by the entire team. ‘If they ever need a referral, I’m always happy to speak to any of their potential clients,’ Erik adds. ‘They have a solid foundation understanding of what the industry is.’
D3 Logistics’ journey demonstrates how the right technology partner can transform not just operations, but the entire trajectory of a business. Through their partnership with WIN Solutions and implementation of Infor’s WMS, they’ve created a foundation for sustainable growth in the demanding world of heavy and bulky 3PL logistics.
Ready to Transform Your Warehouse Operations?
If your business is facing similar challenges with warehouse management and control, WIN Solutions can help guide your transformation. As an Infor Gold Partner with extensive experience in Australian logistics, we understand the unique demands of the local market.
Contact us today to discuss how we can help you achieve the same level of operational excellence and control that D3 Logistics now enjoys. Whether you’re managing heavy and bulky items or standard inventory, our team is ready to help you take the next step in your warehouse evolution.
