At Česká zbrojovka, we take aim at logistics

The main impetus was safety. Dozens of vehicles arrive at our premises every day, and without a controlled system, it was not realistic to effectively control the movement of carriers. Vehicles moved uncontrollably around the premises, which posed a significant risk.

The turning point came in 2022 with the creation of a separate internal logistics department. Controlling vehicle entry and movement on the premises became one of our priorities.

We considered several different platforms. We needed a user-friendly cloud solution that could be accessed via phones or tablets and that also met our requirements for data security and system administration, which we could manage independently.

First, it was necessary to approve security protocols and certificates. The technical launch of the portal then took place within a few days.

We first tested the system internally using a fictitious carrier account and then involved users from the finished product dispatch department. Loading is crucial for us, mainly due to record keeping, security, and the fact that we only have one loading ramp.

From the outset, the project was supervised by the security department, which quickly appreciated the benefits of the system. After a few months, we created our own user manual for carriers. The most challenging part was not the technical launch, but setting clear rules and enforcing them consistently.

During 2023, we gradually trained carriers, fine-tuned the settings, and further customized the system. We introduced Slot Monitor for clear work planning in the goods receipt area and created virtual unloading points. At the beginning of 2024, with the full support of management and security, we tightened the rules. It turned out that any exceptions led to a loss of control.

After three months of strict enforcement, by the end of March 2024 all partners respected the system, and most carriers appreciated its benefits – check-in is smoother and without unnecessary waiting.

The fundamental benefit is data. Thanks to it, we can plan and evaluate warehouse operations, monitor carrier discipline, track the duration of individual activities, and prepare materials in advance.

A major advantage is the detailed event log – we know exactly who did what and when. This is crucial, for example, in the event of a complaint, when we are able to retrieve camera recordings within minutes and significantly reduce security workload.

Partners have an online overview of the status of their reservations, which increases transparency. The result is also a change in corporate culture – there are fewer urgent interventions, phone calls, and less disruption. A symbolic confirmation of success is when registered drivers themselves warn others that without a reservation, they are simply blocking the gatehouse.

The biggest benefit is the ability to anticipate and plan. If we know what is coming, we can prepare the space, equipment, and people in advance, and we do not have to work in firefighting mode.

Our qualified employees therefore have more space to work calmly and with greater concentration. We are currently also able to quantify actual savings, especially in terms of human labor and administration.

TSC offers a wide range of settings, and we are programming additional functions in cooperation with the supplier. The first add-on was Slot Monitor.

We are currently planning integration with SAP, which will move TSC from yard management to a supplier portal linking orders to specific vehicles. We are also preparing security alarms, ramp extensions, monitoring of selected carriers, integration with Power BI, packaging account management, and an automatic gatehouse module. In the future, we want to integrate a system for managing transport between sister companies.

The portal is very intuitive, and most users learn how to work with it without any special support. The mobile and tablet versions make work much easier for warehouse staff. We have only used technical support on rare occasions, and they have always responded quickly and to our satisfaction.

Definitely yes. An overview of loading and unloading, their history and timing is essential for long-term planning. Today, it is difficult to imagine working without TSC. At the same time, however, the success of the system depends on user discipline and strong management support. We know it works, and we will continue to develop the system.