Black & Decker drills into web sourcing logistics

Black & Decker, which completed an automated web-based real-time RFQ (request for quotation) implementation in just seven days, says it’s already cut costs and improved customer service. The firm added Manugistics’ logistics optimisation software to its existing extensive ERP and supply chain suite to tackle its European trucking and parcel carrier management. “Black & Decker has reduced transportation costs in Europe by automating the RFQ process with Manugistics’ web-enabled rates procurement RFQ solution,” says John Schmitt, director of global transportation at Black & Decker. “We were able to optimise across our carrier-base by considering cost, service and business constraints while producing a significant ROI [return on investment] to Black & Decker’s bottom line.” In fact, the software allows the firm to harness over 2,600 carriers in a competitive real-time environment that provides a dynamic, electronic method of collecting and analysing lane, price, and capacity information. The system helps enable collaboration with logistics service providers, and assists in awarding contracts to providers that best meet business priorities, qualifications, specifications, service levels and pricing.