Xavier Derycke s point of view as VP Supply-Chain Transformation, Rexel Europe
Applications Geolocation, easier
procurement, pre-audit
Branch Expertise, product availability
Web configurator Expertise,
product availability
Call center Pick-up before 3 rings
Webshop Expert chat service, self-service
interaction, extended offering
Outside sales reps Business development
Tech CENTER Specialists and cost estimates
EDI Digital catalog, punch-out
Autostore Automated urban proximity
model, offering a wide range of immediately available products
Client
Despite the violent nature of the crisis, the Supply Chain resisted. Service continuity was ensured thanks to the measures taken to protect employees and customers and to adapt to a totally unprecedented context. All the distribution centers remained open. We owe this resistance to our teams, which were amazing. An entire community joined forces and took action, whether on-site or at home, in order to continue to serve our customers. Local management within each market enabled us to adapt the workforce to the sales volume and thus control costs. Global inventory review became weekly rather than monthly, with frequent check-ins with our suppliers. Thanks to our close ties with traditional local transportation companies, we were able to adapt our transportation plans and control costs without sacrificing quality. We also spoke more frequently with our customers to adapt and relax delivery conditions. This crisis highlighted the fundamental importance of internalizing our Supply Chain: it was the key to managing our business and controlling the effects of the crisis. The Lean approach, which has been adopted by all of our distribution centers, also demonstrated its relevance. Thanks to a bottom-up model, employees are now more involved, heard, and empowered. The opportunities for dialogue and work within the Lean approach make it possible to handle an exceptional situation like the Covid-19 pandemic and to adapt. Ultimately, I would say that the crisis confirmed the relevance of Rexel s positioning at the heart of the value chain, with respect to its suppliers, its transporters, and its customers.
Rexel is strengthening its omnichannel approach