Logistics
Management approach logistics
Group logistics comprises the central logistics centre for installation and flushing systems and piping systems in Pfullendorf (DE) as well as a decentralised network of 13 European distribution sites for WC ceramic appliances and bathroom furniture.
Geberit constantly improves its logistics processes, optimises quality and productivity, and reduces the impact on the environment, see Sustainability strategy. Since 2015, Geberit has managed to improve the eco-efficiency of its logistics operations (environmental impact per tkm) by 31%.
In the reporting year, a concept was drawn up for optimising and automating how ceramic sets are put together in logistics, with the aim of achieving significant increases in productivity. In this context, a semi-automatic production cell was commissioned for the logistics centre in Lintorf (DE). The Group-wide SAP ERP system introduced at the German sites at the start of the reporting year led to advancements in standardisation and transparency in logistics. With the new system, process steps can be monitored and analysed better, thus paving the way for continuous improvements.
Geberit attaches great importance to central transport management in order to enable cost- and resource-optimised transport solutions. Customers generally receive their orders in a single truck delivery. This not only reduces the number of empty kilometres, it also increases truck capacity utilisation and reduces CO2 emissions.
Geberit does not have its own transport fleet, having outsourced this to external transport service providers. Intercompany and distribution logistics play a major part in Geberit’s environmental impact, amounting to a significant proportion of the total figure. Cooperation with the transport service providers is therefore of key importance. Partners agree to actively support Geberit in its efforts to use energy and packaging material efficiently and to reduce emissions. Furthermore, the partners support Geberit by providing the data needed for the environmental reporting. Developed in 2010 and continuously expanded since then, the logistics calculator facilitates the annual capture of data on the vehicle fleet composition, transportation performance and fuel consumption of all transport service providers, as well as the preparation of the eco-balance. In the reporting year, the calculator was updated with new basic data and eco-factors (version 2021) for calculating environmental impact, and was also expanded with additional drive types for trucks.
The situation regarding the supply chains in logistics remained tense in the reporting year as a result of the continuing COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. Thanks to rapid, flexible actions by the employees in Geberit logistics and the production plants as well as the flexibility of external suppliers and transport service providers, it was possible to ensure the availability and delivery of products.
For further information, see Business Report > Business and financial review > Financial Year 2022 > Procurement and logistics. For information on the eco-balance of logistics, see GRI 302-2.