In brief
Soditra Logistics, a logistics service provider working in particular with the L’Oréal Group, wanted to better anticipate shipment volumes upstream of production in order to optimize transport planning and reduce costs linked to capacity estimation errors.
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Pepps designed a web-based pre-cubing application integrated into Soditra’s existing digital ecosystem (LVS WMS and the TMS previously developed by Pepps).
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The objective was to provide early visibility on volumes, streamline communication with carriers, and improve the reliability of shipment preparation, both for Soditra and for its clients.
THE CHALLENGE
A need for early visibility on shipment volumes
Before this project, Soditra’s transport teams relied on fragmented information to estimate loading volumes:
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Order data was available in the WMS, but without a simple tool to project actual volumes (pallets, parcels, packaging types).
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Transport bookings were made with a large safety margin, increasing the risk of under- or over-sizing transport capacity.
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Clients had no unified interface to view their orders and anticipate logistical constraints.
The challenge was to implement a reliable pre-cubing tool, connected in real time to the WMS, reusing components of the existing TMS, and providing a smooth user experience for both Soditra and its clients.
THE MISSION
A pre-cubing application integrated into the Soditra ecosystem
Pepps acted as a specialized consulting partner to :
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Formalize the business requirements (pre-cubing, transport bookings, client interactions) based on the experience gained from the TMS.
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Define the architecture of the new web-based pre-cubing application, integrated with the LVS WMS and the Soditra TMS.
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Implement the solution using an Agile Scrum approach, with short iterations and regular validation cycles with Soditra’s teams.
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Real-time connection to the LVS WMS enables automatic retrieval of “basket” orders (pending, packed statuses, etc.) together with all data required for calculations, including contents, quantities, dimensions, weights, packaging, shipping dates and carriers.
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The client interface allows users to consult recently placed orders and view pre-cubing results such as estimated volumes, packaging types and number of pallets. It also provides useful logistics information to prepare shipments and book transport.
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The Soditra interface mirrors the client view and includes an XLS export of pre-cubing data. It allows teams to refine calculations, cross-check information with other business tools and communicate efficiently with carriers.
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Flexible integration into the information system allows the solution to be deployed either as an additional page within the existing TMS or as a standalone application, depending on operational preferences. Single Sign-On (SSO) authentication is available for Soditra’s internal users, based on existing credentials.
THE IMPACTS
Concrete impacts on transport planning and customer relationships
More reliable transport planning
More accurate anticipation of shipment volumes makes it possible to reserve the right transport capacity and limit costs linked to under- or over-estimation.
Time savings for operational teams
Direct access to pre-cubing data and XLS exports helps teams prepare routes, adjust calculations and feed other business tools without manual data entry.
Improved communication with carriers
Structured, shareable data facilitates discussions on volumes, loading types and logistical constraints.
Simplified experience for Soditra’s clients
A dedicated interface allows clients to track recent orders, visualize volumes and prepare downstream logistics, in full consistency with the existing TMS.
TECHNOLOGIES
Technologies and approaches used for pre-cubing
Front-End
- Web application developed in React.
Back-End
- Business web application integrated into the Soditra ecosystem (Pepps TMS and LVS WMS).
- WMS connectors enabling real-time retrieval of orders and logistics data.
- SSO authentication mechanisms for internal users.
Other
- Architecture modulaire permettant de déployer l’outil comme module TMS ou application autonome.
- Méthodologie Agile-Scrum pour un développement itératif, piloté par la valeur métier, avec livraisons fréquentes.
Why choose Pepps for your logistics projects ?
Able to translate complex logistics requirements into simple, efficient business applications.
Reuse of existing software components and connectors to reduce timelines and risks.
In-depth understanding of WMS and TMS environments and transport planning challenges.
Workshops with operational teams, with a strong focus on usability and speed of use.
From functional analysis to architecture, development and continuous evolution of the solution.
Looking to digitalize your transport capacity management ?
The project carried out with Soditra shows how Pepps leverages digital solutions to support the demanding realities of logistics, providing greater visibility, control and responsiveness.
