Coca-Cola Logistics Case Study

Coca-Cola HBC is one of the world’s largest bottlers of drinks. They manufacture, package, merchandise and distribute the final branded products to trade partners and consumers throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland.

THE CHALLENGE

To support their trade partners and future sales growth Coca-Cola required a print logistics partner that could store, pick pack and deliver marketing collateral throughout the island of Ireland in a fast, cost-effective manner.

Since 2004, Coca-Cola HBC has relied on Spectrum as its trusted partner for third-party logistics (3PL) and kitting and assembly services. Over two decades of collaboration, Coca-Cola has experienced unparalleled service quality, operational efficiency, and seamless distribution capabilities, all supported by Spectrum’s advanced technology platforms. Additionally, real-time transparency into inventory levels and quick response times for orders were essential to maintain the efficiency Coca-Cola HBC required to meet market demand.

THE SOLUTION

Storing over 650 pallets of marketing collateral for Coca-Cola, Spectrum process 98 pallets worth of marketing material for Coke every week. Kitting files are received and processed by our customer services team, picked, packed and shipped overnight to Coke’s trade partners and Spectrum collection depots.

Third-Party Logistics (3PL): Spectrum has provided end-to-end logistics services for Coca-Cola HBC, ensuring efficient management and storage of inventory. From warehousing to transportation, Spectrum’s 3PL services streamline Coca-Cola HBC’s supply chain, allowing them to focus on core operations while we manage the logistics.
Kitting and Assembly: Spectrum’s tailored kitting and assembly services have been vital in helping Coca-Cola HBC prepare and assemble promotional kits, gift packs, and other value-added products for distribution. Our team ensures that every kit is accurately assembled and delivered on time, allowing Coca-Cola HBC to enhance customer experiences with high-quality, timely products.
Webshop (Online Ordering Portal): To further enhance operational efficiency, Spectrum introduced an online ordering portal (Webshop), enabling Coca-Cola HBC to place orders with ease and flexibility. This platform gives their teams a simple, user-friendly interface for managing stock levels and placing new orders, speeding up the process and reducing errors.
Spectrum Customer Portal: A critical aspect of our service has been providing Coca-Cola HBC with real-time visibility into their inventory through the Spectrum customer portal. With live reporting and up-to-the-minute insights into stock levels, shipment statuses, and order history, Coca-Cola HBC can make informed decisions quickly, ensuring they remain agile in responding to changing market demands.
Nationwide Distribution: Leveraging our extensive distribution network, Spectrum ensures Coca-Cola HBC’s products are delivered promptly to locations across Ireland and the UK. Whether it’s routine deliveries to retailers or special campaigns, our distribution services ensure that every shipment arrives on schedule, helping Coca-Cola HBC maintain a reliable supply chain.
Dedicated Customer Service: Spectrum has assigned a dedicated customer service team to Coca-Cola HBC, ensuring that any questions or issues are addressed quickly and efficiently. This personalised approach guarantees Coca-Cola HBC always has a direct line to support, allowing for swift resolutions and optimised operations.

THE RESULT

Over the past 20 years, the partnership between Coca-Cola HBC and Spectrum has yielded impressive results:

Increased Efficiency: Coca-Cola HBC has streamlined their logistics and reduced operational bottlenecks through Spectrum’s 3PL services, allowing them to scale up operations and meet growing customer demand. Moreover, Coca-Cola HBC Ireland have freed up thousands of square feet in their own warehousing space along with the capital human resources and management time required to run such a demanding high throughput marketing operation.

Enhanced Visibility: With live reporting via the Spectrum customer portal, Coca-Cola HBC enjoys real-time visibility into their inventory, improving decision-making and minimising stock shortages or overstocking issues.

Improved Order Accuracy: The Webshop has simplified the order placement process, minimising human error and speeding up the order fulfilment cycle.

Reliable Distribution: Thanks to Spectrum’s distribution capabilities, Coca-Cola HBC has maintained a reliable supply chain, ensuring products are always delivered on time to retailers and customers.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

"Since 2004, Spectrum have demonstrated a willingness to meet and exceed the high expectations of Coca Cola HBC Ireland. We view Spectrum as a key partner that help us execute our multi-channel print marketing strategy in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland."