You have an innovative export product, but as manufacturer you are having trouble getting it to the consumers. This was the dilemma that Chiquita faced with its latest novelty, the snack banana ‘Chiquita to Go’ for the Swiss market. Imtech Bostec offered the right ICT help for the required approach. Jos Groen, commercial manager at Bostec, sees it as ‘a sport to resolve these kinds of issues’.

Bostec’s ICT team is not easily surprised anymore. The company, part of Imtech ICT Management and Consultancy, is used to handling the most diverse issues about adapting internal processes or logistic improvements. There are plenty of examples. Including the request for help with the snack banana. What sets this innovation by Chiquita apart is the patented Stay Fresh technology, which gives the banana an in-store shelf life of seven days.

Business contract
Jos Groen: ‘Bostec was asked to draw up a business contract for the Swiss market for this healthy snack. Chiquita controls the supply chain in most of the countries in which it operates. This means that the quality of the bananas is guaranteed right up to the store shelf. In Switzerland, the market is serviced from a small local Chiquita organisation. The lack of experience in the drafting of service level agreements, the product-specific problems and the relevant business issues prompted Chiquita to go in search of a suitable sparring partner.’ These questions led the company to Bostec. ‘Bostec has a solid track record in outsourcing and people find our down-to-earth approach appealing. So we helped launch ‘Chiquita to Go’ and bring a healthy product on the Swiss market. What it comes down to in every case is that Bostec is able to tell a client: We will help you solve the problem. Our knowledge and insight into logistics often translate into technology instruments such as supporting an optimal procedure and project realisation. We truly consider it a sport to find solutions to the relevant problems.’

Broad support
The clients of Imtech ICT Bostec are highly diverse. They come to us through networking or – and this happens more often than not – through recommendations. Another example of an organisation where Bostec optimises the procedure is the Aalsmeer location of the Flora Holland flower auction house, where the main efforts are on improving all logistics functions in the next five years. Groen: ‘The flower delivery and collection routes will be split. The clock auctioning system can also be done differently. And will soon happen via the internet. Radical changes that call for broad internal support. Sometimes you run into conflicting interests, but you do have the advantage as independent advisor of being able to state matters in an objective and clear manner.’

Commitment
In all cases, the ICT work of Bostec dovetails well with companies that have a large logistics component in the primary operational process, such as business services or the healthcare sector. ‘For example, we are responsible for the interim management and the overall logistics planning and layout of the new outpatient clinic of Reuma Revalidatie Rotterdam. It used to be a care home, where medical treatment will now also be offered. That too necessitates a process of change. Whether it concerns bananas, flowers or healthcare, we do our job with enthusiasm, commitment and a pragmatic approach. And that definitely strikes a chord!’