trailer world Issue One 2013

Issue One 2013 15 In the construction materials trade, precise planning and good teamwork are important. A visit to the Hamburg branch of Raab Karcher. The trowel with gooseneck, the 36- part socket set, high-performance mortar, the Fliesenlochboy tile cut- ter, the 24-kilogram bucket of high- ly flexible waterproofing filler or an entire tonne of cement: This builders merchant offers everything that DIY enthusiasts and professional builders could desire. The Hamburg branch of Raab Karcher, located on an industri- al estate in the Billbrook district, pro- vides the “full package” for building sites all over Hamburg. Four thousand items are perma- nently in stock: Everything that is needed for road construction and ren- ovation, shell construction, roofing and interior works. If a site manager wants to equip a building site, he gen- erally writes a bill of quantities con- taining everything – from building materials and tools through to barri- er tape, toilet paper and rubbish bags. Raab Karcher can supply everything. Info by SMS Tradesmen or private individuals who only want to buy a few items or small quantities of build- ing materials generally collect these themselves from the adjacent shop. As a rule, deliveries are only made once the size of a pallet is reached. Raab Karcher Hamburg operates with a regional haulage company for this purpose, which provides about twelve vehicles every day on a permanent basis. More can be ordered if necessary. The fleet includes a tower crane which can deliver the ordered materials on site if requested, directly up to the third floor. The vehicles cover two or three circuits every day. They are load- ed on the evening before for their first rounds, meaning that the load only has to be added to in the morning, and can set off on schedule at 6 a.m. All of the vehicles are equipped with telematics systems, which allows the customer to use a convenient service: He is informed by SMS precisely when the order will be delivered. The mes- sage also contains the number of a per- sonal scheduler in case of queries. In addition, the scheduling department in the branch always knows precisely which vehicle is where, and whether it has already unloaded or not. Teamworkiscalledfor“Construction material logistics is a question of experi- ence,” says Karim Shaaban, summing it up. The 29 year old is responsible for or- ders and stock at the Hamburg branch. Teamwork is also called for, he thinks: An order can quickly extend to as many as 50 different items. Sales has got to re- cord everything correctly, the warehouse employee must concentrate to avoid seizing the wrong bag and the space in the vehicle must be used sensibly when loading. The Raab Karcher branch in Hamburg has just extended its area by 2,200 square metres of storage facility: The new hall should make it possible to work in a structured way. New assortments have been included, it is now possible to store larger quan- tities, and the distances to be covered by employees are short. A traffic- way system also facilitates everyday work in the yard in front of the hall: The vehicles that are delivering or collecting are now directed more clearly, and they have more space available than before. Photos:StefanBungert Karim Shaaban ensures that the warehouse of the Raab Karcher branch in Hamburg is always well stocked. Report

trailer world Issue One 2013

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