Ahold Delhaize USA

Regaining control over logistics processes

Challenge:
Ahold Delhaize USA outsourced logistics for decades, creating a fragmented network of distribution centers with varied legacy systems and point-to-point integrations. This complexity limited visibility and control, making it costly and time-consuming to add new suppliers or gain cost insights, hindering innovation.

Solution:
We designed a reusable integration solution to unify all distribution centers and bring logistics back in-house, allowing full process and data control. The key challenges were the critical nature of logistics and the diverse supplier base (refrigerated, fresh, and dry goods).

Approach:
We implemented a 3-layer API architecture that provides standardized access to systems, process optimization, and easy access for stakeholders. This platform offers flexibility and scalability for new centers.

This platform ensures flexibility, scalability, and transparency across operations, requiring minimal adjustments for new centers.

Result:
The solution integrated dozens of distribution centers, significantly improving control, efficiency, and cost savings. Initially estimated to take 2.5 years, the project was completed in just 7 months and continues to be a pillar of Ahold Delhaize USA’s logistics strategy.

SPECTR – We get IT done!

Challenge

  • Business-critical processes
  • Lack of reusable existing integration components;
  • Lack of a real-time integration strategy;
  • Dependency on file transfer;
  • Difficulty integrating automated workflows;
  • Ensuring real-time productivity and compliance with the latest standards;
  • A change in mindset and building confidence in new integration methods.

Approach

  • Technology: MuleSoft, SPECTR Assets, Active MQ, OpenShift Kubernetes, CI/CD Automations, Custom-built monitoring solutions.
  • Modernize the ecosystem: Introduce APIs;
  • Refactoring monolithic systems: Move away from point-to-point and non-reusable file transfers;
  • Plug & Play deployment: Simplify integration processes;
  • DevOps and CICD concepts: Implement modern development practices;
  • Agile methodologies: Adopt agile ways of working;
  • Efficient configuration management: Use caching strategies.

Results

  • Record Delivery Time: Completed project in 7 months, the budget was allocated for 2.5 years.
  • Extensive Integration: Delivered 135 integration components along with extensive design documentation;
  • Simplified WMS Integration: Easier integration of new warehouse management systems;
  • Minimal Configuration for New Facilities: Streamlined processes for new setups;
  • Automated Vulnerability Detection: Implemented a framework for automated vulnerability detection and fully transparent to the business;
  • Continuous Monitoring and Reporting: Provided continuous monitoring and reporting of system issues.

Team

SPECTR Integration:

  • Jiten Manghwani
  • Rafi Mohamed
  • Piyush Singh
  • Sriganesh Karuppannan
  • Nishtha Trehan
  • Diederik de Lange
  • Erwin van den Bunder

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