Jan De Nul Group
"Hoffmann Group is focused on the future and does not stand still. We need such parties."
Jan De Nul Group
Tool procurement is also about product optimization, standardization and digitalization
If there is one company that knows how to turn the complex challenges in the world of Naval & Offshore into successful projects, it is Jan De Nul Group. Traditionally, most people know Jan De Nul from dredging and maritime services. However, offshore, civil construction, environmental projects and project development are also among the main activities of this innovative company founded in 1938, which accounts for a turnover of 2.5 billion euros. In Jan De Nul's modern office on the river Dender in Hofstade, Belgium, we spoke with Geert Van Damme, Purchase Team Coordinator at Jan De Nul. That craftsmanship needs the right tools is beyond dispute. But, purchasing tools is also about product optimization, standardization and digitalization. Principles that the Hoffmann Group as a supplier is continuously working on.
Jan De Nul Group is renowned worldwide for its Naval & Offshore. The list of prestigious projects is long and the company has a versatile and ultramodern fleet of dredging and offshore installation vessels. Most of them are of its own design. Much fabrication begins in the workshops in Hofstade, Belgium. Jan De Nul's craftsmen work there with passion and the utmost concentration. "Because, no part is the same here," explains Geert Van Damme. "The colleagues in the workshops therefore work not only with their hands, but especially with their heads. Machines must always be adjusted during the production process. Nothing goes on autopilot here."
Optimization of tool assortment
When asked what craftsmen like to see in their hand tools, Geert Van Damme replied, "I think our people have the classic requirements for their tools. And by that I mean that it has to be efficient, durable, safe and user-friendly, or rather ergonomic. Moreover, innovation always plays an important role. Any optimization of our tool range is welcome. Under the condition, however, that improvements deliver clear, pre-qualifiable and afterwards also measurable added values." In addition to that innovation, Geert Van Damme also mentions the guarantee of sufficient quality and continuity. "Because," he says, "once the innovation has been implemented, we as customers must be able to reap the benefits for a long time. That means, that a lot of time and energy goes into innovations on the front end. We think, however, that in Hoffmann - who can lay down a certain track record in that area - we have found the right partner."
Thinking along
Quality, safety, improved processes and satisfied stakeholders. That's what it's all about when we talk about Jan De Nul's corporate philosophy. Every employee there acts daily according to the ITA philosophy: Imagine, Think, Act. Good preparation and operational control are the necessary guarantee of success. Jan De Nul also expects this approach from partners and subcontractors. "And I see that reflected in Hoffmann," says Geert Van Damme. "Jan De Nul had been working with the Hoffmann Group for some time, but since a tender in 2014, Hoffmann has really been on our map. Cedric Poelman, Hoffmann Group's Key Account Manager Belgium, has been our contact in this regard over all these years."
GARANT business equipment
Hoffmann's Tool Cabinets are a good example of thinking along with the customer, says Geert Van Damme. "Hoffmann has made a good impression with the Tool Cabinets of the house brand GARANT. For us, it is an equally good alternative to LISTA. Our colleagues working in the new construction department, as well as the craftsmen working on board, have very strict requirements when it comes to tool cabinets. For example, unlike in other trades, drawers must not open while sailing. Cabinets must be able to withstand swells and vibrations. Hoffmann is the only supplier for us who offers a good alternative to the LISTA cabinets. The GARANT business equipment really adds value for us!"
More efficient ordering options
Product optimization, however, is not the only requirement Jan De Nul places on Hoffmann's tools. "I am responsible for some 100,000 order lines. For most critical order lines I have realistic deadlines, but it also happens, that there is a deadline of less than a week. And that is a serious challenge I can say! Especially since we are currently still working with many different brands, which are purchased from equally different suppliers. Of course we have stock in our own warehouses, but a good standardization of the tools and digitalization of the orders, could significantly reduce the workload and process costs in the near future," explains Geert van Damme. "Our current ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system is being replaced by a higher-performance system. Maximum electronic processing and matching of price inquiries, orders, order confirmations, shipping notes and invoices has become an absolute must.
That is what we at Jan De Nul are putting all our efforts into. This means that we will expect, indeed demand, that our suppliers meet us halfway in the implementation of our new ERP system. I am convinced that Hoffmann will not disappoint us in this. In addition to a super-efficient eShop, which can be customized to the customer's needs, they have a lot of possibilities in the area of eCatalogs, PunchOut catalogs and, last but not least, cooperation with various platforms. Hoffmann has many years of experience with customers working with all common EDI standards in addition to simpler customer-specific solutions. Hoffman is focused on the future, does not stand still. Jan De Nul which is known worldwide for craftsmanship and has been at the forefront when it comes to innovations and efficient working for almost a hundred years needs such parties," concludes Geert Van Damme.
'Every optimization of our tool range is welcome. Under the condition, however, that improvements deliver clear, pre-qualifiable and afterwards also measurable added values.'
Hoffmann's Tool Cabinets are a good example of thinking along with the customer'.
'Every employee at Jan De Nul acts daily according to the ITA philosophy: Imagine, Think, Act. Good preparation and operational control are the necessary guarantee of success.'
Geert Van Damme has been Purchase Team Coordinator of the Technical Components team at Jan De Nul Group's central purchasing department since 2011. He manages a team of 12 buyers and employees for order preparation and order follow-up. He also executes purchase orders himself, tests market conformity and price evolutions, negotiates framework contracts and constantly investigates further optimization in products and processes.
