How logistics service provider Simon Loos is raising the standard for supply chain quality with data & AI

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Data-driven supply chain orchestration Hard facts as the foundation for faster process optimizations and strong customer relationships.

Real-time insight Transforming dwell times and operational data directly into actionable insights to resolve bottlenecks.

Simon Loos

The challenge

From complex planning to predictable supply chain orchestration

The logistics world is changing at a rapid pace. Developments such as the accelerated electrification of transport and increasingly high customer demands make supply chain dynamics more complex than ever. To stay ahead in this changing market, a strong data-driven vision is essential. For Simon Loos, this vision extends far beyond merely supporting planners; data forms the crucial foundation for decision-making across the entire organization and in collaboration with the client. This requires a rock-solid foundation: a data platform that seamlessly supports the organization in both operational and analytical matters. By acting in a data-driven manner on both fronts, Simon Loos is able to continuously optimize its services and deliver maximum, tangible value to the client.

The approach

A pragmatic partnership on Google Cloud

To realize this data vision, Simon Loos chose the Google Cloud Platform, the absolute pioneer in data technology and AI. To optimally leverage this technological power, they sought a partner with deep Google Cloud expertise and short lines of communication. The choice for NextNovate was a logical step. NextNovate is entirely focused on Google Cloud, adapts flexibly and quickly, and possesses the latest technological knowledge. While Simon Loos focuses on logistics operations and translating data for its people, NextNovate provides the inspiration, expertise, and technical acceleration on the cloud platform.

The impact

A solid data platform and innovative AI

Together with NextNovate, Simon Loos built a modern and robust data platform within Google Cloud, which is now rock-solid and has even been recognized with a prestigious award. This platform enables Simon Loos to bring advanced technologies directly into practice:

  • Google Cloud Data Platform: A stable and scalable foundation where all data collected per driven kilometer efficiently comes together and is processed.
  • Advanced Analytics & Machine Learning: Applications that make real-time data (such as dwell times and bottlenecks at locations) immediately visible to operations.
  • Conversational & Agentic AI: An innovative pilot solution that allows employees to ask questions directly to the data warehouse in natural human language ("talking to your data").
  • Data Activation nationwide: A proactive approach where the data team visits various branches across the country to personally bring data closer to colleagues on the shop floor.

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Frontrunners in logistics innovation 

Simon Loos is a large, prominent logistics service provider that plays a vital role in transport within the Netherlands and beyond. The family business handles logistics for many leading clients in both food retail and industry; in fact, one in three products in the average Dutch pantry has at some point been transported in a Simon Loos truck. Simon Loos distinguishes itself through a high degree of employee engagement and a constant focus on innovation: they are a frontrunner in sustainability with a fleet of over 200 electric trucks.

The data platform is rock-solid, but a house is only valuable if it is lived in. By personally visiting the various branches across the country, we show colleagues what data can do for them. In this way, we are building a data-driven culture together where we make decisions based on facts, rather than gut feeling.

Wesley Hendrix, Lead Data & Analytics @ Simon Loos

 

What actually makes us a tech company under the hood is that we collect so much data every kilometer to provide added value to our services. If a truck doesn't know what the next order is, it literally stands still. The integration of data into our processes is therefore crucial for the future of Simon Loos.

Martin Knol CFO Simon Loos

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