Ultimate Maritime Logistics is proud to be working with CHS Container Group. In this article, we zoom in on the challenges CHS faces in its current organizational structure. Furthermore, we will explain what the collaboration between CHS Container Group and Ultimate Maritime Logistics is like.

Background & opportunities of CHS Container Group

CHS is a dynamic collection of international companies, and worldwide subsidiaries, each using a unique mix of IT systems to meet their needs. While some companies within CHS use sophisticated ERP systems, others have leveraged the power of traditional applications and tools like Microsoft Excel to manage their operations. This diversity in systems reflects the versatile and adaptable nature of the organization, although it also provides unique opportunities for further alignment and consistency. This diverse approach has served the individual needs of companies well, such as the German companies proficiently using Microsoft Navision 2016, which excels in local operations.

With the potential for even greater success, CHS is excited about its evolution to a more unified and integrated organizational structure. This evolution marks a significant step forward from the current independent operational model to a more interconnected and efficient framework. The vision is to implement a cohesive, internationally comprehensive system that leverages the strengths of each separately operating company while promoting growth and efficiency. This exciting development has triggered a promising collaboration between CHS Container Group and Ultimate Maritime Logistics, setting the stage for a future of enhanced synergy and shared progress.

Ultimate Maritime Logistics’ approach

The Ultimate Control philosophy is based on being able to budget, plan and act predictably in an industry that is very complex. Ultimate Maritime Logistics ensures that companies can work as efficiently as possible, through for example, registration at the source (single entry), organization-wide implementation of business rules in processes, and reporting from one source of truth. With our years of experience in maritime logistics processes, we know better than anyone how important an integrated approach is. For this, we use Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations (F&O), Exactly what CHS needs.

Blueprint

First, we started with an analysis phase. We create a blueprint of what we would like to see in an ideal world and shape what this should look like in this initial phase, our consultants and analysts delve into the client’s practices, methods, and goals. To set up the logistics processes properly, it is essential to have a clear scope in advance of what challenges the companies are currently facing. What common denominators can be formulated and how can these be standardized into certain business rules?

Ultimate Maritime Logistics is ultimately responsible for the rollout to the various countries, including China, Hong Kong, Brazil, Argentina, Germany, and others.

During the analysis phase, it already became clear that this leads to country-specific requirements around, for example VAT. After all, China has different rules than European countries, for example. All elements to consider in advance.

The first Asian entities will go live in April 2024. This will be followed by many more countries that will be rolled out one by one. At the CHS Containers headquarters in Bremen, the corporate structure will be determined to report appropriately.

Securing NET value

With the UML solution, CHS Container Group can calculate the costs and revenues per container, enabling them to determine a sales price per container simply. Real-time insight into the NET value of a container is essential for their position in the market. Insight not only ensures competitive advantage, but also transparency and cost savings.

Why Ultimate Maritime Logistics?

CHS Container Group's choice of Ultimate Maritime Logistics can be attributed to four key points:

• Specialist in Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O.
• Years of experience with container processes & logistics
• Ultimate Control philosophy, where there is one integrated operational entity where the global operational process takes place, and the financial data find its way to the right legal entity.
• Good cultural fit.

Does this case sound familiar to you? Please don’t hesitate to contact us.