Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG opened its new World Logistics Center (WLC) at its Wiesloch-Walldorf site exactly ten years ago, thereby laying the foundation for a globally integrated logistics network. It was followed by further logistics centers in the U.S. (2004), Japan (2007), and most recently Hong Kong (2008). Around 200,000 Heidelberg customers around the globe now benefit from fast delivery of service parts and consumables. "Particularly in times of crisis, good machine availability, reliable quality, and on-time delivery are key to a printshop's survival," explains Bernhard Steinel, Senior Vice President Systemservice for Heidelberg worldwide.

Over the past ten years, more than 2.5 million orders have been processed and a total of 3.8 million packages with a combined weight of 32,000 tons - equivalent to 5,000 Speedmaster presses - have been dispatched to customers around the world.

Logistics network forms the basis for Systemservice
The global logistics network is a key component of the Systemservice concept from Heidelberg that covers the customer's entire value added chain. Heidelberg customers are making increased use of the web-based Remote Service and eCall function, which automatically alerts the Heidelberg service team if a press is faulty. In cases where a service part and a member of the service team are needed, the global logistics network ensures that the correct part has been delivered by the time the service engineer arrives.

Customers benefit from fast deliveries and cutting-edge technology
More than 200 qualified staff supported by state-of-the-art technology handle order processing, procurement, and shipping. Heidelberg currently processes up to 2,500 orders each working day at its logistics centers around the globe. Customers normally receive the part they need within 24 hours. Around 97 percent of orders are shipped direct from the warehouse. At the WLC in Germany alone, Heidelberg keeps around 130,000 different parts in stock.