Before Apport WMS was implemented, Espegard’s warehouses were managed without digital systems. This made it difficult to get a clear overview of inventory, and inefficient processes often led to errors and wasted time. Picking lists were printed manually, and inventory status was only updated occasionally, making it challenging to ensure accurate data. With the growing export to Sweden and Finland, these challenges intensified, and Espegard recognized the need for a warehouse management system that could provide better visibility and reduce picking errors.
About Espegard
Espegard is a Norwegian company specializing in high-quality outdoor products, such as fire pans and firewood packaging. With a mission to give people “more time outside,” Espegard creates sustainable solutions that bring people closer to nature. Their commitment to quality and responsibility makes them a natural choice among outdoor enthusiasts throughout the Nordics.
INDUSTRY
B2C
Integration
Visma Business NXT
EMPLOYEES
6
WAREHOUSEs
7.400 kvm
ITEM NUMBERS
400
the challenge
Lack of digitalization in the warehouse
the logistics
From one to two warehouses
The decision to expand with a warehouse in Uddevalla (Sweden) marked an important step in Espegard’s growth strategy. The location within the EU’s borders eased both administrative and logistical burdens, making the supply chain more streamlined and efficient.
With a warehouse in the EU, Espegard could deliver faster and more accurately to their customers in Sweden and Finland, while avoiding the challenges that typically come with cross-border trade. The free trade within the EU has allowed Espegard to reduce costs and optimize their logistics. However, the expansion from one to two warehouses also created an increased need for more oversight and control to ensure the efficient operation of both locations.
"We experienced a significant increase in exports around 2020, particularly to Sweden and Finland. This made logistics from Norway challenging, so we started exploring alternative solutions. The decision was to establish a warehouse within the EU. We chose Sweden due to the substantial growth in exports to both Sweden and Finland. This way, we could avoid the cumbersome handling of goods in and out of the EU. It's a long way to Finland, but at least it's within the EU, which provides us with the benefits of free trade."
the future
A tailored integration
To overcome these challenges, Espegard decided to implement Apport WMS. They sought a straightforward system that wasn’t overly complex but could effectively meet their practical needs. Instead of a feature-heavy, complicated solution, Espegard needed a system that would integrate seamlessly with their existing ERP setup.
We chose a WMS system to reduce picking errors, improve inventory management, and streamline overall warehouse operations. Apport has given us better control of our inventory, with a clear reduction in picking errors. It’s essential to maintain good inventory oversight as it reflects our values. Apport stood out as a partner capable of delivering an efficient system without unnecessary complexity."
Apport delivered a unified solution capable of managing both warehouses while integrating effortlessly with Espegard’s ERP-system, Visma Business NXT. The fully automated integration synchronized all warehouse movements with Visma, enabling Espegard to track inventory levels and order updates in real time. Implementing Apport WMS has provided Espegard with the crucial control and flexibility needed to scale their business, while enhancing and streamlining their warehouse logistics.