DHL Supply Chain Streamlines Warehouse Operations with High-Quality Thermal Labels

Challenge
In 2017, the 400+ distribution sites and warehouses operated by global third-party logistics provider DHL Supply Chain in North America were purchasing labels and other consumables from multiple sources, often incurring excessive shipping costs and chargebacks due to poor quality, unscannable labels.

DHL had no idea what the rogue spending was costing. The company needed a consistent, cost-effective solution to contain increasing costs, better plan budgets, ensure consistent label quality and increase customer satisfaction.

Solution
DHL turned to Zebra Technologies and Barcoding, Inc. to develop a single-source solution for the purchase of consumables at the company’s internal procurement portal.

Working together, they launched a strategic labels initiative that provides all participating sites with prenegotiated volume pricing for Zebra Certified Supplies, free replacement printheads and managed label inventory.

Results
By consolidating purchasing and providing volume pricing at the corporate procurement portal, the company saved more than $100,000 in purchases of consumables in 2017, with total savings in freight and the costs of printhead replacement estimated at $273,340.

By standardizing on the purchase of quality Zebra labels, DHL has virtually eliminated unscannable labels and chargebacks by receiving locations.