Streamlining storage, saving costs and reducing carbon emissions… There are many reasons why multi-site companies are increasingly turning towards a new kind of logistics model. We spoke with Pierre Tricoire, President of French company National Box to know more about their distributed micro-logistics model.
This approach, being pioneered by French operation National Box, has evolved from the concept of consumer self-storage and is now seeing significant success in the B2B arena.
Pierre Tricoire, President of National Box, explains:
“The reason businesses like this model is because it is easier for them. Before, they might have had all their storage in one centralized location and from there they would have to distribute right across France. Now they are able to store everything they need in locations across France and distribute from places that are much closer to the final destinations.”
Seamless Coverage
National Box was founded 17 years ago. The company operates via more than 600 partner centers in almost 500 towns and cities. And they now offer micro-logistics on a national scale via their network right across France. The storage (within some 36,500 adaptable boxes) is managed by two digital solutions, OpenGest and OpenStock. The company is projecting a turnover of €3 million by 2026 and is working towards a target of €5 million by 2028.
Companies of all sizes, from boutique businesses up to major multi-nationals, are using National Box for the storage of a range of items, from equipment and replacement parts to samples and advertising material. The system allows them to open units wherever their teams operate, ensuring seamless coverage and the ability to keep their inventory close to where it is needed.
“It is faster for them to distribute from our storage because it is closer to their commercial bases. There is less time on the road, which means lower fuel costs and less impact on the environment. Items can be dropped off and collected at any time, and products that are no longer needed can be left with us for disposal. Our staff receives and carefully organizes the packages.”
Digital Management
The simplified, centralized management system allows them to adjust their storage space as required. And this can be done at the touch of a smartphone. Via the OpenGest platform, they can view, manage, and optimize their storage portfolio from a single, intuitive interface. They can also track contracts, invoices, and legal documents. OpenStock provides a turnkey solution that connects the storage units directly to the customer’s smartphone, offering total, real-time visibility.
“With the OpenStock app, coordinators and sales staff have a comprehensive overview of stock levels across France.”
M. Tricoire admits he is not sure if National Box’s fast-growing operation is a genuine evolution of logistics or simply a pioneering, new application for existing storage infrastructure. The reality is, however, that businesses are seizing the opportunity to reduce travel time, improve responsiveness and save costs.
“They are telling us that this just makes everything so much easier for them. They can reach their customers more quickly, they have one contract and one e-invoice instead of 50, and they have just one person to speak to. There are cost savings because they don’t need to build or run their own storage facilities and because they are dealing with just one company with a network right across the country, rather than a number of different storage operators.”
And they can manage it all easily from a mobile phone.
