How Biovela Group successfully optimised its internal processes with the help of digital solutions
The background:
The Biovela Group is the largest and most modern meat processing group in the Baltic region and one of the largest ones in Central Europe. It has over 1,300 employees and handles over 70,000 tons of fresh meat and its products annually across ten countries.
Biovela faced various challenges, such as the need for more streamlined processes, scarcity of data, a heavy reliance on manual labour, and a lack of standardised work principles within its internal teams. Additionally, the company had difficulties keeping track of orders and planning the trips required to collect purchased cattle. To help our client overcome these challenges, we suggested and implemented various tools and practices to digitalise their processes. This allowed for more effective and efficient work.
The essence of the project:
We have developed an advanced supply chain management solution to optimize the cattle acquisition and transportation processes. The system is tailor-made for Biovela and is intended to increase the effectiveness of collaboration between transport managers and drivers, ensuring efficient oversight and management and improving overall control over the supply chain. The solution is guaranteed to maintain the integrity of all essential company operations while meeting the highest security and sustainability standards. The application consists of two primary components: a web portal for operations’ coordinators and a mobile app for truck drivers.
The WEB platform contains a farmers database and management module (i.e. custom client grouping capabilities), financial module (pricelists), orders management and transportation management modules. The system includes a document generation module that is fully integrated with third-party accounting systems and internal slaughterhouse systems. Additionally, a user module that supports several user roles has been implemented.
It is a highly customisable platform as it supports a parameter management system intertwined with the full scope of the system.
The mobile application is the primary tool for truck drivers to carry out their work. It enables them to create purchase orders by formalising the purchasing data, which includes information about each specific cattle being purchased. The application also allows the drivers to weigh the cattle using Bluetooth-integrated scales. Additionally, the app integrates with the national Cattle Register API to ensure accurate and up-to-date information. The app generates documents that were initially printed using Bluetooth-integrated printers but later updated to support e-signatures.
Services provided:
- User Interfaces (UX+UI): Web platform and mobile applications for truck drivers – interoperable designs that seamlessly integrate with diverse systems and platforms.
- IT platform architecture preparation.
- Web platform and Mobile app development and testing.
- Development of APIs and Platform Integrations (interoperability) with multiple external sources.
- Secure Data Encryption: Data encryption protocols are implemented across the system to ensure that all data exchanges are thoroughly secured at every level.
- Layout and design: Mobile app and web platform UX and design.
- Technology: React.JS, PHP Symphony, Android Native.
- Ongoing support and maintenance.
Project result:
The client successfully digitalised one of their most resource-consuming internal processes with the help of our solution, resulting in significant operating cost reductions. By eliminating paper usage, the client also made a positive impact on the environment. The solution proved to be valuable in one specific region, leading the client to expand its utilisation internationally.
By standardizing several processes, such as managing the client base and financial conditions for each client and client group, planning the heavy machinery and human resources, purchasing cattle, and generating and digitally signing documents, the solution increased transparency within the organization.
