ekol logistics case study

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EKOL Logistics: Thinking Outside the Box

By: Willy Shih, Esel Cekin

This case describes Ekol, an intermodal transportation and logistics company, and how it manages capacity planning. Its busiest routes linked motor vehicle assemblers in Germany and Turkey with many…

• Length: 28 page(s)
• Publication Date: Mar 21, 2018
• Discipline: Operations Management
• Product #: 618037-PDF-ENG

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This case describes Ekol, an intermodal transportation and logistics company, and how it manages capacity planning. Its busiest routes linked motor vehicle assemblers in Germany and Turkey with many of their parts suppliers, but it had also developed key links in fast-fashion supply chains. It used combinations of land, short-sea, and rail routes to provide different levels of service. The challenge was maximizing utilization of its trucks and trailers, especially on key bottleneck links, in the face of unbalanced traffic. To address the issue Ekol developed a consolidation center in Turkey and a cross-dock deconsolidation center in Germany, its largest market. As Chairman Ahmet Musul and his team looked at ways to squeeze out more capacity, they reconsidered their planning model and whether they should build more consolidation/deconsolidation centers to optimize costs and wring out more efficiency in its operations.

Learning Objectives

This case provides an opportunity for students to understand: Some of the complexities in intermodal transportation and how different carriage methods and routings impact delivery times and customer service level. Trade-offs between efficient capacity utilization and service level and potential impact on customer satisfaction. Choices one must make when balancing loads for different markets while optimizing overall performance for the company.

Mar 21, 2018

Discipline:

Operations Management

Geographies:

Germany, Spain, Turkey

Industries:

Automotive industry

Harvard Business School

618037-PDF-ENG

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EKOL Logistics: Thinking Outside the Box

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About The Author

Willy C. Shih

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EKOL Logistics: Thinking Outside the Box: Spreadsheet Supplement

• EKOL Logistics: Thinking Outside the Box: Spreadsheet Supplement  By: Willy C. Shih and Esel Çekin

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EKOL Logistics: Thinking Outside the Box

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Publication Date: March 21, 2018

Source: Harvard Business School

This case describes Ekol, an intermodal transportation and logistics company, and how it manages capacity planning. Its busiest routes linked motor vehicle assemblers in Germany and Turkey with many of their parts suppliers, but it had also developed key links in fast-fashion supply chains. It used combinations of land, short-sea, and rail routes to provide different levels of service. The challenge was maximizing utilization of its trucks and trailers, especially on key bottleneck links, in the face of unbalanced traffic. To address the issue Ekol developed a consolidation center in Turkey and a cross-dock deconsolidation center in Germany, its largest market. As Chairman Ahmet Musul and his team looked at ways to squeeze out more capacity, they reconsidered their planning model and whether they should build more consolidation/deconsolidation centers to optimize costs and wring out more efficiency in its operations.

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EKOL Logistics: Thinking Outside the Box

Case solution.

Willy Shih, Esel Cekin Harvard Business School ( 618037-PDF-ENG ) March 21, 2018

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Please note you do not have access to teaching notes, ekol ukraine: transformation and growth.

Publication date: 31 October 2022

Teaching notes

Learning outcomes.

Students comprehend the importance of the transformational idea and apply it in their leadership. Students can analyze how to spread the transformational idea across the team and the organization. Students understand the value of working with different stakeholders (partners, headquarters). Students can analyze the role of focusing on a client and apply client-centric way of thinking. Students can apply the concept of the transformational idea to create (synthesize) possible solutions for the presented dilemma.

Case overview/synopsis

This case tells the transformation story of the logistics company Ekol Ukraine, which began in 2013. This company was the most successful branch of Ekol Logistics, an international corporation operating in 13 countries. From 2013 till 2021, Ekol Ukraine experienced a crisis related to the start of a conflict between Ukraine and Russian militants. It proved its ability to cope with challenges, gained almost complete autonomy from the head office, transformed the business model and culture and achieved considerable success in building an ecosystem.

Having this stage of transformation completed by 2021, the company reached a plateau and had to decide what the following changes would be. In 2021, only 14% of Ukrainian businesses used outsourcing logistics services (like the ones Ekol Ukraine provided). The remaining 86% had in-house logistics and were not ready to change the model. So, Ekol Ukraine faced a problem: how could a logistics provider grow in a market that was not mentally ready to outsource?

Complexity academic level

MBA programs.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 7: Management science.

• Corporate growth
• Corporate culture
• Business transformation
• Business growth
• Change management
• Strategic management

Maltsev, E. and Kuznietsova, T. (2022), "Ekol Ukraine: transformation and growth", , Vol. 12 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/EEMCS-05-2021-0150

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited

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EKOL Logistics Thinking Outside the Box Case Analysis and Case Solution

Posted by Peter Williams on Aug-09-2018

Introduction of EKOL Logistics Thinking Outside the Box Case Solution

The EKOL Logistics Thinking Outside the Box case study is a Harvard Business Review case study, which presents a simulated practical experience to the reader allowing them to learn about real life problems in the business world. The EKOL Logistics Thinking Outside the Box case consisted of a central issue to the organization, which had to be identified, analysed and creative solutions had to be drawn to tackle the issue. This paper presents the solved EKOL Logistics Thinking Outside the Box case analysis and case solution. The method through which the analysis is done is mentioned, followed by the relevant tools used in finding the solution.

The case solution first identifies the central issue to the EKOL Logistics Thinking Outside the Box case study, and the relevant stakeholders affected by this issue. This is known as the problem identification stage. After this, the relevant tools and models are used, which help in the case study analysis and case study solution. The tools used in identifying the solution consist of the SWOT Analysis, Porter Five Forces Analysis, PESTEL Analysis, VRIO analysis, Value Chain Analysis, BCG Matrix analysis, Ansoff Matrix analysis, and the Marketing Mix analysis. The solution consists of recommended strategies to overcome this central issue. It is a good idea to also propose alternative case study solutions, because if the main solution is not found feasible, then the alternative solutions could be implemented. Lastly, a good case study solution also includes an implementation plan for the recommendation strategies. This shows how through a step-by-step procedure as to how the central issue can be resolved.

Problem Identification of EKOL Logistics Thinking Outside the Box Case Solution

Harvard Business Review cases involve a central problem that is being faced by the organization and these problems affect a number of stakeholders. In the problem identification stage, the problem faced by EKOL Logistics Thinking Outside the Box is identified through reading of the case. This could be mentioned at the start of the reading, the middle or the end. At times in a case analysis, the problem may be clearly evident in the reading of the HBR case. At other times, finding the issue is the job of the person analysing the case. It is also important to understand what stakeholders are affected by the problem and how. The goals of the stakeholders and are the organization are also identified to ensure that the case study analysis are consistent with these.

Analysis of the EKOL Logistics Thinking Outside the Box HBR Case Study

The objective of the case should be focused on. This is doing the EKOL Logistics Thinking Outside the Box Case Solution. This analysis can be proceeded in a step-by-step procedure to ensure that effective solutions are found.

• In the first step, a growth path of the company can be formulated that lays down its vision, mission and strategic aims. These can usually be developed using the company history is provided in the case. Company history is helpful in a Business Case study as it helps one understand what the scope of the solutions will be for the case study.
• The next step is of understanding the company; its people, their priorities and the overall culture. This can be done by using company history. It can also be done by looking at anecdotal instances of managers or employees that are usually included in an HBR case study description to give the reader a real feel of the situation.
• Lastly, a timeline of the issues and events in the case needs to be made. Arranging events in a timeline allows one to predict the next few events that are likely to take place. It also helps one in developing the case study solutions. The timeline also helps in understanding the continuous challenges that are being faced by the organisation.

SWOT analysis of EKOL Logistics Thinking Outside the Box

An important tool that helps in addressing the central issue of the case and coming up with EKOL Logistics Thinking Outside the Box HBR case solution is the SWOT analysis.

• The SWOT analysis is a strategic management tool that lists down in the form of a matrix, an organisation's internal strengths and weaknesses, and external opportunities and threats. It helps in the strategic analysis of EKOL Logistics Thinking Outside the Box.
• Once this listing has been done, a clearer picture can be developed in regards to how strategies will be formed to address the main problem. For example, strengths will be used as an advantage in solving the issue.

Therefore, the SWOT analysis is a helpful tool in coming up with the EKOL Logistics Thinking Outside the Box Case Study answers. One does not need to remain restricted to using the traditional SWOT analysis, but the advanced TOWS matrix or weighted average SWOT analysis can also be used.

Porter Five Forces Analysis for EKOL Logistics Thinking Outside the Box

Another helpful tool in finding the case solutions is of Porter's Five Forces analysis. This is also a strategic tool that is used to analyse the competitive environment of the industry in which EKOL Logistics Thinking Outside the Box operates in. Analysis of the industry is important as businesses do not work in isolation in real life, but are affected by the business environment of the industry that they operate in. Harvard Business case studies represent real-life situations, and therefore, an analysis of the industry's competitive environment needs to be carried out to come up with more holistic case study solutions. In Porter's Five Forces analysis, the industry is analysed along 5 dimensions.

• These are the threats that the industry faces due to new entrants.
• It includes the threat of substitute products.
• It includes the bargaining power of buyers in the industry.
• It includes the bargaining power of suppliers in an industry.
• Lastly, the overall rivalry or competition within the industry is analysed.

This tool helps one understand the relative powers of the major players in the industry and its overall competitive dynamics. Actionable and practical solutions can then be developed by keeping these factors into perspective.

PESTEL Analysis of EKOL Logistics Thinking Outside the Box

Another helpful tool that should be used in finding the case study solutions is the PESTEL analysis. This also looks at the external business environment of the organisation helps in finding case study Analysis to real-life business issues as in HBR cases.

• The PESTEL analysis particularly looks at the macro environmental factors that affect the industry. These are the political, environmental, social, technological, environmental and legal (regulatory) factors affecting the industry.
• Factors within each of these 6 should be listed down, and analysis should be made as to how these affect the organisation under question.
• These factors are also responsible for the future growth and challenges within the industry. Hence, they should be taken into consideration when coming up with the EKOL Logistics Thinking Outside the Box case solution.

VRIO Analysis of EKOL Logistics Thinking Outside the Box

This is an analysis carried out to know about the internal strengths and capabilities of EKOL Logistics Thinking Outside the Box. Under the VRIO analysis, the following steps are carried out:

• The internal resources of EKOL Logistics Thinking Outside the Box are listed down.
• Each of these resources are assessed in terms of the value it brings to the organization.
• Each resource is assessed in terms of how rare it is. A rare resource is one that is not commonly used by competitors.
• Each resource is assessed whether it could be imitated by competition easily or not.
• Lastly, each resource is assessed in terms of whether the organization can use it to an advantage or not.

The analysis done on the 4 dimensions; Value, Rareness, Imitability, and Organization. If a resource is high on all of these 4, then it brings long-term competitive advantage. If a resource is high on Value, Rareness, and Imitability, then it brings an unused competitive advantage. If a resource is high on Value and Rareness, then it only brings temporary competitive advantage. If a resource is only valuable, then it’s a competitive parity. If it’s none, then it can be regarded as a competitive disadvantage.

Value Chain Analysis of EKOL Logistics Thinking Outside the Box

The Value chain analysis of EKOL Logistics Thinking Outside the Box helps in identifying the activities of an organization, and how these add value in terms of cost reduction and differentiation. This tool is used in the case study analysis as follows:

• The firm’s primary and support activities are listed down.
• Identifying the importance of these activities in the cost of the product and the differentiation they produce.
• Lastly, differentiation or cost reduction strategies are to be used for each of these activities to increase the overall value provided by these activities.

Recognizing value creating activities and enhancing the value that they create allow EKOL Logistics Thinking Outside the Box to increase its competitive advantage.

BCG Matrix of EKOL Logistics Thinking Outside the Box

The BCG Matrix is an important tool in deciding whether an organization should invest or divest in its strategic business units. The matrix involves placing the strategic business units of a business in one of four categories; question marks, stars, dogs and cash cows. The placement in these categories depends on the relative market share of the organization and the market growth of these strategic business units. The steps to be followed in this analysis is as follows:

• Identify the relative market share of each strategic business unit.
• Identify the market growth of each strategic business unit.
• Place these strategic business units in one of four categories. Question Marks are those strategic business units with high market share and low market growth rate. Stars are those strategic business units with high market share and high market growth rate. Cash Cows are those strategic business units with high market share and low market growth rate. Dogs are those strategic business units with low market share and low growth rate.
• Relevant strategies should be implemented for each strategic business unit depending on its position in the matrix.

The strategies identified from the EKOL Logistics Thinking Outside the Box BCG matrix and included in the case pdf. These are either to further develop the product, penetrate the market, develop the market, diversification, investing or divesting.

Ansoff Matrix of EKOL Logistics Thinking Outside the Box

Ansoff Matrix is an important strategic tool to come up with future strategies for EKOL Logistics Thinking Outside the Box in the case solution. It helps decide whether an organization should pursue future expansion in new markets and products or should it focus on existing markets and products.

• The organization can penetrate into existing markets with its existing products. This is known as market penetration strategy.
• The organization can develop new products for the existing market. This is known as product development strategy.
• The organization can enter new markets with its existing products. This is known as market development strategy.
• The organization can enter into new markets with new products. This is known as a diversification strategy.

The choice of strategy depends on the analysis of the previous tools used and the level of risk the organization is willing to take.

Marketing Mix of EKOL Logistics Thinking Outside the Box

EKOL Logistics Thinking Outside the Box needs to bring out certain responses from the market that it targets. To do so, it will need to use the marketing mix, which serves as a tool in helping bring out responses from the market. The 4 elements of the marketing mix are Product, Price, Place and Promotions. The following steps are required to carry out a marketing mix analysis and include this in the case study analysis.

• Analyse the company’s products and devise strategies to improve the product offering of the company.
• Analyse the company’s price points and devise strategies that could be based on competition, value or cost.
• Analyse the company’s promotion mix. This includes the advertisement, public relations, personal selling, sales promotion, and direct marketing. Strategies will be devised which makes use of a few or all of these elements.
• Analyse the company’s distribution and reach. Strategies can be devised to improve the availability of the company’s products.

EKOL Logistics Thinking Outside the Box Blue Ocean Strategy

The strategies devised and included in the EKOL Logistics Thinking Outside the Box case memo should have a blue ocean strategy. A blue ocean strategy is a strategy that involves firms seeking uncontested market spaces, which makes the competition of the company irrelevant. It involves coming up with new and unique products or ideas through innovation. This gives the organization a competitive advantage over other firms, unlike a red ocean strategy.

Competitors analysis of EKOL Logistics Thinking Outside the Box

The PESTEL analysis discussed previously looked at the macro environmental factors affecting business, but not the microenvironmental factors. One of the microenvironmental factors are competitors, which are addressed by a competitor analysis. The Competitors analysis of EKOL Logistics Thinking Outside the Box looks at the direct and indirect competitors within the industry that it operates in.

• This involves a detailed analysis of their actions and how these would affect the future strategies of EKOL Logistics Thinking Outside the Box.
• It involves looking at the current market share of the company and its competitors.
• It should compare the marketing mix elements of competitors, their supply chain, human resources, financial strength etc.
• It also should look at the potential opportunities and threats that these competitors pose on the company.

Organisation of the Analysis into EKOL Logistics Thinking Outside the Box Case Study Solution

Once various tools have been used to analyse the case, the findings of this analysis need to be incorporated into practical and actionable solutions. These solutions will also be the EKOL Logistics Thinking Outside the Box case answers. These are usually in the form of strategies that the organisation can adopt. The following step-by-step procedure can be used to organise the Harvard Business case solution and recommendations:

• The first step of the solution is to come up with a corporate level strategy for the organisation. This part consists of solutions that address issues faced by the organisation on a strategic level. This could include suggestions, changes or recommendations to the company's vision, mission and its strategic objectives. It can include recommendations on how the organisation can work towards achieving these strategic objectives. Furthermore, it needs to be explained how the stated recommendations will help in solving the main issue mentioned in the case and where the company will stand in the future as a result of these.
• The second step of the solution is to come up with a business level strategy. The HBR case studies may present issues faced by a part of the organisation. For example, the issues may be stated for marketing and the role of a marketing manager needs to be assumed. So, recommendations and suggestions need to address the strategy of the marketing department in this case. Therefore, the strategic objectives of this business unit (Marketing) will be laid down in the solutions and recommendations will be made as to how to achieve these objectives. Similar would be the case for any other business unit or department such as human resources, finance, IT etc. The important thing to note here is that the business level strategy needs to be aligned with the overall corporate strategy of the organisation. For example, if one suggests the organisation to focus on differentiation for competitive advantage as a corporate level strategy, then it can't be recommended for the EKOL Logistics Thinking Outside the Box Case Study Solution that the business unit should focus on costs.
• The third step is not compulsory but depends from case to case. In some HBR case studies, one may be required to analyse an issue at a department. This issue may be analysed for a manager or employee as well. In these cases, recommendations need to be made for these people. The solution may state that objectives that these people need to achieve and how these objectives would be achieved.

The case study analysis and solution, and EKOL Logistics Thinking Outside the Box case answers should be written down in the EKOL Logistics Thinking Outside the Box case memo, clearly identifying which part shows what. The EKOL Logistics Thinking Outside the Box case should be in a professional format, presenting points clearly that are well understood by the reader.

Alternate solution to the EKOL Logistics Thinking Outside the Box HBR case study

It is important to have more than one solution to the case study. This is the alternate solution that would be implemented if the original proposed solution is found infeasible or impossible due to a change in circumstances. The alternate solution for EKOL Logistics Thinking Outside the Box is presented in the same way as the original solution, where it consists of a corporate level strategy, business level strategy and other recommendations.

Implementation of EKOL Logistics Thinking Outside the Box Case Solution

The case study does not end at just providing recommendations to the issues at hand. One is also required to provide how these recommendations would be implemented. This is shown through a proper implementation framework. A detailed implementation framework helps in distinguishing between an average and an above average case study answer. A good implementation framework shows the proposed plan and how the organisations' resources would be used to achieve the objectives. It also lays down the changes needed to be made as well as the assumptions in the process.

• A proper implementation framework shows that one has clearly understood the case study and the main issue within it.
• It shows that one has been clarified with the HBR fundamentals on the topic.
• It shows that the details provided in the case have been properly analysed.
• It shows that one has developed an ability to prioritise recommendations and how these could be successfully implemented.
• The implementation framework also helps by removing out any recommendations that are not practical or actionable as these could not be implemented. Therefore, the implementation framework ensures that the solution to the EKOL Logistics Thinking Outside the Box Harvard case is complete and properly answered.

Recommendations and Action Plan for EKOL Logistics Thinking Outside the Box case analysis

For EKOL Logistics Thinking Outside the Box, based on the SWOT Analysis, Porter Five Forces Analysis, PESTEL Analysis, VRIO analysis, Value Chain Analysis, BCG Matrix analysis, Ansoff Matrix analysis, and the Marketing Mix analysis, the recommendations and action plan are as follows:

• EKOL Logistics Thinking Outside the Box should focus on making use of its strengths identified from the VRIO analysis to make the most of the opportunities identified from the PESTEL.
• EKOL Logistics Thinking Outside the Box should enhance the value creating activities within its value chain.
• EKOL Logistics Thinking Outside the Box should invest in its stars and cash cows, while getting rid of the dogs identified from the BCG Matrix analysis.
• To achieve its overall corporate and business level objectives, it should make use of the marketing mix tools to obtain desired results from its target market.

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Turkish logistics leader streamlines workflows 60% faster with Boomi, saving costs while scaling operations.

Business Goals

Ekol serves over 200 customers across 75 locations in 12 countries. With increased growth, the company faced several integration challenges. As Ekol operated distinct transportation, logistics, and customs systems, it realized that hard-coded connections were expensive, time-consuming, and delayed customer onboarding.

As the first Turkish logistic company to obtain the WWF Green Office Certificate, the company was also keen to ensure sustainability in all its business practices through a modern approach, including streamlined digital processes.

Integration Challenges

As business growth increased, Ekol’s reliance on point-to-point integrations through legacy middleware became unsustainable. The process was error-prone, inefficient, and slowed customer responses.

The company needed fast, scalable integration and API development and deployment capabilities without proportionally increasing expenses or IT staff headcount. This would help Ekol to quickly deliver innovative services amid expansion.

How Boomi Helped

Ekol selected the Boomi platform as its integration standard. Boomi’s data and application integration and EDI management now underpin transport operations, government systems, warehousing, and other key processes.

The company has end-to-end visibility into its global logistics workflows while streamlining partner onboarding and transaction communications.

Boomi delivers significant benefits for Ekol, including:

• Decreased integration expenses by minimizing custom code
• Accelerated supply chain connections from weeks to just days
• Robust regulatory compliance with electronic data exchange for government and custom agencies

Having grown five-fold, Ekol leverages Boomi across all logistic processes involving data exchange. Boomi facilitates information tracking throughout Ekol’s global transportation and warehouse operations via trucks, ships, air cargo, and more — powering visibility while meeting sustainability targets.

With Boomi Integration and B2B/EDI Management, Ekol realized significant value:

• Reusable APIs expedite onboarding to just days versus weeks
• IT headcount remained stable at 8-9 people with over 60% reduction in server usage, saving costs
• Strong competitive edge across growing international operations

Boomi leverages Amazon EC2 to ensure our design, development, and management platform is highly available. This allows our customers to build, manage and monitor their solutions reliably, from any web browser.

Case Study: Shih, W., & Cekin, E. (2018). EKOL logistics:...

Case Study: Shih, W., & Cekin, E. (2018). EKOL logistics:...

Case Study: Shih, W., & Cekin, E. (2018). EKOL logistics: Thinking outside the box . HBS No. 618037. Boston, MA: Harvard Business School.

This case describes Ekol, an intermodal transportation and logistics company, and how it manages capacity planning. Its busiest routes linked motor vehicle assemblers in Germany and Turkey with many of their parts suppliers, but also had developed key links in fast-fashion supply chains. The company used combinations of land, short-sea, and rail routes to provide different levels of service. The challenge was maximizing utilization of its trucks and trailers, especially on key bottleneck links, in the face of unbalanced traffic. To address the issue, Ekol developed a consolidation center in Turkey and a cross-dock de-consolidation center in Germany, its largest market. As chairman Ahmet Musul and his team looked at ways to squeeze out more capacity, they reconsidered their planning model and whether they should build more consolidation/de-consolidation centers in order to optimize costs and wring out more efficiency in its operations.

Students should focus on the logistical aspects of the case and doing business and engaging in logistics in the Middle East and Germany. They may wish to address and discuss several of the following:

• Discuss the complexities in intermodal transportation.
• Discuss how delivery planning affects outcomes.
• Discuss the various transportation modalities, especially motor freight.
• Discuss how to enhance outcomes.
• Discuss how the case related to the discussions in Lectures 8 and 9.

Answer & Explanation

Ekol developed a consolidation center in Turkey and a cross-dock de-consolidation center in Germany to optimize its operations and squeeze out more capacity, demonstrating the complexities of managing capacity and the importance of delivery planning. This case provides students with an in-depth look at the complexities of managing capacity and the challenges companies face in optimizing their operations. Ekol developed a consolidation center in Turkey and a cross-dock de-consolidation center in Germany to optimize costs and wring out more efficiency. This case provides students with an understanding of the importance of logistics and the various strategies available to optimize their operations.

• Ekol is an intermodal transportation and logistics company that manages capacity planning. It is a complex undertaking to plan for capacity, as it must consider different routes and modes of transportation, as well as the needs of different parts of the supply chain. Ekol has developed links with motor vehicle assemblers in Germany and Turkey, as well as with fast-fashion suppliers. The company faces a challenge in maximizing utilization of its trucks and trailers, especially on key bottleneck links. To address this issue, Ekol developed a consolidation center in Turkey and a cross-dock de-consolidation center in Germany. As chairman Ahmet Musul and his team looked at ways to squeeze out more capacity, they reconsidered their planning model and whether they should build more consolidation/de-consolidation centers in order to optimize costs and wring out more efficiency.
• Intermodal transportation is a complex undertaking. It must consider different routes and modes of transportation, as well as the needs of different parts of the supply chain. Ekol has developed links with motor vehicle assemblers in Germany and Turkey, as well as with fast-fashion suppliers. The company faces a challenge in maximizing utilization of its trucks and trailers, especially on key bottleneck links. To address this issue, Ekol developed a consolidation center in Turkey and a cross-dock de-consolidation center in Germany. As chairman Ahmet Musul and his team looked at ways to squeeze out more capacity, they reconsidered their planning model and whether they should build more consolidation/de-consolidation centers in order to optimize costs and wring out more efficiency.
• Overall, this case demonstrates the complexities in managing capacity and the challenges companies face in optimizing their operations. It provides an in-depth look at how Ekol managed to optimize its operations and squeeze out more capacity.
• Delivery planning is an important part of logistics. It determines how products are delivered to customers. Delivery planning affects outcomes, such as cost and time. Ekol's delivery planning affects its ability to serve its customers quickly and efficiently.
• Overall, this case provides an in-depth look at how Ekol managed to optimize its operations and squeeze out more capacity. It also provides an understanding of the importance of delivery planning and its effects on outcomes.
• Motor freight is the most common form of transportation for products. Motor freight is the transport of goods by motor vehicle. It is a complex undertaking to transport goods by motor freight. Motor freight requires a lot of planning and coordination.
• Ekol uses a variety of transportation modalities to transport goods. It uses land, short-sea, and rail routes to provide different levels of service. The challenge for Ekol is maximizing utilization of its trucks and trailers, especially on key bottleneck links. To address this issue, Ekol developed a consolidation center in Turkey and a cross-dock de-consolidation center in Germany. As chairman Ahmet Musul and his team looked at ways to squeeze out more capacity, they reconsidered their planning model and whether they should build more consolidation/de-consolidation centers in order to optimize costs and wring out more efficiency.
• This case provides an overview of the various transportation modalities that Ekol uses to transport goods. It also discusses the challenges that Ekol faces in optimizing its operations and squeezing out more capacity. By understanding these challenges, students are able to better understand the importance of logistics and the various modes of transportation that are available.
• In conclusion, this case provides students with an in-depth look at the complexities of managing capacity and the challenges companies face in optimizing their operations. It provides an understanding of the importance of delivery planning and its effects on outcomes. By understanding these complexities, students are better able to understand the logistics industry and the various modes of transportation that are available.
• Enhancing outcomes is an important part of logistics. It involves working to improve the efficiency of a company's operations. This can be done by developing new strategies, improving current strategies, or optimizing the use of resources.
• Ekol has developed links with motor vehicle assemblers in Germany and Turkey, as well as with fast-fashion suppliers. The company faces a challenge in maximizing utilization of its trucks and trailers, especially on key bottleneck links. To address this issue, Ekol developed a consolidation center in Turkey and a cross-dock de-consolidation center in Germany. As chairman Ahmet Musul and his team looked at ways to squeeze out more capacity, they reconsidered their planning model and whether they should build more consolidation/de-consolidation centers in order to optimize costs and wring out more efficiency.
• As a result of these efforts, Ekol has been able to improve its operations. By understanding the various challenges that Ekol faces, students are able to develop strategies to enhance the efficiency of their own operations.
• In conclusion, this case provides students with an in-depth look at the complexities of managing capacity and the challenges companies face in optimizing their operations. It provides an understanding of the importance of logistics and the various modes of transportation that are available. by understanding these complexities, students are better able to understand the logistics industry and the various strategies that are available to enhance the efficiency of their operations.
• The case related to Lectures 8 and 9 in that it discusses how to optimize a company's operations. It provides an understanding of the importance of logistics and the various modes of transportation that are available. By understanding these complexities, students are better able to understand the logistics industry and the various strategies that are available to optimize the efficiency of their operations.
• In conclusion, this case provides students with an in-depth look at the complexities of managing capacity and the challenges companies face in optimizing their operations. It provides an understanding of the importance of logistics and the various modes of transportation that are available. By understanding these complexities, students are better able to understand the logistics industry and the various strategies that are available to optimize the efficiency of their operations.

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