Order picking flowers Aalsmeer: next step at the end of September

Step by step, RFH is moving from distribution to order picking and delivery in time slots. In Rijnsburg and Naaldwijk, all flowers and plants are now processed using order picking. In Aalsmeer, all plants and around 25% of the flowers are currently order picked. At the end of September, we will further expand order picking for flowers in Aalsmeer with a number of auction groups. 

Which auction groups? 
At the beginning of September, we will communicate which auction groups are involved and from which date the transition will take place. As always, careful implementation comes first. We experience, learn and optimise before taking the next step. Reliable and predictable logistics services remain our priority, also during times of change. For the auction groups that make the transition, Floriday Daytrade will not yet be available in the first few weeks after the transition. 

What does this transition mean? 
Order picking brings a number of changes and opportunities. Below, we explain the most important changes. 

• Growers: thanks to order picking, the auction sequence of the auction groups will no longer depend on the logistical set-up. From the end of September, the auction sequence will be determined by random grower lots (per administration number). In addition, growers will have more options to determine the auction sequence of their products themselves. 
• Buyers: as a buyer, you will still receive your purchased products before the end of the process. What will change is the delivery sequence. The auction sequence will no longer be leading. This means that flowers processed via order picking may be delivered in a different order than you are used to. 

Viewing products 
The flowers that move to order picking will be positioned differently from what you are used to. This also means a change for viewing products. To make this transition as easy as possible, new functionalities are being developed in RFH Pre-Auction, such as walking lists. Buyers in Aalsmeer will receive more information about viewing products before the further roll-out of order picking. 

Why order picking? 
Order picking is part of Strategy 2030, in which RFH is building appropriate logistics and more efficient hubs. The aim is to organise the logistics process in a more uniform and future-proof way. This applies both to logistics for the auction clock and to granular transactions in direct trade via Floriday Daytrade. 

Next steps 
If everything goes well in September, we will determine whether and when the next step will be taken, and which auction groups will be involved. RFH will continue to talk to buyers and growers to jointly determine the most suitable next step. 

Questions about order picking? 
Your Account Managers, LDK Team Managers in your delivery area and the Customer Contact Centre are ready to help. 

Also read Leendert-Jan’s management column about end times for order picking versus distribution.