Lufthansa Cargo has finalised the implementation of its production planning and control (PPC) transformation project.

Based on Dassault Systèmes’ DELMIA Quintiq software and its strategic partner Ab Ovo, the cargo airline implemented a production planning application as one element of the PPC system. This enables Lufthansa Cargo to maximise capacity of workstations and improve the flow of freight and cargo through its main hub in Frankfurt, the company said.

The aim is to increase planning quality and visibility with smart algorithms and KPI based planning, which will enable Lufthansa Cargo “to handle more cargo in the same facilities with better on-time performance”.

The new production planning system aims to assist planners in scheduling the break-down of incoming cargo and the build-up of outgoing freight for onward transport by truck or flight. It is also intended to support the cargo airline in spreading the workload better between peak and off-peak hours, which increases average employee productivity and workstation utilisation.

“An integrated production planning system has been part of our digitalisation roadmap,” said Lufthansa Cargo’s chief operations officer and chief human resources officer Harald Gloy. “The new application enables us to make smarter and faster decisions to ensure on time performance. It gives us more flexibility in order to be better prepared for a high speed changing environment and thus help us to further improve Lufthansa Cargo’s service to our customers.

“Global freight demand is expected to continue to further grow. We would like to be prepared for that and ensure we have excellent production planning across the entire supply chain that allows us to keep improving our logistic capabilities.”