Case Study

Holcim France automates cement silo replenishment with SiloConnect

Challenges

Between theoretical stock estimates and manual readings, the lack of clear, up-to-date inventory data created significant pressure on order management. Most client orders must be processed early in the morning, which makes logistics difficult to manage for Holcim France’s teams. This results in daily delivery peaks, making it nearly impossible to implement a proactive and optimized logistics strategy.

Results

Thanks to the deployment of SiloConnect devices, Holcim France’s clients gain clearer insight into their stock levels and consumption. Automating the ordering process not only reduces the risk of stockouts and saves time, but also optimizes delivery scheduling. This benefits customer service while improving delivery route planning and overall logistics efficiency.

Key figures

700

connected silos currently being deployed

1900

optimized shipments per month

About Holcim France

As a subsidiary of the Holcim Group, the global leader in innovative and sustainable construction solutions, Holcim France is committed to ecological transition and circular economy. With a workforce of 4,200 and over 470 sites across France, the company delivers expertise in cement, aggregates, ready-mix concrete, and specialized products. Holcim France consistently enhances its processes to ensure exceptional customer satisfaction while advancing sustainability.

"We are committed to delivering on our investment in innovation with Nanolike. SiloConnect will enhance our operational efficiency, strengthen our customer service, and support our commitment to reducing our environmental impact."

"At Holcim, we are accelerating the development of new technologies and solutions across our value chain to enable more efficient and sustainable operations. Nanolike has successfully demonstrated its ability to bring innovative logistics solutions to the construction industry."

Automated Replenishment through VMI

By adopting a Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) model, Holcim France is transforming how it manages client supply. This proactive approach helps secure cement replenishment while minimizing the risk of stockouts. With fewer time-consuming emergencies, logistics operators can focus on high-value tasks like delivery route optimization, personalized customer follow-up, and internal process improvements.

Increased flexibility allows deliveries to be spread out throughout the day, including the ability to dispatch an additional truck late in the afternoon for optimal responsiveness. On the commercial side, this model enhances customer loyalty by offering a differentiated service and unlocks new sales opportunities through improved stock management.

Gradual automation: a smooth transition

At Holcim France, the transition to order automation is being implemented step by step to allow teams to adapt progressively.

In the first phase, an order is automatically generated as soon as there is enough space in the silo to deliver a full cement tanker to the client. Over time, continuous data analysis will help determine the most optimal delivery time for each customer.

In the second phase, the automation process will be progressively rolled out across all client sites.

This gradual approach ensures operational optimization while allowing a smooth transition for Holcim France’s teams.

Behind the transformation

Implementing this automation requires cloud-to-cloud integration and robust change management. The project is being carried out through close collaboration between IT, logistics, and commercial teams to ensure a smooth adoption of the solution.

Holcim France will benefit from simplified supply chain management and improved operational performance across its entire network.

This rollout is part of a broader international strategy, with 12 strategic countries already using SiloConnect to enhance logistics performance and customer service.