Case Study

When silos talk, teams align: Holcim Greece pioneers large-scale supply chain digitalization

Challenges

Operating across a uniquely fragmented geography — from mountainous areas to isolated island sites — Holcim Greece had to navigate logistical complexity on a daily basis. Delivery coordination was hampered by scattered stock data, frequent last-minute requests, and inconsistent communication across teams. With its own fleet, the company also faced mounting frustration from drivers stuck in idle time and dispatchers struggling to prioritize under pressure. The absence of a shared inventory system between logistics, sales, and dispatch made it difficult to plan proactively and operate efficiently.

Results

In 2021, Holcim Greece became the first entity in the Holcim Group to deploy SiloConnect. Far from testing a “nice-to-have”, they committed early to silo automation — convinced it was key to improving reliability and internal coordination. Today, with over 80 silos connected, operations are smoother, more predictable, and better aligned. Drivers receive clear instructions, fewer calls are needed, and sales and logistics work from a shared inventory view. What started as a local initiative is now seen as a model across the Group.

Key figures

80+

Silos connected with automated order generation

2021

First Holcim entity to launch silo digitalization with SiloConnect

About Holcim Greece

Operating under the Heracles brand, Holcim Greece is one of the most established players in the country’s construction materials sector. With more than 100 years of industrial history, it runs 3 integrated cement plants and a nationwide distribution network — including its own fleet of trucks and terminals adapted to both inland and maritime logistics. As part of Holcim Group, Heracles actively leads on sustainability, efficiency, and digital innovation in the Greek construction ecosystem.

“Huge improvement for our dispatch team: fewer calls, less frustration, and no more paying for truck delays!”

“SiloConnect changed how we work every day. I don’t need to call around to check levels or confirm orders — I open the platform and I know what’s coming. It saves time, reduces mistakes, and helps us better coordinate with our drivers and clients.”

Starting strong: building the first connected network

Holcim Greece began with a pilot deployment in 2021 on a limited number of silos. But the project quickly scaled as early results showed operational benefits. The teams didn’t wait for a “perfect moment” — they adapted quickly, involved local dispatchers from the start, and adjusted workflows as the solution expanded. Each new connection brought more visibility and more value. Within two years, the initiative became a national standard and a Group reference.

Day-to-day simplicity for every team

The automation now supports everyone: logistics managers, dispatchers, sales reps — and especially the drivers. Refill alerts are triggered based on actual silo levels. The system eases pressure: no more chasing data or working with blind spots. Drivers follow clear delivery routes without delays or detours. Dispatchers can plan proactively instead of reacting under pressure. And for the sales team, inventory levels are finally accessible — no more guessing or relying on second-hand information.

Pioneers with a long-term vision

With a strong commitment from day one, Holcim Greece showed that digitalization is here to stay and is a key tool to tackle the daily challenges of logistics operations. Their approach was pragmatic, human, and focused on internal value creation. The project helped strengthen internal trust and inter-team collaboration. Holcim Greece didn’t just automate silos — they created a repeatable framework for other countries to follow. And they continue to be involved as a reference in Group-level deployments across Europe and beyond.