For over 90 years, Aigremont has built its reputation on quality, reliability, and precision in the production and distribution of margarine products. As part of a wider digital transformation initiative, the company set out to modernize its transport processes, eliminate paper-based workflows, and improve transport visibility across its logistics operations. By implementing TransFollow alongside a newly developed ERP system, Aigremont accelerated the digitalisation of transport operations, replacing manual processes and paper transport documents with a connected digital workflow that delivers greater efficiency, real-time visibility, and control.
About Aigremont
Aigremont is one of Europe's largest margarine manufacturers, headquartered in Flémalle, near Liège, Belgium. Founded in 1934, the company supplies customers primarily in Belgium and in neighbouring countries, while also serving markets beyond the European Union.
To maintain full control over its highly sensitive and temperature-controlled deliveries, Aigremont operates its own fleet of 15 refrigerated trucks and performs approximately 7,500 transport operations annually. Maintaining product quality throughout the transport process is essential, making transport visibility, accurate delivery documentation, and operational efficiency critical elements of its logistics strategy.
The challenge
As part of a company-wide initiative to modernize its IT infrastructure, Aigremont developed a new custom-built ERP system to improve operational efficiency across the business. Transport operations digitalisation was identified as one of the key areas to implement as well.
Prior to implementation, transport processes relied heavily on paper-based transport documents which required significant manual effort and occupied the equivalent of three full-time employees. The process was particularly challenging because drivers often departed early in the morning, requiring all documents to be prepared and distributed in advance.
The paper-based workflow also limited transport visibility and flexibility, as updates to transport information could not be communicated easily once drivers had left the site. Furthermore, documentation had to be physically returned before invoicing could begin, creating delays and additional administrative work. Last but not least, tracking returnable transport items such as pallets was time-consuming and exposed the company to potential losses.
The solution
Aigremont selected TransFollow specifically for its ability to integrate seamlessly with the company's new custom-built ERP, on the recommendation of its software provider - following previous successful implementations.
TransFollow fitted in the new workflow perfectly: transport orders and documents created by the fleet manager in Aigremont's ERP are assigned to the drivers and via TransFollow Connect automatically shared with the drivers through TransFollow Drive app installed on their phones.
Because food transportation requires strict adherence to customer requirements and delivery procedures, TransFollow enables Aigremont to provide drivers with detailed instructions and update transport information in real time whenever changes occur. This provides greater operational agility and real-time visibility throughout the delivery process.
Upon delivery, drivers capture all required information and collect electronic signatures using TransFollow Drive app on their smartphone. Digital transport documents, like eCMR, are instantly shared with all stakeholders and automatically returned to the ERP system, creating a paperless workflow while supporting faster invoicing and greater data accuracy.
Aigremont additionally uses TransFollow to digitally manage Returnable Transport Items (RTIs), such as pallets. By recording RTIs in TransFollow Drive at the point of delivery, the company can accurately track assets, avoid losses, and invoice customers where applicable, resulting in significant cost savings.
Alongside TransFollow Connect and TransFollow Drive, back-office staff occasionally use the TransFollow Portal to review transport information and make adjustments while drivers are already on the road.
Customers also benefit from automated status updates throughout the journey. Notifications are sent when the truck leaves the factory, when it is en route, and when delivery is completed, providing complete transport visibility and a seamless customer experience.
The implementation
TransFollow's rollout was tightly integrated with Aigremont's new ERP implementation. Using the TransFollow Connect API, transport orders and digital transport documents created in the ERP are directly shared into the TransFollow solution, allowing Aigremont to go live almost immediately after setup.
The company initially launched a pilot covering 20 to 30 transport operations before expanding the solution across its logistics activities.
User adoption was remarkably quick and the transition was welcomed across the organization. Thanks to the intuitive design of the solution, only two one-hour training sessions were required for back office employees and the drivers, became comfortable with the new digital workflow after only a few transport missions.
Also the customers discovered the benefits very quickly. While some of them were initially surprised by the move from paper documents to a fully digital transport process, they soon recognized the advantages of real-time visibility, digital document sharing, and improved communication. Today, the process runs smoothly for all parties involved.
"TransFollow has streamlined our entire delivery process. By replacing paper documents with a digital workflow, we've improved accuracy, security, and visibility while making life easier for our drivers. Instant access to signed proofs of delivery also enables faster invoicing and a more efficient administrative process, delivering benefits across the business." – Frederic Delooz – Marketing and Communications Manager at Aigremont"
"The work of the transport planners is more organized now, and they are really happy with the solution."
The benefits
Since implementing TransFollow, Aigremont has realized measurable operational improvements across its transport activities:
- 30% reduction in administrative workload
Preparing transport documents now requires significantly less effort, reducing the administrative burden on back-office teams by approximately 30%.
- Improved driver efficiency and flexibility
Drivers receive transport orders and digital transport documents directly on their smartphones. Information can be updated and shared even after departure, providing a level of flexibility that was impossible with paper-based processes.
- Complete transport visibility
Real-time visibility allows drivers, dispatchers, back-office staff, and customers to access the latest transport information without relying on phone calls or manual updates.
- Faster invoicing
Instant access to signed delivery documents allows invoices to be issued immediately after delivery, improving cash flow and reducing waiting times.
- Elimination of lost paperwork
Digital transport documents are securely stored and instantly accessible whenever needed, eliminating the risk of lost paperwork.
- Better control of returnable assets
Digital tracking of pallets and other RTIs helps prevent losses, improves accountability, and supports cost recovery.
- Reduced environmental impact
The replacement of paper transport documents with digital alternatives contributes to lower paper consumption and reduced CO₂ emissions.
- Higher customer satisfaction
Customers benefit from real-time visibility, automated transport updates, instant document sharing, and complete shipment visibility throughout the delivery process.
Summary
Aigremont's transition into fully digital transport operations with TransFollow demonstrates measurable business results. By replacing paper-based transport documents with a fully integrated digital workflow, the company has improved operational efficiency, increased transport visibility, accelerated invoicing, and enhanced customer service. TransFollow enabled Aigremont to maintain complete control over its complex food logistics network while building a more efficient, sustainable, and future-ready supply chain.
