Line makes a difference
ABC analysis and post-its system optimize BIRN's logistics
Line Ceeholm has spent the past six months with a smile on her face. She has been doing an internship in BIRN's logistics department, where her ideas and inputs have created momentum for the development and streamlining of the foundry's warehouse and logistics processes.
Although Line Ceeholm is currently studying for a degree in Global Management and Manufacturing at the University of Southern Denmark in Odense, she decided to move to Holstebro to do her internship at BIRN at the beginning of 2023. Line grew up in the city and has some familiarity with the foundry company:
- BIRN is a well-known company in Holstebro, where the statue of working bees in front of the foundry is particularly iconic. So, when I had the opportunity to do an internship in such a large and exciting company, I had to give it a try, she says, adding that it's a decision she hasn't regretted:
- Every day, I go to work with a smile on my face. At BIRN, people are welcoming and open to my suggestions. And when I ask questions, I receive praise because, according to my colleagues, it makes them reconsider their tasks and processes. This has meant that I haven't been afraid to put forward my ideas.
ABC analysis optimizes warehouse processes
The Global Management and Manufacturing program combines theoretical and practical knowledge, and this combination has been a perfect fit for Line's work in BIRN's logistics department. She has spent equal amounts of time in the office and in the foundry's 6,200 square meters warehouse distributed across two halls and one 550 square meters loading bay.
She has mainly been in one of the warehouse halls, also known as Warehouse 100, which holds up to 2,700 pallets of finished cast iron components ready to be shipped to customers. Here, she has helped with conducting an ABC analysis, which aims to categorize the inventory into specific categories from A, B, and C, to optimize the layout and flow of the warehouse:
- With an ABC analysis, we categorize the goods from the best-selling to the least-selling. This way, we can place each item in specific locations, so that, for example, the best-selling ones are easily accessible to our logistics employees, Line explains.
“It shows how my colleagues are not afraid to give responsibility to interns or apprentices. During my internship, I've had many tasks on my plate, and it has been extremely educational, as I have worked with various disciplines within my field.”
Line Ceeholm, Intern at BIRN's logistics department
Post-it notes make a big difference
In connection with the ABC analysis - and during her internship in general - Line has always felt well received and that her colleagues have listened to her input. Several of Line's ideas have thus been implemented and are now an instrumental part of the workflow in the logistics department:
- For example, we have implemented a new initiative in the picking processes in the warehouse using something as simple as post-it notes, which are now used to differentiate prepared orders from each other, to clarify which orders are ready to be loaded onto trucks. It's a very simple solution that has had a great impact, as it has helped reduce the number of delivery errors, she says and continues:
- It shows how my colleagues are not afraid to give responsibility to interns or apprentices. During my internship, I've had many tasks on my plate, and it has been extremely educational, as I have worked with various disciplines within my field.
According to Peter Knold, Logistics Manager at BIRN, Line has been a breath of fresh air for the department both socially and professionally:
- Line has contributed with valuable ideas and suggestions, which are often based on a theoretical foundation. So, in addition to getting to know our company and the way we work, we have also benefited from her knowledge, which is up to date. BIRN has great potential in many areas, so we strive to attract young students like Line who can help us realize that potential.
Thesis collaboration with BIRN
Line's internship has been such a success that she and a fellow student have chosen to write their final thesis in collaboration with BIRN. The thesis will be written during the fall, so Line and her fellow student have started exploring interesting topics in BIRN's logistics department in collaboration with Peter Knold.
- During my internship, I have gained in-depth knowledge of the company and the department, so it was only natural for me to also write my final thesis with BIRN. We have several exciting topics in mind that Peter and the department have discussed with us, including some of the areas I worked on during my internship. Regardless of the topic we choose, I am looking forward to getting started after the summer break, says Line, who will also be employed as a student assistant at BIRN while working on her thesis, so she can continue the good work she has carried out during her internship.
Apprenticeships and internships
Are you looking for an internship where your ideas and input are warmly welcomed?
We hire apprentices and interns from many different educational backgrounds.
Group HR Business Partner, Maria Mohr Holst
Contact usWrite your projects with us
We collaborate with educational institutions near and far, and we have ongoing partnerships with students for various types of study projects.
If you, like Line, would like to collaborate with us on your next study project, we would love to hear from you.
Group HR Business Partner, Maria Mohr Holst