A big picture as a compass for logistics
Westfalen Weser Netz GmbH has realigned its logistics structures and introduced a digital inventory management system. The big picture visualizes the entire logistics landscape at a glance and creates a clear, common orientation for all parties involved.
topic
Logistics & Process Optimization
industry
Energy and infrastructure industry
format
• Big Picture (print & digital)
• Click Picture (interactive version)
area of application
• Training in the field of logistics
• Internal communication
• Support during system implementation
• Process optimization in everyday work
Target group
• Logistics team
• Specialist departments
• Managers
• Employees at warehouse and network locations
special features
• Visualization of the entire logistics landscape
• Geographical classification of locations
Initial situation & challenge:
Logistics in transition
As a municipally owned infrastructure company, Westfalen Weser Netz GmbH operates regional networks for electricity, gas, water, and heat, supplying over one million people in East Westphalia-Lippe, the Weserbergland region, and southern Lower Saxony. With over 30,000 kilometers of power grid and more than 1,000 employees, efficient logistics are a key prerequisite for a secure energy supply.
In the course of revising the logistics structures and introducing a digital inventory management system, the aim was to create transparency and get everyone on board. Different storage locations, new delivery routes, changed responsibilities, and digital processes had to be presented in a way that was understandable and comprehensible for everyone. The goal was to develop a common understanding of the entire logistics landscape—clearly structured and permanently usable.
The solution: comprehensive overview of logistics
The big picture provides a structured and clear overview of Westfalen Weser's logistics processes. Delivery routes, warehouse locations, responsibilities, and inventories are visualized in context and geographically classified.
Special focus was placed on three central topics:
The chronological representation of delivery routes creates transparency about regular goods movements and regional catchment areas. A clear legend shows which materials are stored at which locations and who is responsible for each. In addition, the image makes the functioning of the digital inventory management system comprehensible and illustrates how warehouse stocks and delivery capacities are efficiently controlled.
Individual scenes
The main warehouse in Detmold is Westfalen Weser's logistics center. Structured warehousing and clearly organized material flows ensure that stocks are managed efficiently and orders are prepared reliably.
The satellite warehouses are networked with each other via fixed routes and centrally controlled. In Click Picture, employees can directly access additional information on routes, responsibilities, and processes.
Materials are delivered to construction sites as needed and recorded digitally. Monitoring tools help to track inventory such as cable drums transparently and manage usage efficiently.
This is how the big picture came about
The Big Picture was developed in close cooperation with Westfalen Weser's logistics department. Over a period of three months, a structured, iterative process resulted in a visual overview of the logistics.
1. Analysis & Structuring
At the outset, key elements such as storage locations, delivery routes, responsibilities, and system logic were gathered and arranged in a preliminary rough sketch. The aim was to structure the subject areas and develop a viable image architecture.
2. Development & iteration
Based on the initial draft, the image was gradually refined in further rounds of consultation. Content was clarified, connections were sharpened, and the presentation was optimized so that processes could be understood clearly and intuitively.
3. Finalization & click picture creation
The big picture was finalized and an interactive click picture was added, which allows current information to be integrated and can be flexibly developed further.
Effect & Results
Today, the Big Picture is a key tool in Westfalen Weser's logistics communication. It creates transparency regarding processes and responsibilities, facilitates training, and supports cross-departmental coordination.
"An interactive tool that promotes communication, secures processes, and actively involves our team."
"Withthe introduction of new logistics structures and an externally operated main warehouse, a lot has changed—and, of course, many questions have been raised. It is important to us to ensure transparency, provide guidance, and get all employees on board. This is exactly where Big Picture has supported us. Big Picture makes complex processes and interrelationships visually tangible—clearly structured and immediately understandable. This creates a common understanding within the team and a strong foundation for collaboration. Particularly practical: with Click Picture, we can add information ourselves at any time – such as contact persons or current notices. This makes the picture an interactive tool that promotes communication, secures processes, and actively involves our team. The benefits for our everyday work are noticeable – every day."
Andre Bauland, Head of Logistics, Westfalen Weser Netz GmbH
Additional formats & options
A click picture with zoom-ins and info boxes was created as an accompanying medium. It allows current stock information to be stored, contact persons to be added, and notes to be entered directly.
Frequently asked questions about
Big Pictures
What exactly is a "Big Picture"?
A Big Picture is a visual representation of complex topics such as corporate strategies, processes, or visions. It summarizes all the important information in a single, easy-to-understand graphic that clearly shows connections and processes.
For what purposes can I use a Big Picture?
Big Pictures are versatile: for internal communication (employee onboarding, strategy workshops), external communication (customer presentations, marketing), training, change management, and for visualizing complex projects.
In what formats is the Big Picture delivered?
We deliver your Big Picture in various formats: as a file for use in all digital channels, as a high-quality large print for your premises, as an animated video for presentations or online channels, and as an interactive Click Picture with info boxes for digital applications.
How long does it take to develop a Big Picture?
The duration depends on the complexity of the topic and the desired scope. After an initial consultation, we will create a detailed schedule and a transparent cost overview.
How is the Big Picture adapted to our company?
Every Big Picture is unique. We work closely with you to accurately reflect your specific content, corporate design, and corporate world. The process involves several coordination steps.
Do you also offer a free initial concept?
Yes, gladly. As part of a free initial consultation, we can also discuss the possibility of developing a non-binding initial concept for your specific topic so that you can get an idea of the possibilities.
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