United Paper Mills (OBF) Digitizes Logistics, Cuts Vehicle Turnaround Time by One-Third

United Paper Mills (OBF), one of the largest pulp and paper industry groups in Russia and ranked among the top 15 enterprises in the sector, has implemented a digital logistics ecosystem to improve operational efficiency and transparency across its manufacturing sites.

Before the implementation, the company’s logistics system faced challenges including limited standardization, inefficient cross-functional coordination, and heavy reliance on manual processes. These issues were particularly evident at the interface between external carriers and internal operations, where a lack of automation and transparency led to inefficiencies and required constant manual oversight.

The newly deployed system introduces an electronic queue and just-in-time service windows, enabling a transition from reactive management to planned logistics operations. It is integrated with on-site equipment such as weigh scales, traffic lights, video surveillance systems, and license plate recognition technology. Entry and exit display systems provide real-time visualization of logistics processes.

A key component of the system is the “Optimal Technological Transitions” mathematical model, which generates vehicle entry schedules designed to minimize idle time and reduce delays.

Following implementation, the company reported a 33% reduction in the time vehicles spend on-site during loading and unloading, equivalent to approximately 40 minutes saved per vehicle. Loading time, including documentation processes, decreased by 18.5%.

The solution was developed in-house using the 1C: Manufacturing Enterprise Management 1.3 system, supported by a database built on Microsoft SQL Server. The system was tested at three pilot sites.

United Paper Mills (OBF) plans to scale the digital logistics ecosystem across all its production facilities and integrate it with external logistics systems.