Case Study: Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics achieves better long-term shipping forecasts with IBM Cognos Planning and TM1

Enhancing long-term planning with IBM Business Analytics software

Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics (WWL), a global shipping and logistics company, needed an accurate long-term forecasting solution to solve the complex challenge of efficiently utilizing its global fleet and maintaining profitability. The existing spreadsheet-based process was error-prone and made it difficult to plan routes and respond to demand fluctuations, a critical requirement given the high cost of repositioning vessels. To address this, WWL turned to vendor IBM for a solution, implementing IBM Cognos Planning and later IBM Cognos TM1 software.

The IBM solution integrated data from WWL's warehouse with input from local experts to create reliable monthly and long-term forecasts. The powerful analytics engine of IBM Cognos TM1 enabled real-time "what-if" scenario planning and extended the forecasting horizon to 12 months and five years. This allowed WWL to make more effective decisions on vessel scheduling and capacity planning. The measurable impact was proven during the 2011 Japanese tsunami, where the solution helped WWL quickly remodel forecasts and mitigate the crisis's impact on its operations, showcasing increased agility and improved strategic planning.

Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics (WWL)

Donal Duggan

Head of Trade Strategy and Performance Management