SONAX has been successfully using our warehouse management system PROLAG World since the end of 2021. Read the following success story to discover how the collaboration with CIM began, what kind of logistics challenges were initially faced by SONAX, and which tangible improvements have been achieved to date.
Founded in 1950 and headquartered in Neuburg an der Donau, SONAX is a leading manufacturer of chemical and car care products. The comprehensive product range includes everything for the professional cleaning and care of paintwork, rims, tyres, interiors and glass to solutions for commercial vehicles, car washes and caravans. With around 440 employees, SONAX is the market leader in Germany and exports to over 110 countries worldwide. The company operates a 22,500 m² logistics centre located in Oberhausen.
Before switching to PROLAG World, SONAX managed its warehouse logistics through an external service provider – including the provider’s own software solution, which was not fully transparent to SONAX. The warehouse space had become too small, and the company required greater transparency and security with regard to inventory and process data.
The next step was to build a new logistics centre. The contract logistics were assigned to Kühne + Nagel, and CIM’s warehouse management software PROLAG World was implemented.
The decision to opt for PROLAG World was driven primarily by the following factors:
A key challenge of the project was hazardous goods and materials management. This included precise monitoring of legally defined threshold values in sensitive storage areas, and compliance with complex regulations for storage and shipping. It was also essential that bills of materials including hazardous materials could be correctly represented. The WMS for hazardous materials management PROLAG Hazmat was able to master all of these challenges, proving to be the perfect solution for SONAX.
Clear objectives were defined as part of the project to make logistics future-proof and efficient:
Automating internal processes was also on the agenda, with the objective of future-proofing the company’s logistics to prepare for further growth. Building on the positive experiences, PROLAG World was also implemented at Hoffmann Mineral GmbH, a sister company of SONAX, in autumn 2024.
Another key goal was the legally compliant, automated handling of hazardous goods shipments, including the preparation of IMO documents for sea freight to eliminate unnecessary interim storage. The system was further enhanced with customizable interfaces to key customers and freight forwarders.
The project was implemented in multiple iterations. The initial iteration involved connecting a key customer of SONAX, followed by integrating the full-pallet division without hazardous goods. The final stage was the full rollout to all customers, including small orders via DPD and the entire hazardous goods spectrum.
Noticeable improvements in operational processes have been observed:
SONAX now benefits from highly standardized, transparent and future-proof logistics processes – designed to support growth while meeting the highest operational and regulatory standards. CIM and PROLAG World provide support not only on a technical level but also strategically, offering hands-on guidance, industry expertise and scalable solutions.
“From hazardous materials management to international shipping regulations and automation, everything is seamlessly mapped by PROLAG World”
Find out how our innovative hazardous materials management software can make your company more competitive, increase security in your supply chain and optimize your logistics processes. Download our free info sheet to discover the wide range of functions and benefits that PROLAG Hazmat can offer your business.
