DSV (formerly DB Schenker), a global logistics leader, manages the high-stakes supply chain for ASML, a semiconductor capital equipment manufacturer. Operating across nine U.S. sites with a “cost-plus” model, the primary goal wasn’t just speed—it was absolute reliability and compliance. Facing fragmented systems where critical certifications were tracked manually, DSV implemented Smart Access to digitize operations. The implementation achieved 100% observation compliance from top-performing leaders, and established a system to prevent business disruptions caused by expired certifications for dangerous goods.
Following its acquisition of DB Schenker, DSV is a global logistics powerhouse operating approximately 180 buildings in the Americas with a workforce exceeding 10,000 associates.
The 3PL Client: DSV manages logistics for ASML across nine sites in the United States. The operation is low-volume but high-complexity, dealing with expensive, sensitive parts and dangerous goods that require strict regulatory adherence. The workforce is stable, but the cost of failure (e.g., shipping mistakes or compliance lapses) is massive.
DSV needed to move from a reactive, paper-based environment to a proactive, digital one to ensure they could meet their internal “XSite” operational excellence standards. Key challenges included:
Critical certifications for “dangerous goods” (IATA/49 CFR) and Material Handling Equipment (MHE) were tracked manually. This made it difficult to monitor certificate expirations and proactively trigger re-certification to ensure compliance and effective customer order fulfillment.
With nine sites operating independently, leadership lacked a “pulse” on network health. Validating that work instructions were being followed required physical site visits rather than remote visibility.
While processes were supposed to be identical, site-to-site variations made it ineffective to fly associates between locations to handle volume spikes—a key strategy for their network.
Managing changes, even something as simple as updating a safety glove requirement, involved chasing site leaders via email to confirm acknowledgement and compliance.
DSV deployed Smart Access as a centralized platform for document control, training, and operational visibility. The initial implementation in one DC established the framework for the network:
Converted 54 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) into digital, interactive observations.
Established a digital system for tracking rolling expirations (e.g., 2-year and 3-year cycles) for dangerous goods and MHE, with automated notifications 30 days prior to expiration to prevent service failures.
Implemented digital Gemba walks, rack inspections, and safety audits, moving them from paper checklists to mobile execution.
Digitized the training log to create a real-time view of who is trained on what, replacing static Excel files.
Standardized and digitized into the platform.
Of annual process observations compete within the first 30 days.
Compliance achieved by top-performing supervisors for observations.
Potential fine liability avoided by ensuring dangerous goods certifications never lapse.
The pilot validated the platform’s ability to provide the “verifiable visibility” leadership required.
Visibility into Compliance: The initial implementation revealed immediate insights into leadership engagement. While some leaders conducted high-quality observations, data exposed that others were spending only 2 minutes per observation, allowing leadership to target coaching on how to audit effectively.
Standardization: The team successfully standardized 54 SOPs and created corresponding skill builds, ensuring that a “put away” process in Manassas looks identical to one in Oregon.
Audit Readiness: The platform successfully digitized the evidence required for XSite Bronze Certification, moving away from “digging through files” to having a digital evidence chain for safety and process audits.
Associate Engagement: Feedback logs revealed that associates felt “valued and recognized” and had high confidence in their roles, while also providing a channel for them to flag roadblocks like equipment connectivity issues.
Whether you’re in retail, 3PL, or food distribution, the challenges of frontline performance are universal—and so are the gains. Smart Access turns your SOPs into action, your supervisors into coaches, and your frontline into a consistent, high-performing team.
See what’s possible when every shift runs to standard.
April 14, 2026 @ 6:30PM | Ray’s In The City – Atlanta
An invite-only gathering of operation leaders during Modex 2026
March 5, 2026, at 6:30 PM | New York Prime | Steak House, Atlanta
Complimentary dinner for invited guests, hosted by Smart Access.
