Case Study
Transforming HR: The DHL Supply Chain Case Study
In the fast-paced world of logistics, a paper-based leave management system was a source of frustration and inefficiency for DHL.
See how a partnership with EmployeeConnect transformed a cumbersome process into a streamlined, online solution, saving time and money while empowering their global workforce.

In the fast-paced world of logistics, efficiency is everything. For a global giant like DHL Supply Chain, with over 1,450 employees across Australia, managing administrative processes like leave and absence was a complex challenge. By partnering with EmployeeConnect, DHL transformed a cumbersome, paper-based process into a streamlined, online solution, saving time and costs while empowering its people.
The Challenge: A Paper-Driven Problem
Before adopting an online HR solution in 2008, DHL’s leave management was a source of frustration and inefficiency. Employees submitted paper forms that were then sent to a payroll office in Malaysia for processing. This manual workflow was time-consuming and prone to error, creating significant administrative burdens.
As Jitin Patel, the Remuneration Consultant in the DHL Supply Chain division, explained:
"Our employees applied for leave by filling forms that were then sent to Malaysia payroll office for approval, such vague and lengthy process totally frustrated HR and payroll staff. It also incurred lots of leave liabilities. Leave records could not be traced without an online leave application.”
The lack of a centralised system for 1,450 employees led to fragmented data, a high risk of leave liabilities, and a complete lack of real-time visibility.
The Solution: EmployeeConnect Hosted HR Services
In late 2008, DHL chose EmployeeConnect to provide a hosted HR service that would centralise leave management and modernise their operations. This partnership was a turning point, moving the company from a manual, paper-based system to a secure, online platform accessible to employees, managers, and the remote payroll bureau alike.
The Results: Cost Savings, Efficiency, & Control
After two years with EmployeeConnect, DHL experienced a dramatic improvement in its HR operations. The hosted HR service provided tangible benefits that directly impacted the bottom line and improved internal processes.
Cost & Time Reduction: The new system significantly reduced the cost and time associated with managing leave applications, allowing HR and managers to focus on higher-value projects.
Empowered Managers: Managers gained the ability to easily check employee leave balances and schedules, enabling better resource allocation and a more efficient workflow.
Minimised Leave Liabilities: By providing an accurate, real-time view of leave records, the platform helped DHL to minimise leave liabilities and ensure compliance.
Enhanced Collaboration: The hosted solution allowed for seamless collaboration between local management and the remote payroll bureau in Malaysia, eliminating communication breakdowns.
The Verdict: A Flexible and Trustworthy Partner
Jitin Patel highly appreciates the benefits of the hosted solution, noting that it far exceeded their expectations of an on-premises solution. He also praised the seamless implementation and user-friendly design.
“EmployeeConnect provides a flexible system with very professional services. DHL Supply Chain is very happy with EmployeeConnect hosted HR services over the last 2 years. EmployeeConnect hosted HR services is best fitting different organization structures; it is a simple and user friendly system which enables DHL Supply Chain to start even with minimal training. I will not hesitate to recommend EmployeeConnect as a trustworthy hosting service provider.”
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