Pragmatic condition assessment at Aldi: ready for more efficient facility management
Aldi manages an impressive network of stores across Belgium, supported by four logistics centers. Until recently, responsibility for facility management lay with the local store managers. Cleaning schedules, minor repairs, maintenance appointments — everything was handled on a decentralized basis. While this system had evolved over the years, it was becoming increasingly inefficient and difficult to monitor. That’s why Aldi decided to centralize its facility management. An important first step? Mapping the condition of its logistics infrastructure.
The client:
Aldi is an international supermarket chain known for its low prices, efficient product range, and strong focus on private labels. Founded in Germany, the company now operates worldwide, including in Belgium.
The assignment:
Meliopus was commissioned to carry out a condition assessment on one of Aldi Belgium’s largest logistics centers. The goal: gain insight into the building’s technical and structural condition, identify potential risks, and lay the groundwork for a well-founded long-term policy. With this, Aldi aimed to achieve three objectives:
- Create an investment plan with a future perspective
- Develop a concrete maintenance plan
- Identify critical risks — such as failures in cooling systems or access controls — in time
Our approach:
1) Pragmatic investigation
Although there are standards (such as NEN 2767) for highly detailed assessments of building condition, in consultation with Aldi we opted for a more pragmatic approach. This aligned better with the project’s needs and was faster and more budget-friendly. Our experts focused on the essentials: the condition of the structural shell and technical installations, with special attention to elements crucial for operational continuity.
2) Identifying critical points
The analysis was based on Meliopus’ experience and practical know-how. No unnecessary figures or complex classification systems — just a targeted focus on what truly matters. Think of cold storage areas where a breakdown could cause millions in losses, or barriers that could halt truck traffic if they fail. We carefully mapped such so-called “single points of failure,” noting their current condition and providing recommendations for maintenance or replacement.
3) Developing concrete plans
Based on this analysis, we prepared a clear investment and maintenance plan. Aldi received a visually straightforward report that both outlined priorities and revealed some unexpected points of attention. The latter were often unknown to internal teams, underlining the importance of the exercise.
The result:
Aldi was particularly pleased with the clear approach, the well-structured report, and the actionable recommendations. Thanks to this condition assessment, the organization now has a solid foundation to strategically address the facility management of its logistics sites.
Although a structural follow-up has not yet been implemented — due in part to internal reorganizations and budget constraints — this pilot project has already laid the groundwork for a more efficient, future-oriented operation. A targeted, pragmatic analysis can deliver quick results, even for large organizations.
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