Ronan is Data Engineer at De Monnik Dranken: “Data helps us prepare for the future”

“In a way, they are, but ultimately, every company deals with data, whether you’re in shoe trading or beverages. As a Data Engineer, I strive to analyse that data as effectively as possible.”

“We are a wholesaler with over 10,000 beverage and beverage-related products. We supply restaurants, liquor stores, wholesalers, retail chains, events, and more. Additionally, we operate worldwide as an importer, sourcing the finest wines and spirits for the Dutch market. We aim to collaborate with brands that offer quality and have a compelling story. Brands we can identify with. As a third core task, we build brands. We exclusively sell our imported beverages and wines in the Netherlands. This means we’re responsible for both these brands’ logistical and commercial processes.”

“It helps substantiate certain decisions. We might think a particular whisky sells well, but it’s reassuring to see that backed up by numbers. Furthermore, data provides many insights. Where is that whisky going? But also whether a certain trend can be discovered, such as a particular beverage being popular in a certain region. I gather all the data within De Monnik, put it together, and visualise it for colleagues. I ensure they have the right information to make decisions that move the company forward.”

“We utilise it across the entire company. For example, we’re working on a project to enhance our order-picking process. If data shows that certain orders recur weekly, we can adapt to that. Additionally, we can determine the optimal layout of our warehouse based on data. For instance, we handle distribution for Mitra, a franchise liquor store chain. If they order the same quantity of products every week, it may be useful to group those products together. By mapping out the location and distances between products, we can precisely predict how long it takes to prepare an order down to the second. Based on that, we can decide how many colleagues to deploy each day. It helps us work more efficiently. In another project, we’ve listed customers located at a certain distance from the border based on their exact location. This is because of the excise duty increase that will be implemented in the Netherlands on January 1st. This increase could potentially affect both our customers and us. It’s reassuring to have that mapped out in advance. By using data, we and our customers are better prepared for the future.”

“I started at De Monnik in February 2021. Prior to this, I worked as a consultant for a company in Hengelo. There, I focused on data research for external clients. I wanted to be more hands-on, touching products instead of just seeing them on a screen. Then I came across this vacancy. I already knew De Monnik because I’m the chairman of the Hellehondsdagen Foundation in De Lutte. There, I’m responsible for hospitality. In that capacity, I had regular contact with De Monnik. It seemed like a great company to work for.”

“It’s very familial. Colleagues are genuinely interested in each other and support each other in times of joy and sorrow. This involvement extends to our customers as well. For example, last summer, there was an issue with a customer’s order from Groningen. A colleague didn’t hesitate, loaded up a van, and personally delivered the correct order. There’s a mentality of ‘no fuss, get the job done’. We can be direct at times, but always with the best intentions. We take pride in our work but also maintain a modest Twente approach. Our customers highly appreciate this.”

“I think it’s the solidarity. We try to do a lot together here, even outside of working hours. Just think of our Friday afternoon drinks, where drivers, warehouse workers, management, and office staff mingle and have a good time together. We don’t believe in compartmentalisation or rigid job roles. It’s approachable; everyone is open to each other. If someone has a good idea, bring it on. You have the space here to take responsibility. Besides the data aspect, I also mentor interns and final-year students, which I enjoy. I’ve also been asked to contribute ideas for the new ordering portal we’re working on. All these elements make working at De Monnik very varied.”