Since 1967, SNSM volunteers have been saving lives along the French coast. While their bright orange lifeboats are widely recognized, the logistics operations that support them remain largely invisible.
At its Saint-Malo site, SNSM recently modernized its technical warehouse using Satelix WMS, a mobile warehouse management solution. A strategic move that brings together efficiency, mobility, and simplicity — even in an associative context. Discover how the SNSM moderinise its logistics!
Saving Lives… with Well-Oiled Logistics
The French Sea Rescue Organization (SNSM) is a public-benefit organization made up of 11,000 volunteers and 130 employees. Their core missions include rescue operations, training, prevention, and civil safety.
Behind every successful intervention lies a robust logistics framework. In Saint-Malo, the technical warehouse supplies all critical equipment needed to maintain the SNSM’s fleet — engines, propellers, spare parts, and more. In a resource-constrained, volunteer-driven environment, logistics agility is key.
Facing Real-World Challenges in an Associative Setting
Until late 2024, the warehouse relied on a SAGE 100 system, paired with paper-based processes.
“We were working directly on the PC with SAGE, but it felt slow,”
explains one of the warehouse supervisors.
This setup made it difficult to track inventory in real time, lacked overall visibility, and created bottlenecks. The SNSM needed a tool that was mobile, fast, and intuitive to lighten the daily workload of their teams — many of whom are volunteers.
Satelix WMS: Mobility, Responsiveness, Efficiency
In November 2024, SNSM partnered with Apogea, a SAGE integrator, to deploy Satelix WMS in the Saint-Malo warehouse.
The objective? Streamline all inventory and counter-sale operations through a mobile-first solution.
“We were looking for something efficient, user-friendly, and mobile,”
says Romain Cambon, warehouse manager.
Now, warehouse tasks are handled directly on the floor, in front of the pallets, using barcode scanning terminals. Receiving, stock checks, inventory counts, and order picking are all managed on the spot and in real time.
Counter Sales: A Unique Use Case
SNSM had a very specific need: enabling walk-in counter sales to volunteers without going through a formal order process.
Satelix WMS now makes this possible — a real time-saver that adds critical flexibility for operational teams.
Fast Deployment, Immediate Adoption
The WMS was up and running in just three days, thanks to support from Hajar, a Satelix consultant.
“She stayed until everything was fully operational. The team embraced the tool right away.”
The result: faster stock management, streamlined processes, and real-time updates.
A Successful Trio: SNSM, Apogea and Satelix
This project was also a textbook example of effective collaboration between the client, the integrator, and the solution provider.
“At Satelix, we’re used to working hand-in-hand with SAGE integrators like Apogea,”
says Laetitia Blot, Satelix Sales Manager.
“Everyone knows their role, and the client’s needs are always the priority.”
This proven method ensures seamless integration and zero disruption for the client.
What’s Next?
With its new logistics setup, the SNSM’s Saint-Malo warehouse has taken a leap forward. Stocks are accurately tracked, updates happen in real time, and teams can now focus on what truly matters: supporting rescue missions.
“The scanner has made our lives so much easier!”
Conclusion: Efficient Logistics, Even in Nonprofit Environments
Modernizing logistics isn’t reserved for large corporations. With Satelix WMS, even nonprofit or volunteer-driven organizations can optimize their stock management, improve agility, and focus on their core missions.
Unlock the power of Satelix WMS
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