Warehouse Design, Facility Layout, and Operational Efficiency
Designing a new warehouse, distribution, or e-commerce fulfillment facility, or re-engineering an existing one is typically driven by supply chain change such as a growing universe of SKUs; increasing sales volumes; more value-added services; changes to product sourcing; shifting order profiles (smaller orders more often); new market channels; variations in regulatory or compliance requirements; migration in shipping transportation mode (parcel, LTL, truckload); inventory growth / regression; or corporate divestiture, merger, or acquisition.
Our independent, industrial engineering-based methodology is firmly rooted in the design of operational processes that have been developed upon the summary results of detailed data analysis and boots-on-the ground observation of current conditions. We employ a logical and progressive approach, moving from strategic planning to data analysis, process definition, alternative development, comparative evaluation, design detailing, validation, implementation, and performance auditing. This disciplined methodology is aimed at identifying and applying the appropriate combination of material handling infrastructure and information system technologies to support the core supply chain business processes and achieve the targeted service levels.
Since all warehousing, distribution, and fulfillment designs are predicated upon business forecasts, we carefully consider scalability and flexibility as part of our analysis. Key decision points that hinge on forecasts are tested for sensitivity to aid you in making informed choices, thereby mitigating risk.
Use of our proprietary, highly adaptable, process maps allow us to take advantage of a large body of knowledge regarding common operational processes such as receiving, put-away, replenishment, picking, value-added services, packing, and shipping. As a result, we spend more time helping you to improve your supply chain operations and less time reinventing the wheel.
