Click on the buttons to the left for some specifics of the types of projects that we assist clients with. We are constantly adding types of services. If you need more specifics, or you do not find what you are looking for, please contact us here.
Here are a few projects that we have worked on recently:
Major Consumer Product Company
Issues: Strategic positioning of supply chain organization, structure, and management, integrating its three key component companies and brands, including single image to retailing customers, unified management of supply chain activities, integration of facilities, and implementation priorities and plans.
Solutions: We performed an assessment of present supply chain activities, and related functions, including marketing, sales, and finance; developed a mission statement and key supporting strategic thrusts for the integrated supply chain; outlined the goals, objectives, and key activities to support the mission and strategic thrusts; and prepared a time-phased prioritized implementation to effectively manage the process.
Results: An agreed upon integrated supply chain strategy and implementation plan for presentation to the corporate board, which at this time has been accepted and is in the process of being implemented.
Leading Producer of Fresh and Processed Meats
Issues: Positioning of key organizational elements, including production, sales, logistics, and finance to improve process effectiveness, eliminate process redundancy, and reduce operating and capital costs. In addition, strengthening of integrated processes between and within key operating functions of the business was a key objective.
Solutions: We conducted an organization and operations assessment of each of the key functions and tasks, analyzing current activities, systems, and processes, identifying operational redundancies, and evaluating organization and process costs. We developed alternative organizational structures and operating processes, incorporating manual and systems improvements and changes directed at improved effectiveness and reduced costs.
Results: Changes in working processes and organizational structures that yielded improved process realignments and substantially reduced costs (20%+) of business operations.
Industrial Paper and Products Distributor
Issues: High levels of inventory, low inventory turnover, warehouse capacity issues, including operational productivity, and excessive labor and operational costs. In addition to operating costs, substantial amounts of capital were tied up in inventory.
Solutions: We performed an inventory diagnostic of products versus volume and identified fast, intermediate, and slower moving products. We implemented a set of planning and operating tools for procurement to mechanize the processing of slow moving items and provide greater attention to fast moving items.
Results: Inventory was reduced by more than 25% freeing up substantial amounts of working capital for the business. In addition, stock outages were reduced; productivity within the warehouse increased; and both procurement and warehouse operating costs were reduced.
High Value Beverage Company
Issues: Capacity planning for finished goods, work in process, and raw materials at each of three plants within the business. High fluctuations in levels of inventory occurred during the course of the year due to seasonality. Should the plants be expanded or should the company make use of outsourcing to store inventory as needed?
Solutions: We performed a pallet inventory and slotting analysis to determine the present and planned future requirements for the pallet equivalent of each of the three categories of inventory. In addition, we examined and modeled the requirements over time in order to identify the periods within the year where requirements exceeded capacity. A cost evaluation was completed for facility expansion versus outsourcing of space requirements. The recommended solution made use of outsourcing as the most cost-effective method for solving the issue.
Results: A plan for periodic use of outsourcing over the course of the next five years in order to provide required space for categories of inventory. A planning tool for continued use in evaluating space needs and responding to changes in the business. A least cost solution for adding required capacity to plant operations to accommodate planned growth.
eCommerce Distributor
Issues: An Internet Business to Consumer (B2C) Distribution Company needed to increase capacity and move to a new facility based on growth projections and the upcoming holiday season. The company needed a distribution center located, leased, and functional within a sixty-day period. Under growth requirements, the facility had to be able to increase output tenfold.
Solutions: We were able to locate an available facility that was suitable to their needs, layout temporary picking and storage areas, set up picking and packing areas, and get the facility up and running in their requested time frame.
Results: The facility was fully functional within the time frame needed. All equipment was installed in a manner that did not interfere with operations. Today they have the capacity to expand storage, picking and packaging as needed in order to maintain service levels with any increases in demand.
Paint Coatings Manufacturer
Issues: A nationwide paint and coatings manufacturer needed assistance in implementing a west coast warehouse operation that was able to distribute products from multiple company divisions.
Solutions: We provided a network analysis of where the facility should be located, designed the facility based on type of product and storage requirements, and sized the facility based on the amount of inventory housed. We assisted the company in RFP preparation for third-party providers that would be able to accommodate the company's needs.
Results: An RFP was designed for the company based on all necessary parameters, and a third-party provider was selected to be responsible for all warehousing and distribution operations on the west coast. The operation is now responsible for all west coast distribution of products.
Pharmaceutical/Chemical manufacturer
Issues: A pharmaceutical distribution center requested our assistance in redesigning their distribution center in order to maximize product and information flow efficiencies and increase service to customers.
Solutions: We analyzed the warehouse layout and order fulfillment process in order to identify alternatives, changes, and recommendations that would increase speed of material and information flow. The approach included identification of improvements in space utilization, CAD layouts, productivity improvements, slotting, and equipment requirements.
Results: The distribution center rack layout was changed in order to increase flow efficiencies. SKU's were slotted according to movement so that picking efficiencies were realized. Alternative handling equipment was utilized to maximize product throughput and effective material handling in all stages.
Here is a partial list of consulting Services that our firm offers.
Our Consulting Services Include....
FACILITIES PLANNING
INVENTORY MANAGEMENT
"JUST-IN-TIME" APPLICATIONS
LOGISTICS REQUIREMENTS PLANNING
MANUFACTURING PLANNING
MARKETING PLANNING
OPERATIONS ANALYSIS
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
QUALITY BENCHMARKING
SEMINARS & TRAINING
STRATEGIC PLANNING
For....
BUSINESS OPERATIONS
CUSTOMER SERVICE
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS
ORDER PROCESSING
ORGANIZATION AND STAFFING
DISTRIBUTION/TRANSPORTATION
PRODUCT SOURCING
QUALITY ASSURANCE