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Consulting Services for Warehousing & Distribution
- Services
Here is a brief description of many of the warehouse consultant and distribution consultant services offered by Distribution Design. For more detailed information on each service, click on the service below.
A. Operational Audit / Operational Assessment
An Operational Audit or Assessment answers the questions, "How are we doing?" and "What should we be doing better?"
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B. Operational Design
The functions performed by a logistics operation and, more importantly, HOW those functions are performed are the key elements of an operational design. Opportunities for improvement from reengineering existing operations are defined and evaluated. Each function, its interrelation with other functions, and how the function is directed and controlled by computer systems must be described. Changes in expected volume over a realistic planning horizon are considered.
The operational design includes all elements of space, people, systems, equipment, as well as implementation and operating costs.
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C. Facility Longevity Analysis
A Facility Longevity Analysis provides a high-level view of how long a distribution facility will effectively satisfy the expected growth requirements of the business.
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D. Second Opinions
A Second Opinion design or "proof of concept" is the preferred approach to managing the risks of implementing major operational changes that just don't work as well as everyone had hoped.
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E. Systems Analysis and Functional Design
The computer systems directing and controlling a logistics operation have a great affect on the specific flow of the operation. The analysis needed to define the systems functionality must evaluate the applicability of packaged software, any needed enhancements that can be cost justified, and implementation risk factors. Integration with higher level enterprise systems and any lower level execution systems is defined, and the overall systems architecture is planned.
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F. Material Storage and Handling Systems
Material Storage Systems are defined for the temporary storage of goods awaiting processing or for traditional warehousing. The storage media for pick and pack operations in fulfillment areas is defined based on product velocity, cube, seasonality, replenishment frequency, return on investment, total logistics costs, and other factors.
Material Handling Systems are often needed for the simple transporting of goods from one function to another within a facility. Some facilities need extensive handling systems and high speed sortation to accommodate severe peak processing requirements.
For both storage and handling systems, Distribution Design's role is to define what type, if any, system is needed, how it is to work, its capacity or throughput requirements, its cost, and its financial justification.
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G. Facility Design Services
The design of the specific logistics facility evolves from the operational design, what work is to be accomplished, and how it is done. Using the "bottoms up" approach, Distribution Design determines the characteristics of the facility, namely, how long and wide, how tall, how many dock doors, and what type of sprinkler system will be needed.
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H. 3rd Party Logistics Services
Distribution Design serves both 3rd Party Logistics Providers (3PLs) as well as companies considering outsourcing their logistics operations.
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I. Implementation Services
No plan for improvement is complete without a good understanding of how it will be implemented. All projects require careful planning, and many projects require the coordination and integration of many vendors. It is not the place for beginners! This is especially true when you have decided to retrofit an existing operation, and you must still ship customer orders every day. Detailed planning of tasks and contingencies helps ensure success!
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J. Simulation Modeling and Network Analysis
Distribution Design teams with a well-known and independent specialty engineering firm to offer detailed and accurate simulation modeling and logistics network analysis services.
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