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Consulting Services for Warehousing and Distribution
Here is a brief description of many of the warehouse consultant and distribution consultant services offered by Distribution Design Inc. For a more detailed information, click on the service description below.
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.
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.
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.
Many firms start with facility sizing. They take the size of the existing distribution centers and add to them for growth. Then, they fold in an expanded version of the existing operation.
Not Distribution Design. We use a "bottoms up" approach that recognizes that real improvement comes from making strategic changes, not tactical ones. Once a reengineered operation is defined and the space needs of each function are determined, the facility sizing is a given. As such, the facility is the envelope that wraps around the Concept of Operations. The facility "envelope" includes the square footage, clear ceiling height, storage height, dock doors, and type of sprinkler system. The differences in the end result between the two approaches is substantial as a reengineered operation usually results in less space, greater productivity, faster order cycle times, and greater accuracy.
One of the most valuable services of Distribution Design is a second opinion design. It is a low cost / high impact service. Just as you would not have major surgery without a second opinion, you should not implement a whole new logistics operation without being sure of every element of the design. Even if you believe the design will work, is it the best design? Will it achieve the most attractive payback? Will it handle the peaks? Can you accomplish the same throughput and spend less money?
For some clients, Distribution Design has done a second opinion on just a portion of the planned new operation. Whether it is a second opinion on one element or the whole design, Distribution Design will use the same data, and provide the second opinion input in a short time.
A good way to get started is to have Distribution Design complete an audit of your existing operation. This is another low cost / high impact service that provides Distribution Design's observations about the current operation, highlighting issues that limit capacity, throughput, productivity, and accuracy. The deliverable is an extensive Audit Report that is 100% specific to your business, not boilerplate paragraphs from other companies. The report includes benchmarking productivity data that compares your operation with others doing similar work. It also includes prioritized recommendations for improvement.
Distribution Design has extensive experience defining the space, people, and equipment requirements and capital costs for logistics outsourcing companies' proposals to prospective clients. In addition, Distribution Design can assist companies in selecting a 3rd party provider.
Once a consensus is reached on what to do, Distribution Design can help get it done. Clients use Distribution Design as a Steering Committee resource, in the detailed systems design, preparing vendor specifications, assisting in vendor selection, and in other implementation support roles.
Training
Distribution Design provides customized training seminars for logistics operations managers and supervisors. Subjects include Analyzing Operational Data, Inventory Control, Leading Change, Establishing Metrics, Reducing Employee Turnover, and others.