WMS implementation in 3 months
WMS implementation in 3 months
The launch of the warehouse in a short time, when everything had to be done yesterday, is a typical picture of our realities. Often, the market declares the timing of WMS implementation in a warehouse and a distribution center (DC) from 6 to 12 months. We bring to your attention a non-standard case and reveal the secrets of how the Consulting for Retail team was able to implement WMS in a record 3 months and ensure supplies to 250+ stores.
Our client
Kopiyochka is a large retail chain in Western Ukraine. The first store opened in 2010 and already has more than 350 stores. The retail network is actively opening outlets and strengthening logistics. In its stores, the retailer offers over 4300 items of goods: dishes and kitchen utensils, household appliances and electrical goods, toys and goods for children, cosmetics and bijouterie, stationery and small items for the home.
WMS Implementation Goals
The retail network "Kopiyochka" is actively developing and expanding its trade network. With the high growth rates of the network, it became necessary to improve retail logistics and open a new distribution center. The DC was completed, and the lease agreement obliged to start operation of the complex on strictly specified dates, therefore, the project implementation time was reduced. It was important for the client to quickly and efficiently close the supply chain issues and the implementation of the WMS system at the new DC.
In fact, according to the project, it was necessary to standardize all warehouse processes: receiving and placing goods, managing inventory and inventory, processing goods and distributing, cross-docking and preparing for shipment.
>Also, on the project was the task to automate the planning of the shipping schedule and transport management.
Based on the set goals, together with the client's working group, the C4R team developed the zoning of the warehouse complex, as well as the terms of reference for the implementation of WMS. As a result, colleagues have identified a list of tasks to be performed within the project:
- perform software modeling of DC business processes taking into account the features of the new complex;
- calculate the cost of operations for each decision-making model for the target picking process at the DC;
- select shelving equipment by the requirements of the target processes;
- develop recommendations for the selection of unloading and loading equipment for the DC;
- develop recommendations for labeling and topology of the DC warehouse;
configure the proposed logic of processes in the WMS system solution;
fully customize business processes and implement WMS.
Quite a standard list of tasks, only a little time was allotted for all this. We will not hide that the WMS implementation project was not easy, but we are ready to share its details.
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5 components of a successful WMS implementation in a short time frame
This case became a challenge and an opportunity to test our skills in implementing business solutions, an improved methodology for implementing WMS and launching in extreme conditions.
This is why the case became successful:
- C4R has allocated 4 project teams from different departments. Colleagues from related departments take part in each project. But in cases like this one, there is a special concentration of the team.
- 1–1.5 months integration from the customer's side. Typically, the client-side integration process takes about 3 months.
- Fast decision-making by management. Thanks to the involvement of business owners on both sides, decisions were made promptly: Pavel Shcherbakov and the owner of the Kopiyochka retail network took an active part.
- Readiness for business process improvements. The customer listened to the recommendations of the C4R team and was also ready for operational changes and optimization of their business processes.
- Experience in projects of various sizes and application of best-practice. In this case, the use of an improved methodology for implementing and launching WMS played a decisive role.
The C4R team supports the client even after the completion of the WMS implementation project: the system was transferred to support. Colleagues from the support department have already visited the site and accepted the system for service.
The Kopiyochka`s distribution center
Project result
Thanks to the prompt work of the C4R team, it was possible to complete the WMS implementation project on time. As a result, the client:
- launched a logistics center on time;
- implemented strategic plans to move the DC to a new facility in an important business area;
- increased the throughput of the supply chain.
Additional capacity in the retailer's logistics chain allowed the retail chain to continue expanding and open new stores.
The client company noted the flexibility of the C4R team towards the client. The specialists are not limited to the framework of standard solutions and have a comprehensive approach to the client's questions and tasks, are ready for modifications and implementation of additional solutions.
For example, within the framework of this project, the implementation of WMS itself covered the issue of management within intralogistics. But the client needed to establish management of a large flow of transport that delivers goods to retail outlets. C4R specialists have solutions that allow covering several functions and the need for additional TMS & YMS modules. In addition, such solutions allow you to integrate with external systems.
At the moment, logistics specialists are setting up an automated calculation of schedules, and in the future, integration with an IT solution is planned. As a result, the client will be able to control and transfer WMS data on the routing of goods along the entire route of goods to the store. For a retailer, this means centralized accounting and access to the flow of goods in transit.
For questions on how to implement a similar project at your warehouse or implement a WMS at a logistics center, write to [email protected] or fill out the form at the bottom of the page.