![]() ![]() With the new WMS, the driver can push a function key on the device and alert the system that the pallet needs to be moved to a new location and the supplier needs to be contacted to find out more information about the new box dimension change. ![]() ![]() For example, a forklift operator may deliver a pallet of meat to aisle 15, row 6 only to find that the pallet won't fit on the shelf because the meat supplier changed the dimensions of the pallet without telling anyone. Because of the built-in flexibility of the WMS, DC workers can account for unexpected changes in the put-away process. The devices are used to wirelessly access the customer database and to update the database in real time via an 802.11 wireless LAN system. The devices are docked on the forklifts, where their batteries stay charged by drawing off the forklifts' batteries. Metro Foods integrates 15 Norand R170 handheld bar code scanners with the WMS to add further automation to its solution. "The system has a built-in ability to move the oldest products out the door first, even if it means moving 50 cases of product from one pallet and combining it with another partial pallet." "The new WMS was a totally different experience from our first WMS," says Mattingly. The food distributor chose Preferred Computer Solutions, Inc.'s (Memphis, TN) Preferred Warehouse & Logistics System. Before settling on a new WMS vendor, Metro Foods insisted that the WMS run on an AS/400 server and show demonstrable proof of successful implementations at other similar companies. It couldn't handle the high volumes we deal with and it could not update our database in real time." Metro Foods went back to the drawing board and began looking for a new system that would better fit its business model. "Shortly after the implementation, we realized the system was not going to be a good fit for us. "The system required us to switch from an AS/400 environment, which we were very comfortable with, to a UNIX environment," recalls Mattingly. Metro Foods settled on a WMS that didn't suit its business. Wrong WMS Produces Near Disastrous Results In an effort to alleviate the problem, the company sought out a way to automate its warehouse processes. "Considering that we have more than 335,000 cases of products on hand at any given time, that 4% difference can mean a costly overstocking of products - or, worse yet, - a product shortage situation." Either scenario threatened Metro Foods' reputation with its customers as well as its profit margins. "Our inventory counts were about 96% accurate," says Mitch Mattingly, VP of Metro Foods. Besides taking almost 2 hours to unload a shipment, Metro found that its inventory records were inaccurate. Metro Foods used manual processes for receiving products into its DC (distribution center), taking inventory, and storing products in the warehouse. Inaccurate Inventory Records Compromise Customer Relationships (Olive Branch, MS), a distributor of perishable goods such as meat products, frozen foods, and bagels, the concern of products collecting dust is further compounded by the threat of products spoiling. Anyone in the manufacturing or distribution businesses knows the last thing you want is products sitting on a shelf collecting dust. ![]()
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