Customer Profile
Based in Central London, Smith Alan Ltd supply a diverse range of packaging labels to the UK retail market. With over 14.5 million labels in stock, 3PL process an average of 0.5 million labels per day for a same day pick and despatch solution.
“GAP” Analysis
Having experienced various difficulties with their previous service provider Smith Alan sought a reliable third party logistics provider who could provide a simple yet effective solution to their supply chain needs. The pre-requisites centred in the main upon a clean warehouse environment, stock integrity and a degree of flexibility links to throughput leadtimes.
Having assessed the previous supply chain failures i.e. Mis-picks, stock loss etc. 3PL presented a basic yet robust service offering. Given that the account entailed serving a production line in a “just in time” environment 3PL fully acknowledged the absolute necessity of a “right first time” approach.
One year on since transition, 3PL have been commended for its efforts both by Smith Alan directly and in-directly by its customers. Piece pick accuracy remains consistent at around 99.9% whilst delivery timeliness runs at 100% for a same day order call off.
“Closing the Gap”
In administering our “seven step methodology” 3PL were able to clearly establish the previous failures and set about instilling simple yet effective disciplines:
The main elements of change centred on the following:
- Inbound timeliness – split, check and receive by end of business for all am inbound
- Storage – clear product segregation using shelving and palletised locations
- Picking – adequate staff training linked to product awareness
- Picking – secondary checks prior to despatch
- Inventory Control – cyclical counting in quarterly stock take
- Despatch – Consolidation where possible resulting in less vehicle movements
- Deliveries – Dedicated transport resulting in a both timely and personal audit service
