UK healthcare distribution service uses RedPrairie solution to improve efficiency, accuracy and control at DCs
Stokenchurch, UK — August 12, 2005 — Leading healthcare warehousing and distribution services provider UniDrug Distribution Group (UDG) has synchronized and automated all warehouse management processes by implementing a supply chain solution from RedPrairie.
UDG, whose clients include major global pharmaceutical manufacturers, commissioned the new warehouse management system, RedPrairie's DLx Warehouse, to modernize and streamline operations at its Derbyshire distribution center (DC). The same instance of DLx Warehouse is used to manage two warehouses built on the same site, with a total capacity of 60,000 pallets.
The first stock was transferred to DLx Warehouse after an 18-week implementation carried out by RedPrairie. The solution provider said that it trained the 200-plus staff at UDG who use the WMS on a daily basis to get them up and running quickly, and that the transition won approval from UDG's clients.
DLx Warehouse's multi-client functionality allows UDG to manage the diverse logistics needs of all 45 of its clients, according to RedPrairie. Third party logistics (3PL) clients can also manage their own stock remotely via the Web to check stock levels and process release or quarantine transactions. In addition, the WMS helps UDG develop customized documentation and contents labels to individual client specifications.
"RedPrairie enables us to give clients a more personalized service that meets their specialized requirements with minimal software customization," said Nick Blurton, UDG's director of projects and contract development.
RedPrairie said that leaner warehouse processes and real-time control are improving the productivity of warehouse operatives while managing costs. Tasks are now prioritized and scheduled dynamically, with system-directed storage and picking maximizing interleaving and minimizing forklift movements.
Elsewhere, screen menus on the RF terminals direct staff to their next task, which has eliminated previously paper-based instructions. Storage analysis means pallets from the same consignment can be stored in different parts of the warehouse and still be instantly traceable.
Said Blurton: "DLx Warehouse's integrated warehouse management solution eliminates the risk, cost and complexity of dealing with different suppliers and allows us to benefit from a best-of-breed versus a best compromise situation. RedPrairie is helping us build on our leading market position and deliver innovative, value-added logistics services to our clients."
Additional Articles of Interest
— A survey of consumer healthcare decision-makers shows opportunities for manufacturers to gain competitive advantage by focusing on some key points in their supply chains. Read more in the SDCExec.com In Depth article "Leveraging the Supply Chain for Competitive Advantage."
— Understanding and filling customer needs collaboratively adds more value than designing processes and systems to beat the competition. For an example of how one company did it, read the SDCExec.com article "Aligning Fulfillment Metrics to Customer Segment Requirements."
— In order to perform on a world-class level, companies must redesign the supply and service chains to meet market demands. Dramatic changes are in order. Read more in the SDCExec.com article "Leveraging Supply Chain Logistics: Get Physical and Agile."
Stokenchurch, UK — August 12, 2005 — Leading healthcare warehousing and distribution services provider UniDrug Distribution Group (UDG) has synchronized and automated all warehouse management processes by implementing a supply chain solution from RedPrairie.
UDG, whose clients include major global pharmaceutical manufacturers, commissioned the new warehouse management system, RedPrairie's DLx Warehouse, to modernize and streamline operations at its Derbyshire distribution center (DC). The same instance of DLx Warehouse is used to manage two warehouses built on the same site, with a total capacity of 60,000 pallets.
The first stock was transferred to DLx Warehouse after an 18-week implementation carried out by RedPrairie. The solution provider said that it trained the 200-plus staff at UDG who use the WMS on a daily basis to get them up and running quickly, and that the transition won approval from UDG's clients.
DLx Warehouse's multi-client functionality allows UDG to manage the diverse logistics needs of all 45 of its clients, according to RedPrairie. Third party logistics (3PL) clients can also manage their own stock remotely via the Web to check stock levels and process release or quarantine transactions. In addition, the WMS helps UDG develop customized documentation and contents labels to individual client specifications.
"RedPrairie enables us to give clients a more personalized service that meets their specialized requirements with minimal software customization," said Nick Blurton, UDG's director of projects and contract development.
RedPrairie said that leaner warehouse processes and real-time control are improving the productivity of warehouse operatives while managing costs. Tasks are now prioritized and scheduled dynamically, with system-directed storage and picking maximizing interleaving and minimizing forklift movements.
Elsewhere, screen menus on the RF terminals direct staff to their next task, which has eliminated previously paper-based instructions. Storage analysis means pallets from the same consignment can be stored in different parts of the warehouse and still be instantly traceable.
Said Blurton: "DLx Warehouse's integrated warehouse management solution eliminates the risk, cost and complexity of dealing with different suppliers and allows us to benefit from a best-of-breed versus a best compromise situation. RedPrairie is helping us build on our leading market position and deliver innovative, value-added logistics services to our clients."
Additional Articles of Interest
— A survey of consumer healthcare decision-makers shows opportunities for manufacturers to gain competitive advantage by focusing on some key points in their supply chains. Read more in the SDCExec.com In Depth article "Leveraging the Supply Chain for Competitive Advantage."
— Understanding and filling customer needs collaboratively adds more value than designing processes and systems to beat the competition. For an example of how one company did it, read the SDCExec.com article "Aligning Fulfillment Metrics to Customer Segment Requirements."
— In order to perform on a world-class level, companies must redesign the supply and service chains to meet market demands. Dramatic changes are in order. Read more in the SDCExec.com article "Leveraging Supply Chain Logistics: Get Physical and Agile."
- More articles about RedPrairie.
