Manhattan Associates, the global leader in supply chain execution (SCE) solutions, has announced that FXMS Logistics, a fast-growing third party logistics (3PL) specialist, has successfully implemented Manhattan Associates Warehouse Management for Windows application at its Basingstoke distribution centre in the UK. The new Warehouse Management System (WMS) has improved operating efficiency dramatically, delivering an 80% reduction in the time it takes to process orders.
FXMS Logistics works for companies from a wide range of industry sectors. One of its largest customers is the Rugby Football Union (RFU), for whom FXMS Logistics handles the fulfilment requirements of the RFU online Rugby Store. FXMS Logistics also manages online subscriptions and renewals for the England Rugby Supporters Club. The timely implementation of Manhattan Associates Warehouse Management application, just before the start of the Rugby World Cup, has enabled FXMS Logistics to meet the significant increase in orders that the RFU has seen for its merchandise since Englands triumphant performance at the tournament.
During the month following the Rugby World Cup, we received 40,000 orders for items of RFU merchandise, explained Stuart Gordon, managing director of FXMS Logistics. Previously, the total had never exceeded 10,000 in a single month. Its a huge tribute to Manhattan Associates that we could handle that sort of volume theres no way that our old system could have done it.
The requirement for a new WMS was initially established in 2002 when it became clear that the existing system was no longer up to the task. We had a small number of very clear requirements, said Gordon. We needed a wireless system, we wanted to have direct control of our warehouse and we wanted to run on an SQL server. Data exchange is central to the way we work and we are a Microsoft Windows-based operation.
Flexibility too was key. Our customers arent just in the sports business, continued Gordon. The products we manage vary hugely. For example, we handle the programming and delivery of online router orders for Easynet, while also managing the fulfilment of pharmaceutical product orders for Eli Lilly.
FXMS Logistics narrowed the field down to two warehouse management solution providers. The deciding factors in Manhattan Associates favour were its functionality and its ability to exchange information easily with other systems.
We can now provide our customers and partners with much better visibility, stated Gordon. They can access our data directly and vice versa. Weve also got more control over our own warehouse. For example, we now know exactly how long it takes someone to cross the warehouse floor.
Results are already measurable. We estimate that the system had already paid for itself by the end of the fourth quarter of 2003, less than four months after going live, said Gordon. More than that, the speed and efficiency of our operations have improved immensely. It now takes an average of two minutes and twenty seconds for an RFU order to be picked, packed and consigned. Previously, this was taking ten or eleven minutes. Now, were really in control. Every aspect of our operation is better.
FXMS Logistics is a good example of how Manhattan Associates is increasingly helping small to medium enterprises that need best-of-breed logistics functionality at an affordable price level, said Allen Scott, Manhattan Associates vice president of European operations. Were delighted that our Warehouse Management for Windows application has played such a vital role in helping FXMS Logistics to achieve such a rapid increase in productivity, and we look forward to supporting FXMS Logistics as it expands further in this sector.
Manhattan Associates' Warehouse Management for Windows application offers a robust, flexible and scalable warehouse management solution designed for organisations with Windows platform preferences. This 100% native .NET application manages all aspects of distribution centre operations from shipping to receiving, helping customers to reduce inventory and operations costs, shorten fulfilment cycles, increase inventory turns and improve customer service. The latest product release contains significant functional enhancements that include RFID-enabled capabilities.
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