UK terminal operator GoAssociates selects HighJump WMS

HighJump Software, a global provider of supply chain execution solutions, has announced that innovative terminal operator GoAssociates has selected the HighJump warehouse management system to support its new perishable goods handling facility in the Port of Liverpool.

The HighJump Warehouse Advantage WMS will provide the Liverpool Produce Terminal (LPT) with accurate, real-time visibility and traceability of fresh fruit and vegetable imports destined for supermarkets and grocery traders in the North of England and Ireland.

Lewis Clements, Managing Director of GoAssociates, who launched the LPT initiative, said: "Around 10m tonnes of fresh produce is shipped into the UK each year and half of it is transported by truck up to retail warehouses in the North of the country. Given the congestion problems and government drives for low carbon emission zones, we've always felt that building the Quayside Cool store at the nearest port to their market is the way forward. Retailers can become environmentally friendly without it costing them any more. Implementing the right WMS is a key part of this."

GoAssociates evaluated many vendors and eventually selected HighJump Software. Key requirements included a flexible WMS that could meet the unique requirements of  the fresh food industry as well as the need to process shipments extremely quickly and efficiently.

"The HighJump Warehouse Advantage solution came out way ahead of all the other systems for its advanced functionality, low cost of ownership and ability to adapt according to our future needs," said Andy Rickard, Operations Director, GoAssociates. "HighJump Software has an extremely strong reputation, but what we really appreciated was that the team involved were realistic in their presentation, demonstrating their knowledge and experience of working with companies in the food/drink and 3PL industries."

The HighJump warehouse management system will provide the foundation for operational excellence and continuous improvement in the 90,000-square-foot warehouse facility, which will be equipped with four temperature-controlled chambers (0C to +14C) and will accommodate fresh produce four pallets high. Specialised reefer vessels will be able to berth alongside the cool store, which will have the capability to discharge 4,000 pallet ships in 24 hours. This will not only increase efficiency but it will reduce the number of containers required in the supply chain.

"It's a great feeling to be part of the LPT initiative which will have a large-scale environmental impact on the UK's food industry," said Timothy Campbell, President and CEO, HighJump Software. "Our support team will work closely with GoAssociates to ensure HighJump Software delivers a tightly integrated solution that meets their needs for traceability in every step of the supply chain.