Seven Scent further invest with Marco's Warehouse Management System

Following on from the successful implementation of their Trac-IT factory profitability system in 2009, Marco have now completed the installation of a complementary warehouse management system for rebranded perfume specialists Seven Scent Ltd, formerly FCL.

Over the last 25 years FCL have worked solely for the PZ Cussons Group, supplying the majority of the perfumes used by the group worldwide. Just 18 months ago the group invested in a new plant, custom designed not only to make perfume compounding more accurate, efficient and flexible, but also to permit PZC Fragrance to launch as a separate business which took place in May 2010. As Seven's Supply Chain Manager Phil Ockenden explains: "The reason for establishing a marketable brand is that we are now looking to share our expertise in creating and supplying market leading fragrances beyond the PZ Cussons world. The Marco system is a pivotal part of the new plant and the recent roll out of the Trac-It WMS module completes a comprehensive factory floor solution which uses real time factory floor data to empower our whole process, from goods in to goods out."

Phil has worked closely with Marco throughout the project and is clear on the benefits of the latest phase of the project: "It is critical for us to have the security of knowing not only where the stock is within our warehouse, but also knowing that the level of stock showing on our MRP system is accurate; especially important when most of our ingredients have a high cost value. Following close joint co-operation, the Marco warehouse solution offers us more than just standard WMS functionality. The bespoke work we have specified, enables us to have a clear picture of what is going on at all times, helping us in controlling and planning products through pre-production sub-processes, whilst also controlling and managing our whole despatch process."

The system manages warehouse space automatically and Seven are not reliant on fork lift drivers deciding where to store raw materials or finished goods. Paper work has been virtually eradicated and portable data collectors (PDAs) play an important and versatile role throughout the warehouse. There is also a rolling stock check in place so that there is no need to close the warehouse to carry out manual stock checks.