On Logistics, a third party logistics (3PL) provider, has implemented a warehouse management system (WMS) from Advanced Business Solutions (Advanced) as it seeks to more than double its turnover in just three years. On Logistics, which will open its third warehouse later this year, will also use Advanced's customer billing module.
The Tamworth-based business, which deals primarily in high value e-commerce, is now planning to introduce a double shift thanks to the automation benefits of the new WMS system. The software will significantly speed up the warehouse picking operation by providing staff with far greater visibility of stock locations, and integrate with customer systems for better end-to-end processing of orders.
On Logistics chose Advanced after investigating several competitor WMS products in a selection and testing process that took almost three years. Advanced's software was chosen for its ease of integration with existing client systems, its high levels of functionality and its ease of use.
Mark Gooding, group development director from On Logistics, comments: "After a comprehensive marketplace assessment, we came to the conclusion that Advanced's WMS was the best. Its usability and the way it integrates with other systems were standout features and we were really impressed by its scalability, providing us with an agile platform for growth."
On a practical level, Advanced's WMS will help On Logistics to stay close to its customers and provide them with visibility of stock, ordering processes and buying trends and cycles. It will also streamline the picking process. Currently, pickers have to search all aisles to find products, which requires detailed knowledge of the warehouse. The new system will direct them straight to the correct bin.
"The WMS functionality will enable us to move to a two shift system as we will be able to employ more casual labour who won't need the same level of skills or warehouse knowledge. The extra volume of goods picked is expected to result in higher turnover," Gooding added.
On Logistics' adoption of Advanced's billing module will also automate a number of routine but previously time consuming tasks, cutting administration costs.
Gooding adds: "Currently, staff manually count the picking, despatch and receipt sheets on a daily basis. This will be replaced with fully automated processes. All we will have to do is press a button at the end of each day and in an instant we will have the information we need. Having comprehensive and accurate information will prevent us from missing chargeable work, ensuring we bill customers accurately."
Another key feature of the Advanced WMS is its ability to feed into postal carriers' delivery systems, such as City Link. Order details are automatically entered into the carrier's system as soon as they arrive, including delivery address and tracking details, saving around a minute for every order dispatched. With 200 orders processed through City Link a day on average, the time savings in a year will be significant.
Advanced Business Solutions is a market-leading business applications and services provider with over 20 years' experience of providing a range of back office solutions, including warehouse management and logistics systems to UK organisations.
Advanced Business Solutions is a division of Advanced Computer Software Group plc, a leading supplier of software and IT services to the health, care and business services sectors.
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