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Back to Hourly Employee Incentive Plan Overview
Zen Logistics Services Overview
 A Toolbox for Four-Walls Logistics Management Problem Solving
Collectively, members of The Labor Development Group (LDG) have consulted on the operation & improvement of literally hundreds of distribution centers. In the course of that work, we’ve observed that operating companies utilize outside consulting services for one of three basic reasons:
- To gain specialized expertise it lacks or does not need on a long term basis
- To validate & refine planning & implementation ideas created internally
- To provide targeted supplemental resources, often on a short term basis
We have established this practice as a by-product of our book The Zen of Warehouse Management, to enable clients to take advantage of this accumulated logistics management & material handling wisdom to optimize distribution center or warehouse performance.
LDG comprises an elite team of hands-on highly experienced logistics management professionals who have served as distribution center directors or managers & are skilled at problem solving & process improvement. LDG consultants provide “nuts & bolts” expertise to bring a DC to its full potential while increasing profitability.
Proven in environments with 70,000 SKUs, same day shipping, high levels of broken case picking, heavy use of automation, unions, all regions of the country, & multi-channel markets, LDG can fill a variety of roles for clients. We respond rapidly with services that are tailored to the need & are highly cost-effective.
What follows are a few representative examples from the Zen Logistics Distribution Center Management Services Tool Box.
Warehouse Layout Analysis & PlanningMany Distribution Center problems can be solved by applying the right combination of planning & execution. Material handling is a key part of that process. LDG consultants have experienced & conquered all of the most challenging operational problems faced today by DC management. Local management may sometimes struggle to see the forest for the trees, while our consultants can quickly & objectively identify the essence of a problem & the best solution options.
- New layout or relay
- Methods versus more or different equipment
- Slotting (also called product location or profiling) analysis & training
- Automation
Layout Productivity & Capacity UtilizationA complete analysis of existing location/SKU productivity will point to significant savings for the DC as well as opportunities for further gains. Analysis, recommendations & implementation can include:
- Bin Sizing & Optimization
- Picking strategies
- Golden Zone Analysis
- Pick Path Mapping
Racking & Conveyor InstallationResetting or upgrading DC fixturing requires expertise & focused project management. Our consultants have completed hundreds of these projects, including re-racking, flow rack conversion, installation & improved utilization
of drive-in, drive-through, VNA, & pallet flow racking, static shelving, etc. Work product includes:
- Recommendations
- Layout
- Material Procurement (new or used)
Erection & Project Management
Product Flow
Understanding the top level view of DC throughput will enable better methods & increased profitability. Our consultants are skilled at assessing distribution center management operations & making recommendations to increase profitability by applying logistics management best practices in such areas as:
Inbound operations (scheduling, receiving, QC, cross-docking, putaway, rework)
Outbound (order management & processing, picking, packing, shipping, cycle counts & replenishment)
Holding or storage capacity & resource utilization
Inventory management & accuracy
- Eliminating congestion
Temporary Facility ManagementAt times clients find themselves short of facility management resources. Our skills & experience include running a variety (size, industry, complexity, union or non-, location, etc.) of distribution centers. Our team consists of seasoned, successful DC managers who can step in on short notice & take charge for a temporary tour of duty. We’ve run 30+ distribution centers in past assignments.
- Run the DC on a short term basis
- Assist in interviewing & training new managers
- Contribute immediately to stability & warehouse efficiency
- Make operational improvement recommendations across a wide range of functions
Best PracticesHaving problems in a certain phase of distribution center management? Our consultants are skilled in the best practices of all DC functions:
- Receiving
- Cross docking
- Putaway
- Replenishment
- Order fulfillment
- Shipping
- Transportation management
- Cycle counting
- Inventory management
- Quality control
- Rework & kitting
- Returns management
- Office & clerical management
Problem AlleviationOur consultants have accrued decades of experience in dealing with DCs under stress due to a variety of causes, & solved a wide range of problems while increasing operational efficiency & financial performance. Without reinventing the wheel, our team can quickly identify bottlenecks & apply solutions that work. Often, these solutions have little or no capital investment.
Incentive Plan Development & ImplementationSee Simplified Gainsharing
Management & Supervisory TrainingLDG has decades of experience in training exemplary managers & supervisors in distribution environments. We provide hands-on training methods that utilize class room presentations, advocate/mentoring techniques & “on the floor” application work. We’ll also train on any of the analytical techniques or process management described in the above categories. Our training programs encompass all areas of supervisory & management training, including time management, mentoring & union avoidance.
All assignments are tailored to each unique situation.
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