QC Software Executive Discusses Connecting the Dots for Greater Productivity in the Warehouse

CINCINNATI - July 7, 2014 - PRLog -- Mission creep is inevitable in the logistics industry. As market forces change, distributors must adjust their paradigm to remain competitive. The challenge is to do that in a cost-effective way.

Distributors initially design a warehouse for current and projected needs, but unanticipated factors eventually contribute to a less efficient operation. Additional product lines or sudden growth spurts place a stress on the facility’s resources. Storage space is inadequate and work processes are too slow. The cost per unit shipped is increasing, workers are processing more returns, and the warehouse is more disorganized.

When this happens, distributors need to reassess their operation. Since additional warehousing is very expensive, managers first try to retrofit their current space. Redesigning work flows and layout can reduce travel time and improve throughput.  Better placement of high-demand inventory improves order fulfillment.  More efficient scheduling of trucks and dock workers shortens the receiving process. Distributors can realize substantial productivity gains by reducing the waste.

Process improvement by itself can be limited at times due to floor automation constraints. The current system may no longer be able to keep up with demand. Distributors should perform a gap analysis to determine technology requirements.  Implementing a voice system or an additional conveyor line allows distributors to improve throughput and better manage the higher volume of orders.

As new processes and technologies are introduced, the software that manages the material handling system needs to be reconfigured to fine tune equipment performance. A distributor may want to improve order fulfillment by diverting small orders which require special handling to a separate area for packing. If the software cannot easily accommodate the change and the manual process is too cumbersome, software modifications are necessary.

“Best-in-class distributors have implemented a Tier-1 Warehouse Control System to manage floor automation. Modifications are quick and can be completed while keeping the host system intact.  This is a cost-effective way to optimize system connectivity as technology, products, and requirements change the status quo,” states Rich Hite, President of QC Software, a leading provider of Tier-1 Warehouse Control Systems.

With the right technology, design and processes, distributors are more effectively managing the evolving warehouse.

For over eighteen years, QC Software has delivered the results that help companies succeed. Their leading-edge Tier-1 Warehouse Control System provides the flexibility, visibility, and control across warehouse operations that customers need to optimize resources and profitability. Through industry collaboration, customized training, and 24/7 support, QC Software ensures that each customer is fully leveraging their technology. Distributors realize increased system productivity and dependability