Over time a distribution centre becomes out-of-date and inefficient due to continuous changes that take place each and every day. Often managers and operators lack the time required to optimize all changes taking place due to an immediate focus of getting " the right product to the right place at the right time ". More often than not, they are limited to dealing with the situation-at-hand, forcing them to find short-term solutions to make it work .

Ensuring that the proper equipment is used and that product are properly allocated to the storage locations that best meet distribution demand are crucial in optimizing overall productivity.

Due existing responsibilities and time constraints on employees it is often beneficial to solicit the outside expertise that can properly analyse current operations and develop new solutions that will lead to an increase in overall productivity and order fulfillment.

At Group 4L² we have developed tools and procedures which allow us to quickly analyze data and create scenarios that will improve the overall utilization and productivity of your facility.

Often our analyses have been able to demonstrate to clients that the existing facility had sufficient capacity to meet their distribution needs and goals without requiring significant expansion or new construction. As a result capital investments related to re-configuring the facilities have been less than initially anticipated.

Therefore, before rushing into the expansion or construction of a facility it is important to perform a detailed assessment of equipment, space utilization and resource requirements. In the event that the final results of the study do recommend expansion or construction this information will not be squandered. The data, now cleansed, analysed and summarized, will be utilized towards accurately designing and costing the required construction.

Our services include the following:

• Review and evaluation of existing operations and capacity:
• General layout of facility
• Utilization of resources
• Storage equipment used
• Mobile equipment used
• Systems and Technology in use
• Product groupings and positioning

• Assess facility design enhancements
• Introduction of new technology
• Automation
• Robotic
• Information Systems
• Material handling equipment
• Resources and responsibilities

• Review if recommendations are able to be integrated within the existing facility.

• Improved operational productivity
• Revised product groupings (as required)
• Storage space (Slot type) required per product
• Product positioning
• By vendor
• Store-friendly (for retail networks)
• By selling unit of measure (ie. Case vs. unit vs. pallet)
• By type of material handling equipment required
• Product groupings