Proper material handling equipment (MHE) is an essential component of any successful distribution center. Having the correct types and quantity of different MHE in your fleet is imperative to proper material handling, reducing product loss and damage, and increasing efficiency.

When warehousing is not a company’s core competency, choosing equipment compatible with your business requirements can be challenging. If this is the case, outsourcing your MHE selection to a supply chain engineering consultant may yield better results.

Outsourcing your MHE Selection

The MHE market is vast, with new, innovative options becoming available almost every day. Similarly, many businesses have ever-changing equipment needs as their operations grow. Navigating these investments can be difficult without the knowledge and resources to ensure your tools and equipment provide a competitive edge for your facility. Furthermore, companies risk purchasing equipment with limitations that cannot accommodate business changes or operational needs.

When you outsource your MHE selection, experts will help you find the right solutions for your company’s needs. Logistics engineers understand your specific business objectives and fulfillment needs and utilize their specialized knowledge to create custom solutions. They analyze:

• Product requirements
• Storage capacity
• Inventory flow
• Racking
• Current and future business needs
• Warehouse Layout

This analysis produces a data-driven strategy to help you make informed decisions when choosing your equipment. Using this information to select the right MHE for your facility yields economical, efficient results.

Benefits of Choosing the Right MHE

The upfront cost of MHE poses a significant financial burden. While it is tempting to cut corners to reduce costs, there are several benefits to investing in the right equipment for your operation from the start, including:

• Reduction in operational costs
• Boost in productivity
• Increased efficiency
• Improved inventory flow
• Enhanced customer service
• Decreased accidents
• Maximized capacity

These benefits are realized when an operation’s equipment matches inventory types and the frequency and flow of product movement, streamlining your facility.

WOW Logistics’ MHE Solution

selection from our experienced engineers. They possess extensive knowledge of warehouse operations, uniquely qualifying them to design layouts yielding streamlined results. Additionally, they understand the detailed requirements of warehouse equipment, allowing them to select optimal MHE for your operation and can even spec flexible equipment that can adapt to business changes and boost labor productivity.

With this expertise, they evaluate a company’s product specs, inventory data, and picking characteristics to create multiple layout designs in CAD. Each plan outlines storage capacity, racking type, handling efficiencies, tools and equipment, and other factors that can hinder efficiency. As a result, daily workflows become streamlined, increasing productivity and reducing product damage incidents via proper transport methods. Furthermore, WOW’s standing relationships with MHE vendors allow for quick, competitive bids using a comprehensive template with details inexperienced individuals often miss.

In addition to consulting services, WOW Logistics offers Operations, Real Estate Development, Inventory Financing, and Technology Solutions.

Explore our website to learn more.

The efficiency of a distribution network directly impacts supply chain expenses, profitability, and customer satisfaction. The best way to optimize your network is to assess it regularly; however, many companies do not have the tools or expertise to evaluate supply chain health holistically.

Partnering with a supply chain consulting expert to analyze your distribution network is advantageous for multiple reasons. These logistics professionals allow you to stay focused on your core business in a competitive market by bringing a neutral, fresh perspective and concentrating entirely on leveraging their expertise to benefit your business. They develop solutions for your complex supply chain needs by analyzing all aspects of your distribution network including labor, warehouse layout and design, transportation, and location. Frequently, the main component affecting network health is facility location, which, in turn, affects transportation costs.

Facility Location

Site selection can significantly enhance a company’s ability to compete and effectively serve its customers. The location of a company’s warehouses affects output efficiency, overall storage and distribution costs, and profitability. A consultant evaluates these key factors when assessing distribution network locations:

• Workforce availability
• Building layout, size, and capacity
• Environmental factors
• Distance from major suppliers, carriers, and customers
• Ease of accessibility

The right warehouse location ensures quick deliveries, reduces shipping costs, and boosts customer service. The layout of the building should also support inventory levels, product types, service requirements, and inventory flow.

Reduced Transportation Costs

Finding the right location for your warehouse leads to reduced transportation expenses which rank highest among supply chain costs. Transportation costs are affected by numerous variables, including:

• Highway and exit accessibly
• Road safety and conditions
• Average traffic speed and volume
• Peak traffic hours

Consultants consider congested highways and inadequate safety conditions when conducting their analysis. These factors increase fuel consumption and accident rates.

WOW Logistics’ Network Analysis Study

WOW Logistics is the fastest-growing supply chain solutions provider in the country. More than 40 years of supply chain expertise back our network analysis studies. WOW has the right resources to thoroughly analyze a company’s distribution network and identify optimum warehouse locations that streamline distribution and reduce costs. Then, following a careful examination of your supply chain, WOW provides strategic, economical solutions. On average, customers save 10 percent in total supply chain costs as a result of our analyses.

Network analysis is just one supply chain consulting solution WOW Logistics offers. We also provide Supply Chain Health Checks, Warehouse Layout and Design Services, and Warehouse Inventory Strategies.

Explore our website to learn more.

A trusted supply chain partner is critical for any company’s stability and growth. Their services directly reflect the reputation and success of your business, and you want to partner with a company that can help create a faster, more intelligent, and efficient supply chain.

Choosing the right provider for your organization requires evaluating many vital factors. This blog summarizes four things to look for when selecting a supply chain partner:

1. Wealth of Experience

Your supply chain is an integral part of your business and effectively managing it is crucial to success. It is crucial to select an experienced provider with the expertise to drive efficiency throughout all areas of your logistics network. A history of success is a good indicator of dependability and demonstrates the means to tackle a broad range of challenges.

2. Diverse Capabilities

A prospective provider should have the ability to identify and satisfy your short-term needs and your future requirements. Piecing together your solutions using multiple providers will quickly become frustrating, with each additional touchpoint adding further complications. Look for a provider offering various solutions covering every aspect of your current supply chain needs, such as engineering/consulting, technology, transportation, flexible and contracted warehousing, industrial real estate development, and more.

3. High Safety Standards

Safety comes in many forms – personnel, product, and more. Exemplifying a commitment to standard operating procedures that drive safety in various areas and offering premium product-safety focused services is essential. The provider’s expertise will eliminate lost time due to safety or quality incidents.

4. Ease of Integration and Reporting

Transparency is a vital selling point of a potential provider. The current logistics landscape demands immediate access to metrics and reporting regarding your inventory, which provides added business intelligence and peace of mind.

Introducing WOW Logistics

WOW Logistics is the fastest-growing supply chain solutions provider in the country, with more than 40 years of experience mastering the art of combining our services to deliver integrated solutions to our customers. We offer various services within five core areas: Supply Chain Consulting, Operations, Real Estate Development, Inventory Financing, and Technology Solutions. We pride ourselves on providing quality services that drive efficiency within your operation. Our in-house logistics experts and unparalleled food safety knowledge put product safety first. At the same time, our top-tier technology systems and commitment to consistent processes allow us to streamline your supply chain further.

Learn more about WOW Logistics by exploring our website.

What is design-build?

Design-build is a project delivery method where a real estate developer works under a single contract with a client to provide both design and construction services. Developing a property this way streamlines a project and creates a unified workflow from site selection through completion. Its alternative, often referred to as design-bid-build, provides a less efficient approach requiring more management from the client.

What are the benefits of a design-build?

Choosing a design-build allows clients to make better informed decisions and realize greater value.  This innovative approach has several advantages over its alternatives, such as:

• Cost-Savings – Project costs are defined from the onset and less resources are wasted because there is clear visibility of every project component.
• Efficient Project Completion – An increased level of collaboration and transparency streamlines the entire project. Additionally, a schedule can be created prior to the finalization of the design – resulting in faster project completion with fewer unforeseen problems.
• Single Source Management – Singular responsibility and accountability creates a continuity in workflow that drives performance in every aspect of the project resulting in an overall higher quality outcome.

WOW Logistics’ Build-to-Lease Solution

WOW Logistics’ Build-to-Lease Program sets us apart from most design-build firms. Not only do we have more than 40 years of experience designing and constructing warehouses and light manufacturing facilities, but we also offer 100% project financing so our clients can avoid the upfront cost of construction. WOW delivers efficient facilities constructed and customized to our customers’ unique requirements. Our Build-to-Lease solution includes:

• Effective Project Management – WOW Logistics manages the entire process including design, construction services, layout, size and scale requirements, and equipment, resulting in a warehouse created to function at peak efficiency.
• Optimal Site Location – WOW will conduct a Network Study to determine the optimal location for your facility based on geological efficiencies, transportation costs, and distribution requirements.
• Engineering Expertise – WOW’s engineering team works closely with customers to identify inventory data, product flow, storage requirements, and proper racking and material handling equipment to maximize facility efficiencies.
• 100% Project Financing – WOW will cover the upfront costs of construction so customers can allocate their capital toward more strategic initiatives.

Our Build-to-Lease program is just one service within WOW Logistics’ integrated supply chain service offerings. We also offer solutions focused on warehouse operations, transportation brokerage, and inventory financing.

Learn more about WOW Logistics by exploring our website.

A well defined warehousing and supply chain strategy is a critical aspect of business. Many organizations opt to outsource this function in order to drive efficiency and focus on their core operation. However, there are different kinds of warehousing, and it is important to find a supply chain solution that fits your company’s needs.

This blog compares two common warehousing solutions – third-party logistics (3PL) and contract operations.

What is 3PL?

3PL is the outsourcing of supply chain management solutions like warehousing, transportation, and distribution. Utilizing a 3PL provider offers the flexibility to pay for the space you need and adjust as your requirements change. Companies that specialize in 3PL are experts in supply chain management and possess technology, engineering expertise, and resources to minimize service interruptions and drive efficiency.

When you work with a 3PL provider, you eliminate the need to invest significant amounts of capital into warehouse real estate or fixed assets like racking and material handling equipment (MHE). Another benefit of a 3PL provider is access to a warehouse management system (WMS) that drives efficiency and product visibility, which further reduces expenses. However, the WMS functionality cannot be customized as it is a shared resource among other companies utilizing the 3PL. Similarly, tenants share MHE, personnel, and may have to compete for dock appointments. Rates can also fluctuate with each new service agreement.

What is a Contract Operation?

A contract operation provides your company with guaranteed, dedicated space and resources in a facility run by a supply chain solutions company. Contract operations reduce costs, improve operational performance, and eliminate limitations associated with 3PL warehousing.

The challenging task of recruiting, training, and managing experienced and reliable personnel is executed for you. In addition, facility location, racking layout, MHE, and the WMS technology can be tailored to your company’s needs, delivering efficient logistics operations at an affordable cost. Companies can also schedule dock appointments without availability concerns.

However, contract operations offer less flexibility if your space needs fluctuate. Service agreements and rates are locked in for the duration of your contract.

Here is a simplified comparison of what each option has to offer:

Finding your Solution at WOW Logistics

Once you identify your needs and select the best warehousing solution, the next step is locating a top-tier supply chain solutions provider. WOW Logistics offers superior contract operation and 3PL services with unparalleled food safety standards. We are experts in warehouse operations with industry-leading capabilities, including a state-of-the-art warehouse management system, key performance indicators, and engineering resources that drive efficiency and reduce expenses.

Contract operations and 3PL services are just two supply chain solutions in WOW Logistics’ portfolio. We also provide inventory financing, real estate development, transportation, and consulting services.

Get started today by calling 800-236-3565.

Explore our website to learn more.