Multiple Locations
Dual location solution with centralized, "one-touch" customer
service function
Client
M.A. Gedney Company produces and markets pickles, condiments, dressings and preserves across the U.S., including Del Monte and Cain's products. M.A. Gedney Company is headquartered in Chaska, Minnesota and has been in business since 1881.
Challenges
- Multiple domestic and international product origination points
- Just-in-time cross docking
- Varied and demanding consignee transportation delivery requirements (time sensitive delivery windows, re-palletize ties/highs at consignee dock, custom labeling with consignee's product code) with exposure for significant charge-backs.
- Glass packaging requires skilled material handlers; pallet stack
height limitations - Food grade warehouse standards
- Warehouse Management System with documented manufacturer code date rotation and effective order assembly and reporting capability
- Customer service function requires intimate knowledge of all solution elements for entire United States network (e.g. inbound, inventory management, order assembly, delivery status, management reporting)
- Single point-of-contact for all warehouse and transportation services for all regional warehouse operations
- Consistent, reliable and predictable warehouse and customer service execution
- Cycle counting and inventory management
- Cost-effective service solution
- Closed-communication and reporting for all execution work streams
Barrett Blueprint Solution
Design
Facility layout and material handling equipment was optimized to facilitate rapid cycle times and cost control. Integrated transportation activity into a "one-touch" solution to streamline communications.
Build
Lease, fixture and ramp up west coast warehouse facility to be operational in short turnaround. Memorialize service requirements and metrics for new west coast warehouse operation by leveraging existing east coast warehouse experiences. Assign a proven, experienced customer service representative to support a second warehouse location eliminating learning curve of customer processes, requirements and procedures. Configure Synapse WMS to support second stock keeping location.
Implement
Project manager assigned to own all aspects of expanded implementation. Held regular preparedness meetings with customer and partners facilitated by project plan with milestones and contingencies.
Manage
Deploy best practices from east coast warehouse operation; modify to support nuances of Western U.S. customer requirements.
Continuous improvement
Deployed robust management reporting for two-site inventory and activity via Web-based portal with custom report writing capabilities.

