Solutions - Specialty Fullfillment

Specialty Fulfillment

Specialty fulfillment; multiple sales channels; e-Commerce integration; seasonal flexibility


Client

Belgium's Chocolate Source (formerly Belgium's Best Chocolates, Inc.) was established in 1998 with one mission, to bring the best chocolates from Belgium to the US market. Belgium's Chocolate Source is the exclusive importer of Nirvana Belgian Chocolates: a premium all-natural chocolate line including gourmet truffles, seasonal chocolate assortments in gift boxes, and artisanal gourmet specialties such as fruit jellies (pates de fruits) and all-natural marzipan, nougat and other specialties.

Challenges

  • Diverse set of customers serviced through multiple sales channels and order streams (e.g. B2C, brick and mortar retailers, on-line retailers, and business promotions)
  • Integration and interfacing to numerous e-commerce sites that push order activity
  • Temperature control warehouse environment
  • Value-added gift wrapping with custom-printed cards
  • Significant seasonal peaks at Valentine's Day, Easter, Mother's Day, and Christmas
  • Expiration date tracking and management
  • Product conversion of cased chocolates
  • Pick & pack fulfillment
  • Consolidated warehouse configured to service the entire US customer base

Barrett Blueprint Solution

Design-Barrett evaluated requirements that included interfacing to 7 websites, controlling expiration dates, unit of measure conversions based on shipping channel, and significant holiday spikes in volume. Based on a detailed analysis we created automated solutions that supported scalable,
continued growth.

Build-Established separate business units to support cases being sold through B-to-B division and each gift box being sold through B-to-C division. Built interfaces built with 7 separate web sites.

Implement-Startup was effectively managed through a detailed project plan that tracked milestones. An IT manager focused on the interfaces and configuration of the WMS and all EDI interfaces. Operations team developed a productive flow to handle spikes and maintain a high level of accuracy.

Manage-KPIs that measure accuracy and order cycle time have consistently been met. Any variances are documented and corrective actions implemented. Results are reviewed internally on a daily basis and collaboratively with Belgium's Chocolate Source during quarterly business reviews (QBRs). Open communication with a dedicated customer service representative has contributed to
outstanding results.

Continuous improvement-Barrett has made improvements to the systemic and operational processes. Corrective actions are used to address any issue that might lead to a service failure. Improvements have been made to the system to raise awareness of imminent expiration dates. We have enhanced the system interfaces with the 7 different on-line retailers and we have developed detailed execution plans to prepare for the seasonal volume spikes.