Features/Benefits Provided: Increased productivity Improved accuracy Scalable solution positioned for growth

In 2001, a major supplier of fragrances and beauty products was acquired. Not only did the merger bring together several disparate distribution systems, but the company was expecting serious growth within the next few years.

In order to decrease costs and increase efficiency, the decision was made to consolidate their 3 distribution centers into one facility; however, this required a serious expansion and complete overhaul of the distribution system. The facility previously distributed to only 7,000 retail stores; it was now responsible for distribution to over 35,000 stores and regional warehouses.

The building was expanded by 135,000 square feet and an entirely new material handling system was designed. A new pick to light system was installed, which consists of 13,560 pick faces and is able to hold eight hours of inventory.

The lower level of the facility includes pick to light systems on either side of a conveyor. Following the lights, which indicate both location and quantity, employees pick items into a carton, which is placed on the conveyor when the pick is complete. The conveyor then moves the cartons to the second level of the pick module where slow movers are stored. Employees again use the lights to place the appropriate items into the cartons and then place them on the conveyor where they travel to the final packing station.

The new pick to light system has made a tremendous difference and allows the company to handle the increased demands at the facility; daily orders have increased 100% to 4,000 per day. The pick to light system supports the changing demographics of the company's orders and instead of shipping periodically to regional warehouses and department stores, they now support store ready orders generated by point-of-sale data.

 
is a proud member of Order Fulfillment Council, a Council of the Material Handling Industry of America

P.O. Box 1608
90 Alfred Plourde Parkway
Tel: (888) 233-6796
Fax: (207) 786-0271
Email: info@diamondphoenix.com
Website: www.systemlogistics.com