In the supply chain world, each day presents a new challenge that may require an innovative and impactful reaction. No operation can predict the future absolutely, but having good tools that can help plan ahead and react well when surprises happen is important. The implementation and use of software such as JDA’s Warehouse Labor Management system (JDA WLM, formerly known as RedPrairie Workforce Management) will change the way an operation measures, plans, tracks and reacts.
In this 5 part series, we’ll cover examples related to Productivity, Planning, Quality and Coaching of life with and without JDA WLM. Part 5 covers Operational Analysis from a Distribution Manager’s perspective.
Operational Analysis – A Distribution Center Manager’s Perspective
Without Labor Software: I have spent the previous two weeks gathering data and preparing reports that will compare the five distribution centers under my management. I am responsible for explaining to executives why some of my DC’s are struggling while others have done well during the previous quarter. I also need to explain what we’ve learned from our successes and how we can share these across all DC’s. I see that my St. Louis site has reduced labor costs by 7% from last year and that my Atlanta division has similar labor costs to last year, but has lost revenue. I have scheduled multiple calls with each of my divisions to attempt to answer all questions during my upcoming meetings.
With JDA WLM: Using JDA WLM, I am able to generate up to date summary reports for all five of my distribution centers whenever needed. I see all summary data for the day, week, quarter or year on one report where I can compare units, goal hours, actual hours, performance percentage and indirect percentage. By generating my travel distance reports, I see that St. Louis has reduced travel distances in their DC by 25%. I can see that empty fork travel has improved by 50%. I learn that the Interleaving and dock door optimization projects undertaken at this DC were extremely effective and I’m able to roll these initiatives out at all DC’s proactively as productivity improvement initiatives. I also see that while my Atlanta DC’s goal times have decreased by 10% from last year, their total time has been similar to last year. Within JDA WLM, I see that the sites performance is down and that the site is using more indirect time. I am able to suggest a retraining program to boost productivity and an indirect reduction project to reduce the amount of time spent on tasks like cleaning and re-stacking. I’m able to make these adjustments far in advance of my quarterly meetings due to the availability of real time data in JDA WLM. My quarterly meeting becomes a summary of the actions I’ve already taken vs. creating action plans.
The scenarios in this series are just a few of the ways JDA’s Warehouse Labor Management System (JDA WLM) can change the way every level of your supply chain operates day to day. Contact Open Sky Group today for more information on how JDA WLM can benefit your operations.
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