repl deliver dynamic · dynamic distribution centre solution. repl were appointed by a leading...
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REPL Deliver Dynamic Distribution Centre Solution
REPL were appointed by a leading
global publishing group to implement
a warehouse management solution
at their green-field world-leading
distribution centre.
A new 240,000+ sq ft building in Oxfordshire is replacing two existing warehouses where books are received from publishers and sent out to both trade and personal customers across the globe.
With a warehouse to build, design and execute that needed transformative WMS technology, they turned to the supply chain experts at REPL.
THE CLIENTThe company oversees the distribution of over
60 million books each year for 45 publishers and
supply one out of every four books to the UK
trade.
Historically, the publishing group have operated
from two distribution centres. These were
joined by new the cutting-edge distribution
centre in August 2018.
As one of the most advanced distribution
centres in Europe, it boasts leading-edge
automation and systems to ensure world-class
service to customers and publisher clients.
OBJECTIVETo meet client and customer expectations
and future-proof the business, the publishing
group needed a best-in-class WMS system.
This had to run and be delivered in parallel
with the installation of an automated material
handling equipment at the distribution centre
and a new order-to-cash (SAP) system.
When combined, these three bespoke elements
met numerous objectives in a competitive
marketplace:
▶ Enhanced service offering: reduce order
lead times, improve pick accuracy, handle
specialist requirements, increase connectivity,
provide real-time information, support current
and future markets
▶ Increased efficiency: eliminate manual
processes, streamline supply chain, reduce
duplication
▶ Reduced business risk: ensure reliability and
continuity, set up a WMS disaster recovery
plan, introduce a comprehensive support
service
▶ Supported growth: retain existing clients and
attract new ones with best-in-class systems,
improve stock management to create space,
reduce distribution charges and compete in a
cut-throat market
After selecting Blue Yonder (Formally JDA) as
their WMS software vendor, the publishing
group needed a partner to deliver the solution.
They turned to REPL.
THE SOLUTIONREPL began working with the publishing
group in 2016, appointing a dedicated team
to lead the Blue Yonder (Formally JDA) WMS
Implementation and support the overall WMS
workstream.
Working to a hybrid waterfall and agile
methodology, our experts had the
implementation knowledge and experience
they needed to roll out Blue Yonder WMS (9.1).
With access to a broad range of skills,
REPL also provided support and expertise
across systems integration, digital and
development services, and all phases of the
test programme.
To ensure a bespoke solution, REPL added
flexibility, and therefore value, to the system
by developing additional capabilities to
meet the publishing group’s unique needs.
James Gammon, Supply Chain Alliance Director
at REPL, said: “Our end-to-end offering enabled
us to offer a wide range of skills and the
continuity that the publishing group requested.
They had assurance throughout the project
that we could resolve any challenges and the
confidence that we could support them beyond
the programme.
“They saw us as a safe pair of hands based
on our previous successful WMS projects.
That substantial experience, along with
our proven expertise as a Blue Yonder Gold
Partner, allowed us to develop and deliver an
exceptional solution that added significant
value.”
The project was implemented at short notice
during the training and process execution
challenges in the early stages of roll-out. REPL
were quickly able to provide guidance and
resources to support and resolve the issues
efficiently and effectively.
RESULTSThe result is an intuitive, transparent
WMS system achieved through
collaboration, integration and
innovation.
The staged roll-out saw a major non-fiction publisher move their stock into the distribution centre first. Initially operating at 5% volume after a successful go-live in September 2018 capacity was quickly increased to 30% before Xmas 2018, the centre is operating at 5% volume with the next publisher to join due to increase that figure to 30%.
The remaining 70% of volume was successfully rolled out in 2019.
The publishing groups investment in the future of the book industry is now attracting more and more publishers to use their world-leading distribution facilities
REPL provided the right expertise and experience having delivered multiple WMS project in the past.
The team quickly, smoothly and
competitively achieved change with
minimal disruption to the client’s
day-to-day business.
Success was thanks to their experience
of implementing WMS solutions for major
companies around the world combined
with a commitment to go the extra
mile, a passion for innovation and a
collaborative, agile approach.
REPL continued to deliver throughout the
project, providing additional support and
guidance, often at short notice, with the
ability to flex resources accordingly. The
partnership was extended by a three-year
support contract once the solution went live.
THE REPLDIFFERENCEAs a Gold Alliance Blue Yonder (Formally JDA) Partner,
REPL was able to provide comprehensive, end-to-end warehouse
management consultancy services to the publishing group.
