Stock Control & Obsolescence

A fundamental warehousing and storage process which forms part of the overall supply chain inventory management philosophy. Management of inventory in the warehouse requires strict control of rotation, positioning and movement of stock, discipline in identifying and recording products and frequent management of exceptions.

Our staff help clients design the stock control rules, configure systems, identify and eliminate excess and obsolete inventory, and translate the overall inventory philosophy into the warehouse stock control rules. We have first hand experience of correcting operations that have suffered through poor stock processes and integrity.

Service Level Definition

The contractual description of service between a supplier and customer, including internal suppliers and customers, such as distribution centres and retail stores, for example. The contract covers the timeliness, quality, quantity and accuracy of the delivery. The service level definition is dictated by the service the business wants its supply chain to provide for its customers.

We have worked with a number of clients to define service levels and design a supply chain to ensure these are met.

Outsourcing Logistics

There are two major elements to an outsourcing process and one fundamental rule. The elements are choosing a partner/contractor and working out what you want to outsource and what must be kept in-house. The fundamental rule is that you cannot outsource responsibility. When responsibility is outsourced, the contractor sets the agenda and designs the service levels, and the client no longer has the skills nor knowledge to intervene.

We have assisted clients in specifying their requirements, tendering and selecting outsource partners, designing contract measurement and KPI tools, and renegotiating with contractors.

Operational Effectiveness

Regardless of whether a business has designed its supply chain to be efficient or responsive, each element of the chain must perform at the optimal level and with sufficient reliability. It must have the best possible plan, and it must conform to it.

Customers feel variation, not averages.

Efficiency & Reliability

We help our clients to ensure that warehouse operations meet the service and quality standards required by customers and the business, while maintaining control of costs. The fundamental issues to address are maximising use of the building, staff and equipment, integrity of the process and inventory, and flexibility. Previously our consultants have assisted clients with building and site layouts for DCs and warehouses, selection and configuration of MHE and storage equipment, design of shifts, operations processes and control procedures, and regaining control once one or all of these aspects of the operation have been compromised.