BDI-Laguna Outgrows System
BDI-Laguna is a leading distributor of consumer electronics and computer products to many top retailers in the United States. The company manages 15,000 SKUs and averages about 12,000 transactions a day. BDILaguna prides itself on its commitment to customer service that includes 24-hour domestic and international order fulfillment, customer-direct drop shipping, rapid adaptability to customers' needs and successful expansion into new business territories. With three facilities in Atlanta, Georg.; Carlstadt, N.J.; and Reno, Nev., BDI-Laguna can reach all continental U.S. locations within three days using ground service.
Experiencing a 40 percent growth in a two-year period, the company realized its supply chain needed to evolve to keep pace and continue to meet demand. Its legacy ERP and ancillary software packages were not robust in warehouse automation and transportation capabilities. The ERP was heavily customized to accommodate BDI-Laguna's distribution requirements, and manual processes within its facilities created challenges during year-end peak season.
THE SOLUTION
BDI-Laguna wanted a supply chain solution that could support growth and provide a foundation from which to expand its direct-toconsumer and third party logistics operations. The company sought an automated solution to include warehouse management and transportation capabilities, offer broad flexibility and respond quickly to diverse customer needs. The company also needed the solution to support multi-channel activities -- since it shipped directly to Web-based customers and to retailers' distribution centers (DCs) -- and help it provide additional value-added services (VAS) to its customers.
BDI-Laguna wanted a supply chain solution that could support growth and provide a foundation from which to expand its direct-toconsumer and third party logistics operations. The company sought an automated solution to include warehouse management and transportation capabilities, offer broad flexibility and respond quickly to diverse customer needs. The company also needed the solution to support multi-channel activities -- since it shipped directly to Web-based customers and to retailers' distribution centers (DCs) -- and help it provide additional value-added services (VAS) to its customers.
Manhattan Associates' Integrated Logistics Solutions, built on Microsoft.NET met BDI-Laguna's requirements. The solution offered the familiar Microsoft platform and deep supply chain execution functionality --including warehouse management and transportation execution capabilities. It also easily integrated with BDILaguna's existing systems -- a key differentiator in the company's search.
IMPLEMENTATION
A key objective in the implementation was keeping the project on schedule so that all three DCs were operating with the new solution in time for BDILaguna's busiest season. This presented a challenge because, at the same time, BDI-Laguna was moving its Atlanta and Hackensack offices into two new, larger facilities. Following Manhattan Associates' pre-established implementation process, the project team focused on the ultimate goal and achieved all objectives in a timely and cost-effective manner.
A key objective in the implementation was keeping the project on schedule so that all three DCs were operating with the new solution in time for BDILaguna's busiest season. This presented a challenge because, at the same time, BDI-Laguna was moving its Atlanta and Hackensack offices into two new, larger facilities. Following Manhattan Associates' pre-established implementation process, the project team focused on the ultimate goal and achieved all objectives in a timely and cost-effective manner.
BDI-Laguna has seen ROI with complete inventory visibility across its North American operations, enabling the company to reach operational goals while increasing customer satisfaction. "Manhattan Associates' Integrated Logistics Solutions, built on Microsoft.NET is the backbone of our continued growth," says Rosalie Weeks, vice president and director of information technology at BDI-Laguna. "The relationship has helped us streamline our fulfillment operations so we can more quickly get goods to our customers. Existing systems are now seamlessly united -- improving inventory control, reducing costs, enhancing inbound shipping and increasing performance and productivity."
The solution has helped the company reduce its holiday labor activity by 20 percent and increase inventory accuracy to 99 percent. Every supply chain activity is logged and stored by the solution, so BDI-Laguna can view the history of each item that comes into its DCs, track movements and identify any issues. The solution's ability to synchronize with the ERP system helps BDI-Laguna regularly pinpoint item discrepancies in the facilities.
BDI-Laguna is now able to adapt and comply with carrier requirements as they change. The company can create different shipping rules for its many different customers and all types, shapes and sizes of product. By providing industry-specific functionality, this solution helps BDILaguna continue its third party logistics success. It can efficiently blend various customer inventories, bill based on services instead of product and optimize the use of facility space to help build revenue during slow seasons. The company will continue leverage this solution as it expands into the global market. CG