Introduction and challenges
In a context of economic growth and lack of skilled logistics staff in most countries, warehouse automation projects have become increasingly common over the past few years in almost every sector. The aim is to achieve efficiency savings and develop agility and responsiveness to meet distribution lead time reductions.
While business needs are most of the time clearly identified, their translation into automated equipment specifications is often a challenge: should the processes be changed? What technologies should I consider? Which suppliers should I consult? How much will the investment be? What will the return on investment be? What are the risks? How should the project be managed? How long will the project last?
Many questions must be addressed and shared with all the stakeholders to ensure the project is a success.
How we can help
- Creation and evaluation of automation scenarios: formalization of key assumptions on flows and stocks based on data on existing and market projections, identification of eligible technologies, design studies, quantitative and financial evaluation of the project (CAPEX, OPEX, ROI, current net value, etc.), qualitative evaluation of the project (risks, impact on working conditions, long-term scalability and flexibility, etc.)
- Assistance with the RFQ: supplier panel selection, RFQ process management (business and performance objectives, flow and inventory sizing specifications, specific and technical needs formalization, IT requirements (WMS/WCS scope, availability objectives, IT constraints), running supplier workshops, technical and financial offer analysis and challenge, assistance with supplier selection and contracting
- Implementation support: detailed design workshops, PMO, commissioning preparation and monitoring (test cases, test campaigns, sample data, organization and planning, commissioning follow-up), transfer and ramp-up preparation
- Change management and team onboarding: assistance in the construction and management of the training and communication plans (operators, operational management, top management, external partners, etc.).
- Post go-live support: ramp-up monitoring (planning, performance), set up of performance monitoring tools and continuous improvement processes