Background
Bradnams Windows and Doors built a new 4,000sq metre Distribution Centre to support Southeast QLD and regional branches. Bradnams purchased two powder coat lines, high bay racking and man-up picking equipment requiring a new Warehouse Strategy.
Business Challenge
The new Distribution Centre impacted 75 employees. JD Edwards system changes and RF and barcoding technologies were introduced to support the new site.
Bradnams targeted specific areas for analysis including:
- Understanding the demand network dynamics for Branches and Licensees across the business.
- Understanding the supply dynamics with the existing suppliers.
- Model optimal stocking location definition within the new facility E.g. how many locations, sizes, storage types, volumes, etc.
- Confirm and design optimal and pragmatic MHE considerations i.e. racking types, conveyors, etc.
- Design of workflows around the DC and powder coat lines.
- Understanding the constraints i.e. what growth levels would overwhelm the current design.
- Consideration of imported and locally sourced stocking options, particularly with respect to lead times.
- Proposed manning levels.
It was also recognized that there would be significant change management issues related to changes in both process and location for the new Distribution Centre.
Warehouse Strategy Results
Bradnams engaged CMC for Change Management consulting to assist with determining the strategy. After implementing JD Edwards EnterpriseOne ERP, CMC and Darroch Consulting reviewed the Distribution Centre’s layout and design.
The Change Management Consultant:
- Conducted an Initial Review
- Prepared a Statement of Work (SoW)
- Developed a Change Management Strategy
These efforts helped the management team prepare for the new Distribution Centre and Advanced Warehousing implementation.
