Just as the office planner must consider the flow of paper, verbal communication and electronic data flows for efficient  operation, so must the production and warehouse facilities  designer ease the flow of materials and labor.  LRM  consultants apply both traditional and innovative design techniques in developing concepts including:

Facilities Planning

• Determine short-range and long-range requirements
• Estimate facility life expectancy
• Optimize work and facility flow
• Develop operational activities and sequences
• Determine equipment requirements and utilization
• Evaluate working relationships of each department and work station
• Develop pre-engineered drawings for management review and soliciting vendor bids.
• Specify mode of operations
• Develop and/or manage relocation and move plans

Reduction of Order Fulfillment Cycles

• The average time between order placement and the customer receiving the merchandise must be reduced.  There are a variety of approaches that will be utilized  including improved stock allocation techniques, better  vendor performance, sophisticated inventory management  and more efficient exchange of data.  LRM consultants are experienced in traditional as well as  state-of-the-art techniques relating to:
  • Production planning and scheduling systems
  • Work flow analysis
  • Picking methodologies
  • Utilization of equipment and work centers
  • System analysis
  • Maintenance and Control Systems
  • Equipment Feasibility
    • Automated and mechanized warehousing
    • Material handling equipment and techniques
    • Storage modes

Information Technology

The science of information technology has become  indispensable within the Logistics arena.  Two segments that have the potential for revolutionizing almost every aspect of  operations is Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and the Internet.  The use of EDI and the Internet will be pervasive in the coming years.   It has been estimated that by 2005, 90% of the  transactions between retailers and their suppliers, distribution  functions and their carriers, manufacturers and their customers will be by E.D.I. or some type of Internet transaction activity.  The  real challenge, however, will be in applying this data within the  operations to gain greater efficiencies and service levels.  EDI/Internet activity will likely be seen in the following areas:

• Advanced Shipping Notices
• Automated replenishment of store & warehouse stock
• Bills of Lading/Freight Bills
• Electronic Purchase Orders
• Invoicing
• Paperless Picking and Put-Away
• Shipment Tracking

LRM  Logistics consultants are well versed in the technologies available to facilitate implementation of EDI and Internet technologies to effectively utilize the data within various operating  areas of a firm.

Integration of the Distribution Function

The traditional role of distribution only having functional  responsibility for warehousing and distribution is in the process  of changing.  In the future, the concept of Distribution  Requirements Planning will be employed by the most successful operators.  When distribution is truly integrated logistically, it will be responsive to, and have influence on, all areas of the  company, particularly sales and marketing, retail operations,  purchasing, and even product design.  Manufacturers and  distributors will be striving to anticipate  customer needs for value added services.

Our consultants are familiar with the techniques of, and the  means of applying DRP, MRP-II, EDI and Internet technology.  Furthermore, our experience in working within each of the peripheral areas interfacing with the distribution function places  us in a unique position to assist our customers in the overall  objective of integrating the distribution function.