Productivity boost

OFL faced multiple challenges, including consolidating inventory from smaller warehouses into a new Swindon DC, double digit growth across multiple retail channels and the addition of new product lines with varying dimensions and volumes.

The introduction of the cloud-based Snapfulfil SaaS (Software as a Service) WMS has also more than halved handling damage as the warehouse can now make consolidated picks, which means that product types can be grouped as they are loaded onto a lorry going to a depot.

Picking turnaround times have reduced significantly and stock is leaving headquarters for delivery at a faster rate.

Using RF scanners with the WMS, staff can now track where an order is, anywhere in the picking process. For the customer, this means that warehouse staff can also make any changes to their order much more efficiently, and subsequently there is much less chance of the order being delayed.

One of the additional main benefits of the system includes resource planning, as it is possible to track operatives’ collectively as they manage orders. It is then easier to identify particular areas where there may be common problems, so that changes can be made to their working day to help them work more efficiently.

Ross Lawson, IT director at OFL says: “We needed a system that was future proof and able to flex as we continue to grow at pace. Implementing the Snapfulfil system has had a dramatic impact on the way we run the warehouse and also for our warehouse staff and their working day. We are now looking ahead to phase two, where we are planning to extend the system so that customers can track their order to delivery.”