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DeploySupply Chain Distribution Model
a new chapter for Lenovo and Flex
Flex
Lenovo
Location
Venray, the Netherlands
Start Date
June 2016
Completed Date
December 2016
About
Overall project management for the realization of a spare-parts warehouse operation including definition of processes, documentation, customs processes, trade compliance (tax & legal), account management and control tower and reporting.
In scope:
- Stock transistion (non-bonded) of German DC to Venray
- Delivery to EU and non-EU countries in EMEA
- Bonded warehousing for Norway, Israel, UK and Ukraine.
- Dangerous goods shippments (batteries) in EMEA
- Parcel shipments (air, road) in EMEA
- Pallet shipments (road, train, sea) in EMEA
- Intgeration with service providers
Key activities:
- Define project structure, governanance and timelines
- Manage deliverables
- Report and progress control towards stakeholders
- Client communcation
- Manage scope and prevent scope creep
- Identifiy deviations and risk reporting
- Manage workstream leads
IT project management for WMS design, development and configuration
- Align client SAP process with WMS processes
- Support client team with SAP process design
- Manage test of WMS solution
- Interfacing with transport providers
Challenges
As a result of the sudden expiration of our contract with our German service provider, we were faced with the daunting task of implementing a new supply chain structure within an extremely compressed timeline, necessitating an urgent and efficient execution to minimize disruption to our operations.
Out-of-the box WMS not sufficient
During our warehouse management system (WMS) implementation, we initially considered configuring an existing system to meet our specific requirements.
However, after conducting a thorough assessment, we determined that modifying an existing system would be the best option. The current system had some inherent limitations and rigid architecture that couldn't be easily adapted to our unique needs through configuration alone.
Integration with different transport service providers
The integration of our warehouse management system (WMS) with multiple transport service providers, including DHL, proved to be a complex and challenging task.
The varying levels of technical expertise and responsiveness of the providers' support teams added to the complexity. The lack of standardization across the providers also required significant customization and mapping efforts on our end to ensure data consistency and accuracy.
Shipment of dangerous goods
Shipping batteries as parcels in air transportation poses significant challenges for the warehouse. The unique hazards associated with battery handling and transportation require special precautions to ensure safe and compliant shipping.
The biggest challenge is to ensure that all battery packages are properly packaged, labeled, and documented to meet the International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations. This involves segregating batteries by type, wrapping them in protective materials, and completing detailed declarations on the shipping documentation.
Result
- By modifying the existing system, the team was able to address the limitations and tailor the solution to the clients specific business requirements, resulting in an efficient and effective WMS that has increased our warehouse operations' productivity and accuracy.
- Successfull integration of the WMS with the providers, enabling real-time tracking and automation of shipping processes, but the experience highlighted the need for greater industry-wide standardization and coordination.
Development of a robust process to ensure compliance and mitigate risks, enabling us to safely and efficiently ship batteries as parcels by air.
We successfully launched a full-scale, dedicated warehouse operation with bonded and non-bonded deliveries to countries in the Middle East, Europe, and Africa within an unprecedented three-month timeframe, simultaneously integrating our Warehouse Management System (WMS) with the client's SAP system and Transport Management System (TMS) with multiple transport providers
Solutions
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