Partners In Logistics

Profit from Managing Returns. Yes, Returns. - Jonathan Byrnes on Supply Chain Finance

2011-06-28T09:25:00.000-07:00

Profit from Managing Returns. Yes, Returns. - Jonathan Byrnes on Supply Chain Finance (click on link for full publication)

"The big profit leverage that comes from managing returns – not just handling them efficiently – is that the returns rate offers a very important window into how well the institution or business provides service to its customers."

How are you, or your 3PL, managing the returns process? The link above is a quick and easy read with some great insight into an often over-looked process. If this is an area of concern for your organization, MKM would also be happy to share its experience in reverse logistics with you.

Supply Chain Digest Posted Some Excellent Suggestions for Managing Order Processing Improvements

2011-06-24T08:58:00.000-07:00

Expert Insight: Sorting it Out
By Cliff Holste Date: June 15, 2011

Logistics News: Avoid the Domino Effect When Making Changes to DC Operations

Four Ways to Improve Order Processing Without Setting off a Chain Reaction

Based on surveys and interviews, many distributors are under pressure to find low cost alternative methods to improve throughput and productivity within their order processing operations. But, an unfortunate reality is that an inefficient, well established (ingrained) process can be very difficult to change. It appears that a major deterrent is the feared “domino effect” – changes to one process will necessitate unplanned changes to associated processes setting off a chain reaction creating additional complications.

Listed below are (4) often overlooked, standalone, alternative order picking processes that can increase throughput and productivity while not impacting other operations.

#1-- Pre-Pick Split Case Items

The timely closeout of orders on the shipping dock depends on the arrival of the last few items. Because it is very difficult (even with a WMS) to estimate how much time will be consumed picking split case items, throughput and productivity can drop dramatically near the end of each order picking cycle waiting for split case to catch-up. Worse yet, the accumulative effect over the course of several pick cycles can force an overtime situation.

Depending on the amount of split case versus full case required to complete the orders, consider pre-picking split case items into shipping containers and staging them in flow racks located adjacent the shipping dock. The containers can then be released to the dock to coincide with full case picking. The extra handling of split case shipping containers will be more than offset by eliminating order closeout delays and reducing OT.

#2 --Segregate Single Line Orders

One of the most common picking metrics is the average lines per order. Using this measure can be misleading, particularly when the number is low - say 4-6 lines. To better manage picking performance, what you really need to know is what percentage of the orders are single-line orders, and what the average number of lines for multi-line orders is.

Single-line orders generally can be picked in large batches. Because they don’t need to be consolidated with other items, they often can be picked directly into a shipping container or envelope, thereby, eliminating the packing and sorting function altogether. Moreover, in a parcel-shipping environment single-line full case orders could be batched to allow operators to pull a full pallet, and then automatically print & apply customer shipping labels to the individual cases.

#3 --Slot by Commonality of Items

When it comes to multi-line orders, sometimes pickers are fortunate enough to pick an entire order without travelling far on the pick path. How can you make that the rule rather than just a matter of luck?

One way is to consider how your customers place their orders when deciding where to slot specific products on the pick face. For example, consider fragrances which are typically slotted by activity level. The zone picking system routs pickers from zone to zone to collect picks for each order. Now suppose that every order originates from an order sheet that includes all of the products that are related to a single fragrance. Instead of slotting fragrances by activity level in multiple zones, if the DC slots products related to each fragrance in a single zone in segregated bays of its carton flow rack, it would result in a very short pick path for every fragrance order.

When slotting by commonality or popularity – items that are usually order together are slotted in close proximity regardless of their activity level.

Often times the pick path for the order, and/or batch, can be greatly reduced if products are slotted at the DC to mimic the way orders are received. This will challenge you to choose pick-face configurations that combine efficiency for the fast movers with close proximity for the slower movers – an exercise worth going through frequently.

#4 --Lot Sizes Of One For Retail Distribution

In retail distribution, large quantities are not always the best way to go. When you replenish store orders on a one-for-one basis (actual units sold) the downstream savings can be substantial. Most retailers are using POS systems. By incorporating real-time inventory functionality, the new item(s) can go directly to its place on the store shelf incrementally replacing those that have been sold during the delivery cycle. Double handling in the store is eliminated. There is no backroom inventory to manage.

There are several ways this can be accomplished. Start by thinking about the final destination of the product inside the store. The small orders that are created by increased delivery frequency, for example, can be further divided to match fixtures, aisles or backroom layouts. Several of these "sub-orders" can be picked simultaneously as an efficient batch in a single pick trip at the DC. Loose pieces also can be bagged and labeled with the pick ticket at the DC. As a result, the store or the branch will receive products grouped and identified.

Before we had sophisticated warehouse management systems to optimize DC operations, warehouses and picking zones were often arranged by product family, by vendor, or in part-number sequence. Using similar methods now will optimize product flow to the store shelf.

Final Thoughts

While the above (4) suggestions may not be appropriate for every DC, in-depth analysis of a specific operation would reveal process opportunities unique to that operation. However, as a word of caution; to avoid the domino effect when making process changes - check to make sure that you are not disrupting interdependent processes, such as found in sequential picking and order assembly type operations.

Within every DC the major objectives are to reduce touches, picker walking time, and eliminate redundancy. But first one must overcome the “not invented here” syndrome as well as the “we are different and that won’t work for us” pushback. Fear of change can best be managed (at least initially) by looking for improvements that take advantage of the flow of material through the process eliminating and/or combining steps where possible. This will encourage the “working smarter - not harder” philosophy.
http://www.scdigest.com/assets/Experts/Holste_11-06-15.php?cid=4636

K&L Logistics, 2010 Aeropostale Carrier of the Year

2011-06-14T23:14:00.000-07:00

We are extremely proud to announce that K&L Logistics, Inc. has been recognized by our client, Aeropostale, as Carrier of the Year in 2010. We would like to thank Aeropostale for their business. We value our relationship, and look forward to continuing to serve them as a valuable logistics partner.

We would also like to thank all MKM Distribution and K&L Logistics employees for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence. It is an honor to have both clients and employees that share a true understanding of the importance of extraordinary service.

Internet Retailer Conference & Exhibit in San Diego June 14-16, 2011

2011-06-06T10:15:00.000-07:00

Please stop by our booth for games, prizes, and to meet our incredible staff! You can find MKM Distribution Services between the Internet Café and Food Café in booth 244.

Join 7,000+ e-retail professionals, hear 175 e-retail Executives in 100 conference sessions and visit 475 exhibiting companies at the seventh annual Internet Retailer Conference & Exhibition as they welcome the second revolution of e-commerce. IRCE draws e-retailers from all channels with the most comprehensive conference agenda and the world's largest display of the latest e-retailing technology.

Fulfillment/Delivery - Faster Fulfillment - Internet Retailer

2011-06-02T19:07:00.000-07:00

I just came across a great article on internetretailer.com that highlights a range of fulfillment strategies, from highly automated to manual. This article mentions just a few major retailers, such as the Gilt Group, Kohls, Toys R Us, and Macy's, that are making investments in new fulfillment centers and equipment, or leveraging their 3PL relationships, to remain competitive and meet e-commerce demands.

Fulfillment/Delivery - Faster fulfillment - Internet Retailer

K&L Opens New Facility

2010-06-09T07:33:00.000-07:00

K&L Logistics has opened a new facility in St. Paul, Minnesota. The facility made its first store deliveries on Monday, June 7, 2010. The facility is serving a current K&L customer, Limited Brands, and as with all facilities are always looking to expand our Customer base. The facility was located, staffed and fully operational within a mere 12 weeks. This was due to the cooperation, dedication and hardwork of the talented MKM and K&L staff.

For further information about K&L feel free to contact us.

K&L Logistics

2010-04-07T10:49:00.000-07:00

K&L Logistics was incorporated in 1991, when Bill Hurley, CEO decided to expand and replicate the MKM business model.

K&L Logistics has facilities in Ohio, New York and Maryland. To learn more about K&L check us out on our website.

Go Butler!

2010-04-05T08:29:00.000-07:00

The NCAA Basketball Final is tonight--GO BULLDOGS!!!

MKM is located at the "Crossraods of America"

2010-03-31T09:30:00.000-07:00

There are numerous reasons to choose us as your 3PL provider--our experienced team, technology, service philosophy, but another great reason is a simple one--OUR LOCATION. MKM's corporate headquarters is in Indianapolis, Indiana--"The Crossroads of America." So what does this mean for you, our customer? It means that 75% of the United States and Canadian populations are within one day's driving distance (Conexus Indiana) of our facilities. Learn more about MKM at our website, and the state of Indiana here.

2009 Statistics

2010-03-08T10:46:00.001-08:00

2009 has come to a close, and we wanted to take a moment to share some of our statistics:

* 4.6 Million Miles Driven

* 424 Stores Delivered Daily

* Over 7 Million E-Commerce Units Pick, Packed and Shipped

* 4 Million Cartons Processed in Our Warehouses

We are looking forward to a successful 2010. To learn more about us click here.

Colts Win AFC Championship

2010-01-27T09:25:00.000-08:00

Jerry Fields (President MKM)and I (Bill Mancuso, Vice President MKM) went to the AFC Championship game last Sunday with a couple of our best(potential) customers and watched as the Colts came back from an 11 point deficit in the first 28 minutes of the game to win 30 – 17 and earn a place in the upcoming Super Bowl. Lucas Oil Stadium was electric and with the blue and white jerseys everywhere you could hardly make out the green and white NY Jets supporters. It was a great game and an exciting time for all who were there. MKM takes pride in supporting our Indianapolis Colts and will be here in Indianapolis, maybe some in Miami to cheer the Colts on to another NFL Super Bowl victory….GO COLTS!!!!!!!!!!

Check It Out!

2010-01-22T06:18:00.000-08:00

While at Retail's Big Show, MKM handed out jump drives. They were a huge hit, and while supplies last we are continuing to give them out. Contact us via our website, and we will send you one for FREE.

MKM at the NRF: A Recap

2010-01-18T19:10:00.000-08:00

After arriving several hours late to New York (Newark) from Indianapolis on Sunday, we found the weather felt as cold as the single digits we left in Indiana. The hotel (New Yorker) was comfortable and the room efficient, if a little small. The hotel Restaurant had very good choices and proved to be a tasty treat. Monday morning had us up early and after breakfast a brisk ½ mile walk into a bitter cold wind from 8th Ave down 35th to 11th and the Jacob Javits Center. After checking in we met the rest of our group who had already set up the booth, and we were ready to rock n' roll.

The attendance for the show this year was up 27% from last year. NRF claims that exhibitor attendance is down this year, and that is understandable. First of all, exhibitors must commit much earlier in the year. Second, even with the economy turning around, companies are being more judicious in their spend. Marketing requires a laser focus to be successful, spraying your money all over leads to a quick exit!

We spoke to numerous people regarding MKM, and the services we offer. We spoke with Trucking Companies, retailers looking to initiate direct to consumer ecommerce, brand new companies putting together a business plan, distributors of all types of merchandise, vendors, off shore companies investigating distribution so as to have a US presence, and even an Indianapolis company looking for distribution. We only traveled 700 miles to find a potential customer 1 mile from our facility!

Overall we met over 100 people, and spoke to many about MKM. We informed everyone of the strategic location of Indianapolis, and the ability to reach 65% of the population over night without expedited services. We were able to introduce them to our capabilities, systems, facilities and infrastructure enabling us to provide excellent customer service day in and day out. More importantly we were a part of the biggest retail show and plan to be at the 100th NRF show in 2011.

Learn more about the NRF show at:
http://www.retailsolutionsonline.com/article.mvc/The-Top-Three-Themes-From-NRF-10-0001?user=2163866&source=nl:26467&VNETCOOKIE=NO

MKM at Retail's Big Show

2010-01-11T06:21:00.000-08:00

MKM has officially arrived at Retail's Big Show. Come visit us at booth 2432.

MKM is attending "Retail's BIG Show"

2010-01-08T19:38:00.000-08:00

We will be attending the National Retail Federation Convention in New York City January 10-13th. Come visit us at booth number 2432! More updates to follow.

Zethcon Adds MKM Distribution Services to It's Growing Customer Base

2009-12-27T13:48:00.000-08:00

Zethcon Corporation, developer of Synapse, a leading Warehouse Management System for third party warehouse operations, is pleased to announce the addition of MKM Logistics to its growing customer base. MKM Distribution Services is a provider of third party fulfillment, logistics and supply chain needs. Read more >>