Case Study: Comprehensive IT Management for High Performance DC

Client Description

• Provides workplace clothing and related items for sale or rent to businesses worldwide
• Distribution channels are direct-to-business and direct-to-consumer, including Internet and catalog sales
  

The Challenge

• Several disparate business units together under a single roof
• Facility design and operational need called for a high degree of interaction with multiple types of material handling
• Greenfield facility with minimal initial staffing and rapid ramp-up

Tompkins' Role

• The advanced supply chain information technology systems provided higher performance for this workplace clothing company's newly consolidated distribution center.

  Provide project management, design, testing, training and implementation support for material handling and the warehouse management system (WMS).
• Analyze and select the most appropriate platform and release for the Manhattan Associates WMS.
• Integrate material handling equipment with WMS using Tompkins Control System for real-time control and closed-loop communications.
• Design and implement a distributed, risk-mitigated I.T. systems architecture, network and integration model.
  

The Results

• Housed multiple previously disparate divisions under one roof with single, comprehensive operational flow and material handling under Tompkins Control System.
• Completed comprehensive performance testing for distributed I.T. systems via LoadRunner simulating 150 users with minimal project staffing requirement.
• Provided training and implementation plan for rapid on-boarding for the new management team and work force.
• Executed low-risk I.T. systems deployment, which minimized required customizations and highlighted technical issues well in advance of required operations.