SAMPLE PROJECT DESIGN METHODOLOGY

Orientation Meetings Learn Nuances Observe, Audit & Detail Present Operations Data Collection Statistical Analysis Operational Analysis Prototype Design Recommendation Or Options Design Detailing Validation Implementation

TYPICAL PROJECT PROCESS:
	Meet with our clients to acquire a firm understanding of their corporate, department, and project goals; what the essence of their business is; and their preferred ways of doing business
	Observe and perform a detailed audit and analysis of business operations for the entire supply chain including interactions with vendors and customers; algorithms for purchasing and/or manufacturing; information technology support; import and export requirements; and all operations within the four walls of the distribution or manufacturing center
	Collect and thoroughly analyze key data for sales volume; inventory levels; order size and frequency; value added services; and unique requirements of each client’s business. The results are translated into service level, operational, and space requirements in the context of customer service goals
	Special attention is given to product mix, and inventory goals vs. inventory performance. We will determine appropriate product mixes at optimal inventory levels by product group, provide plans to achieve inventory goals and provide systems and training of staff to achieve those goals
	Meet to review our analysis, findings, and conclusions with the project team to ensure our understanding and interpretation of submitted data and information is correct. We must all be “on the same wave length” for the project to be successful.
	Based on the analyses of the data, operational observations, and meetings Investigate alternative operating scenarios and conceptual facility designs, incorporating different material handling equipment, storage equipment, material flows, and operating methods, to meet design year throughput, processing and storage volume requirements.
	Alternatives will include: equipment and technologies at various levels of mechanization and automation to determine the best methods and technologies for each phase of the operation. We verify which, if any automated systems might be applicable to the operation in the context of budget constraints and how well they will assist the client in meeting service requirements.
	Develop conceptual layout(s) for viable options provide a recommended layout to:
	Show facility flow Reduce travel distance and time Provide for future expansion
	Analyze alternatives quantitatively and qualitatively:
	Quantitatively for: • Space required • Throughput capacity • Storage capacity, • Equipment cost • Labor cost • Payback vs. the base alternative (typically the current operation   extended to meet design year requirements) Qualitatively for: • Speed and difficulty of implementation (given that orders must   continue to ship while the transition to the new operation occurs) • The ability to support error-free performance • Ease (difficulty) of managing the operation • Risks associated with the alternative • Data processing requirements • Scalability • Flexibility to accommodate future requirements
	Work with the project team to select an alternative for implementation
	Prepare a dimensioned facility layout for the chosen design
	Describe functional areas and requirements where computer support will have to be enhanced or changed to support new operations
	Develop budget costs for material handling and storage equipment required for the chosen option with an associated ROI analysis
	Write and present to management a final report either detailing or summarizing project results to gain project approval and start implementation

PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION SERVICES
	Develop and maintain the implementation schedule, critical path charts
	Write move or changeover plans
	Provide equipment specifications and bid packages, assist with equipment selection
	Prepare information systems functional specifications and “Request for Proposal” (WMS if required)
	Work with equipment and other vendors, answer questions for all
	Oversee equipment installation to ensure adherence to specifications
	Manage facility preparation including rack labeling, floor striping, etc.
	Design and implement training programs
	Determine guidelines for and assist with product placement and slotting
	Assist with the start-up and debugging of the new operation
	Follow up with the project team
	Project management of the implementation
	Misc. services to ensure project success
Our projects are customized for each client using data and information collected and analyzed to meet specific client goals. Project results balance operations, staffing, equipment, and layout for optimal customer service at minimal cost using sound processes that have been developed over time and have been continually successful. They provide for flexibility and scalability as we provide plans for growth of the new operation from inception through design year.
We become our client’s temporary executive management team in areas of specialization that may not be available within the company or to supplement the internal staff to expedite projects that would otherwise wait.
While learning about the business, we establish a “team relationship” with staff at all levels, which will facilitate project implementation and reduce “resistance to change.” We therefore become an integral business resource and create a trust-based relationship that focuses on the achievement of our mutual goal, the successful implementation of a high performance warehousing, manufacturing, or distribution operation.