Prime Distribution Services - Plainfield, IN
System Summary
Prime Distribution Services, a third party logistics provider based in Plainfield, IN, supplies their customers with complete supply chain solutions incorporating warehousing, cross-docking, packaging and multi-vendor freight consolidation.
Prime Distribution Services (PDS) definition of consolidation is relatively simple; vendors warehouse their product PDS' facilities, PDS picks and packs their orders and combines them with other orders bound for the same destination. Many of PDS's customers are smaller companies who ship large quantities of products at the retail level. PDS offers these companies cost effective distribution programs and allows them compete more cost effectively against larger companies who are able to ship full truckload volume to retailers.
Business Challenge
As the industry changed, and PDS's customers started to ship fewer single item full pallets and more mixed item pallets, the burden of picking and shipping became a time consuming task for Prime Distribution. PDS decided an automated solution was needed to process these picks and that better visibility and accountability was required to support their rapid growth.
Key Technology
- Exacta Warehouse Management System
- Exacta Warehouse Control Software
- Conveyor routing and sortation
- Marquee sign displays
- Event Director alerts
- Pick to Display
- RF handheld devices
Results
Provides visibilty to information in real-time
The warehouse management system provides managers and lead personnel with the up to date information they need to process receipts and orders efficiently.
Increase in picking productivity
Having the products located within pallet flow rack in a pick module, allows operators to quickly walk to the picking location, pick the required item, place it on the conveyor and continue picking.
Reduction in quantity picking errors
With a scanner on the conveyor scanning each case and being counted as the item is diverted down the lane to be palletized, it is fast and easy to verify correct item quantities for a pallet.
The Future
Prime Distribution Services is enjoying the benefits and business advantages they have achieved through the implementation of the Warehouse Management System, Pick to Display and Warehouse Control System. Seeing the success of the system, Prime Distribution is in the process of adding another pick module to their Plainfield location and has plans to install the Warehouse Management System in their facilities in Mesquite, TX and Stockton, CA as well as future planned locations.
