|
|
|
|
Laura Ashley
|
|
Supply Chain Analysis
|
|
Client is a major clothing and household products retailer,
with stores World-wide. All products sold are store branded, supplied from a
range of vendors in Europe, the Far East, Asia and South America. Products are split between garments and household with
the latter including furnishings, wallpaper, paints, glass, electrical goods,
ceramics (tiles and tableware) and fittings.
|
|
lauraashley.com
|
|
Investment
|
|
Key motivators for Laura Ashley include product development to meet the needs
of target customers through focusing on signature product ranges. Investment in
stores with an extensive refit program in the UK and in Europe, and an
effective communications strategy has been put into place to articulate the
brand image. The brand strategy has provided a solid base upon which the company
is progressing.
|
|
Business Challenge
|
|
Performance Improvement
|
|
James Ross Consulting were asked to undertake an assessment
of packaging related handling issues within the Warehousing operation and
Distribution chain, to identify opportunities and approach for performance
improvement.
|
|
How JRC Helped
|
|
Logistics Analysis
|
|
The analysis involved an assessment of the central
Distribution Centre, covering the following: Product / order flow. Markets covered and picking / packing requirements (European
/ Export). Range of items stocked and range of packaging formats
(within each product group). Compatibility of product quantity and size with storage and
order picking requirements. Use of coding / labelling. Labour input into packing process. Return rates, by market for transit damage. Customer service input re: packaging issues / feedback from
stores / markets. Overall Distribution costs for Sea and Air Freight (cube /
weight ratio).
|
|
Value Delivered
|
|
More Control of Packaging Formats
|
|
On completion of this analysis significant benefits were
identified from packaging change. This required more direct control of
packaging formats used by product manufacturers. In order to achieve this it
was identified that actual packaging performance criteria and test methods were
required. In addition, greater understanding of individual vendor capabilities,
packaging usage, other markets required etc. was also identified as a key
requirement. The survey provided background data to facilitate
development of a standard manual for overall packaging usage. The document was
based on actual supply chain needs and capabilities.
|
|
|
|
Contact Us
|
|
|
|
To enquire about applying our services to your business send us an e-mail
|
|
|
|
We have offices in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific. Locate our office addresses here
|
|
|