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A distribution facility must optimize and integrate the following five elements to achieve maximum efficiency:
“The shortest distance between two points is a straight line”. While this saying may be considered cliché, it is right on target when it comes to laying out a distribution facility. The optimal material flow typically occurs when you achieve the shortest overall path with the fewest possible touches.
Correctly applied, material handling equipment can greatly increase the efficiency of a distribution operation. On the other hand, misapplied material handling equipment can shut an operation down. It is important to thoroughly evaluate and cost justify equipment in the context of the overall process design before making any investment.
“Keep it simple stupid”, another cliché. A distribution process should be simple and straight forward. A well designed, straight forward process typically requires less labor to execute, minimizes opportunities for error, and is easier to manage. That is not to say that the systems applied to facilitate the process should not be complex. They very well may be. But, even when a sophisticated, complex material handling system or warehouse management system software is employed, it should be done with the goal of simplifying the overall process.
As hard as engineers have tried, they have yet to replaced the brain or manual dexterity of the human element. People are critical to the success of a distribution operation; therefore, it is important that the facility is designed with the human in mind. Safety and ergonomics should be primary design considerations.
The modern distribution center runs on information. How effective you are at capturing data, turning it into information and communicating that information to the right place at the right time will go a long way toward determining how efficient your distribution operation will be.
Neglecting any of the elements above will result in a less than optimal distribution facility design. At CEI Logistics, our approach ensures all facets of the operation are considered and integrated into a single seamless solution.
This approach is a core part of our offerings. If you're interested, call us at 800-441-1162, or e-mail 24hours@ceilogistics.com for a fast response.
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