The Works boosts warehouse productivity by 25%

The company says it added the new sofwareto build on the 25% increase in picking efficiency already achieved with RedPrairie’s Warehouse Management solution. Diane Smith, supply chain manager at The Works, says: “Managers now benefit from dynamic workforce reporting functionality via a PC-based user interface that delivers accurate expectations for picking tasks, taking into account preferred work methods, such as travel distances, weight and environmental factors.” And she adds: “In just five months, operator productivity has grown by 25% while increased employee motivation has reduced staff turnover. In addition, new starters are trained faster – and in best-practice operating methods that enable them to be productive from day one. The system has already paid for itself and there are further benefits expected.” The system works so well, she says, because real-time monitoring enables team-leaders to measure up-to-the-minute performance of individuals and teams, and alerts them to potential problems before they disrupt warehouse operations. Workforce Management’s job costing functionality also ensures that labour costs are allocated correctly, while its web-based reporting tools provide timely insight into irregularities. Says Smith: “Implementing RedPrairie’s Workforce Management solution has created a performance-focused culture at The Woks… Workforce Management also helps managers identify process weaknesses.”