Learn more by filling out the form below to download your copy today.

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Supply Chain System Upgrades or Implementations May Come With Steep Problems

Supply chain system implementations are challenging projects. The complexity of these systems has increased significantly over the last 20 years as a result of numerous factors, including changes to operating system preferences, advancements in user interfaces, integration with material handling equipment, and advancements in robotics. Depending on their business model, different software vendors will accept varying levels of responsibility for the overall success of the implementation. The remainder of the responsibility defaults to the customer, who typically undertake these types of projects once every 4-7 years. Customers simply cannot maintain an appropriate level of expertise executing these projects as a result of the infrequency of the endeavors and the rate of change in the underlying systems. This leads to poorly informed decision-making, brute-force implementations with drawn-out timelines, excessive manual execution, heavy system modification, and an increase in the total cost of ownership (TCO) of the system.

Consider the issues presented by Material Handling and Logistics:

“Manufacturers, 3PLs and others in the supply chain often get lost in the details. They feel there are so many factors to consider, so therefore the solution must be as equally complex. That’s not true. As explained by the popular saying about how to eat an elephant (“one bite at a time”), overwhelming problems are best solved by simplifying how you look at the issue and taking small steps.”

Without an objective view, entire software projects may fail.

Supply Chain Systems Specialists Enable Better Project Management

Working with supply chain systems specialists transfers the burden of managing the software implementation project to an independent third party, such as Veridian. Businesses gain a realistic view of the project through third-party eyes. Veridian takes this stance to maintain objectivity, determining how a software or service will add value to your organization. In this role, Veridian further ensures that all decisions made in the course of the project achieve core business goals, not necessarily fulfill a sale.

The value of working with third-party services for a truly objective view of the supply chain was explored in-depth as SaaS-based systems began to appear in the market in 2007 by an article in the MIT Sloan Management Review, entitled, “The Need for Third-Party Collaboration.” Consider this excerpt:

“Companies have moved away from hierarchical, integrated supply chains in favor of fragmented networks of strategic partnerships with external entities. (See “The Disintegration of the Supply Network.”) This transformation has caused ripples throughout the old supply network. Many businesses are struggling to compete in the new landscape. However, it is not clear how sustainable the fragmented supply chain will be — particularly for small and mid-size enterprises. Following the period of disintegration, it will be only a matter of time before there is a compelling need for reintegration, which for many companies will have to be coordinated and facilitated by independent third parties.”

This is where supply chain systems specialists can help, reintegrating the supply chain, and restoring the independence of warehouses and true resellers in the market.

How to Choose and Maximize The Use of Supply Chain Technology Specialists

To avoid ambiguity and maximize the use of third-party supply chain systems specialists, follow these simple tips:

• Review recommendations.
• Look for an objective third party with a history of media surrounding multiple software vendors.
• Consider integration capabilities and experience.
• Never assume you must work with the vendor-specified supply chain systems specialist.
• Never pay the full cost upfront.
• Always ask for frequent updates and expected implementation durations prior to the beginning.

Let Veridian Optimize Your Next System Implementation Project

Veridian has the experience and resources to serve as an objective partner during your next project. Realize that vendor-specified services will likely cost more and possibly lead to unnecessary software modifications. However, you can avoid that problem by understanding the facts and choosing an established third-party specialist first. Request a consultation with Veridian online today.

The post Using Supply Chain Systems Specialists to Complete Your Project appeared first on Veridian.

An OMS is one key method for changing retail operations to accommodate the current constraints and will be useful long after the COVID-19 pandemic is behind us. A modern OMS can enable curbside pickup and buy-online, pick up in-store (BOPIS) functionality that can enable customers to shop in the way they feel most comfortable while being safe and effective.

Learn more by filling out the form below to download your copy today.

The post [WHITE PAPER] Order Management Systems to Drive Retail Solutions in the Era of COVID-19 and Beyond appeared first on Veridian.

Following last year’s Great Place to Work certification, the team at Veridian took that feedback to heart. According to Jason Rosing, Co-Founder & Managing Partner at Veridian, “I was really pleased with the feedback we received last year, as it highlighted some things that we could actively work on as a team, and true to form the people of Veridian stepped up to the plate to make some significant improvements.”

Those improvements have paid off for Veridian and Jason went on to say, “we are proud to be recognized for creating one of the best workplaces in Consulting & Professional Services. This honor is something that we have received as a company because of the continuous efforts of each and every employee. They are the ones that shape the culture of the organization by committing to excellence in everything that we do as a company.”

The Best Workplaces in Consulting & Professional Services stand out for excelling in one of the nation’s most competitive marketplaces. Veridian has earned this recognition by building a community based on collaboration, where a team of passionate individuals are able to work together towards the common goal of customer success.

“COVID-19 creates very unpredictable and rapidly changing markets for Consulting & Professional Services companies,” said Michael Bush, CEO of Great Place to Work. “Companies on this list stand out for the high level of trust they have built with their entire workforce. High-trust, For All cultures enable these organizations today to quickly adjust to remote work arrangements and to successfully navigate through uncertain times.”

The Best Workplaces in Consulting & Professional Services is one of a series of rankings by Great Place to Work based on employee feedback from Great Place to Work-Certified organizations. Veridian was first certified as a Great Place to Work in 2018 and has maintained that standing since.

About Veridian:

Veridian is a technology and services leader specializing in the implementation and optimization of supply chain systems that enable omnichannel fulfillment. No matter the type of engagement we ensure clients are in a position to succeed by employing tools focused on efficiency, ease of use, and a proven implementation methodology. Our expertise in implementing and optimizing best-of-breed supply chain suites has led to the development of our robust, commercially available AutoMate software platform. For more information visit us at https://veridian.info/.

About the Best Workplaces in Consulting & Professional Services

Great Place to Work based its ranking on a data-driven methodology applied to anonymous Trust Index survey responses representing more than 357,000 employees working at Great Place to Work-Certified organizations in the consulting or professional services industry in the United States. This ranking was finalized prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and does not reflect companies’ roles or responses to their people or communities in addressing the impact of the coronavirus. To learn more about Great Place to Work Certification and recognition on Best Workplaces lists, visit Greatplacetowork.com.

The post Veridian Named One of the Best Workplaces in Consulting & Professional Services by Great Place to Work® appeared first on Veridian.

What Is the Survey?

Great Place to Work® conducted a survey by having employees submit responses anonymously. Getting anonymous answers ensures responses are accurate and reflect actual work conditions. Survey results are tabulated based on generation, age, and perception of key company activities. These include ease of approachability among managers, resolution for issues or questions, hiring processes, as well as the integration of new employees within the existing workforce, and trust of managers.

What Do the Results Mean for Veridian?

Great Place to Work® recently surveyed the employees at Veridian to find out how employees viewed their workplace, and the results allude to a healthy, bright future for the company. It is not an easy task to attain this certification. Businesses must get at least 75 percent positive results, and 100 percent of Veridian employees participating in the survey reported excellent conditions to the employee-satisfaction consultant, Great Place to Work®. This means Veridian possesses a culture of collaboration and a robust management-employee rapport.

According to Sandeep Patel, Co-Founder & Managing Partner at Veridian, “the scores highlight the team-based environment at Veridian. Everyone commits time, energy, and resources to make Veridian a great place to work, and I’m most proud of the community we have built. We trust in and work closely together, and that is part of what makes this award so remarkable.”

Armed with the results of the survey, Jason Rosing, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Veridian, went on to further explain,

“These results show we are moving in the right direction. Veridian’s core businessis about making warehouse operations more effective for Warehouse Managers and supply chain leaders and collaboration between team mebers in the company is crucial to Veridian’s ability to provide efficiency for our clients. By ensuring we have a fully integrated team, willing to share and voice ideas and opinions, we will continue our mission. We will be able to grow and serve even more clients.”

Let a Great Place to Work®-Certified Organization Put Their Teamwork and Power to Work for You.

Society is in the age of social media, and the business-to-business relationships of supply chains and warehouses will come under the spotlight at some point. Instead of trying to choose a last-minute third-party integrator and expert in warehouse management, partner with a company that has a proven, positive reputation. Working together, the team at Veridian can streamline your operations, leveraging countless resources a comprehensive skill set of coders, developers, designers, supply chain leaders and more.

Are you interested in being part of Veridian’s goals of expansion of service and dedicated support to our clients? We have the skills, talented workforce, and even the Great Place to Work® certification to prove we are the company you want to work with. Browse our current open positions and submit your application to come work at Veridian, a leading supply chain technology company and now a Great Place to Work®-Certified Organization.

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The Growth of E-Commerce and Omnichannel Are Top Driving Factors in Warehouse Management System Adoption 

The growth of e-commerce and omnichannel stand out among the drivers of modern-day warehouse management system adoption. E-commerce and omnichannel sales have continuously broken records for demand and volume. The 2018 holiday shopping season saw more customers shop for online-only purchases through Amazon, as well as a record number of shoppers in traditional brick-and-mortar stores. In addition, Whttps://veridian.info/warehouse-automation-technology/almart saw a significant increase in the number of purchases made online and picked up in store. The days of using legacy systems and manual processes are inefficient and ineffective at handling the strong demand placed upon the industry by the growth of e-commerce and omnichannel.

Worsening of the Talent Shortage

The talent shortage of supply chain management is continuing to grow worse. More than 50,000 baby boomers retire each day, and the industry is struggling with attracting members of the newer generations, including millennials and Gen Zers. As the talent shortage worsens, supply chain executives will be forced to adopt a new warehouse management system capable of managing scarce labor resources and deploying automation in warehouses, distribution centers, and logistics networks alike.

Technological Obsolescence of Existing Systems

The technological obsolescence of existing systems is another factor driving more companies to warehouse management system adoption. SKU proliferation exceeded the limits of most homegrown WMS solutions and even those that have managed to keep up still struggle with updates and improvements necessary to meet the demands of e-commerce and omnichannel. Therefore, the costs of maintaining an in-house or homegrown WMS may be higher than adopting a new system that leverages the latest technologies and functionalities.

Automation in Warehouses, Distribution Centers, and Logistics Networks

Automation in warehouses, distribution centers, and logistics networks is essential as companies have moved away from regional networks and toward globalization. Today, consumers may shop from anywhere in the world, so the increase from e-commerce and omnichannel is much more significant than it appears. Automated technologies, including virtual reality, automated storage and retrieval systems, RFID, AIDC, pick to light and put to light, automated conveyors and even order streaming systems, require advanced integration with WMS platforms. In addition, the variety of platforms and systems in use necessitate an open architecture that exists in modern, cloud-based WMS. In other words, open architecture allows systems to integrate more readily and with fewer coding changes if any.

Inventory Visibility and Optimization, Including Reslotting and Order Streaming

Staying competitive with Amazon, Walmart, Target and other Big Box retailers requires an unmitigated level of inventory visibility and optimization. Seasonal and sudden changes in product demand and variety mean warehouses must continuously reslot items to reduce pick times and ship products faster. These demands can be met with modern-day warehouse management system adoption.

Start the Search for the Right, Modern-Day WMS for Your Supply Chain Now

Implementing a warehouse management system is one of the most effective and essential steps in maintaining a competitive advantage and meeting the demands on today’s supply chains. Instead of risking it all to keep your existing system running, start looking for a new system immediately, and if you are uncertain where to start, Veridian can help.

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The Challenge of Click and Collect

The primary challenge of click and collect derives from the problems presented when attempting to expand the duties of the current workforce to offer click and collect services. Since the storefronts take on the characteristics of the warehouse or distribution center, resulting in the aforementioned SaaDC model, more workers may be necessary, driving costs upward. Also, retailers must have full inventory visibility to know when product specs can be fulfilled through the storefront, as well as communicate with consumers regarding when their purchases will be ready for pickup.

Click & Collect Capabilities Give Customers Freedom of Choice and Flexibility

In today’s omnichannel and same day delivery expectations retail environment, offering click and collect capabilities are essential to ensuring a positive omnichannel customer experience. While customers may choose to shop online, they want the freedom and flexibility that accompanies picking products up in the store. Unfortunately, retailers lack the capabilities necessary to offer the service. Essentially, retailers must be able to transform their existing in-store layout into a warehouse-like operation, where workers act as both customer service representatives and pickers. As a result, it is essential to follow a few best practices to achieve this feat. According to Supply Chain 24/7, these practices include:

1. Think of in-store picks as warehouse picks, requiring efficient, optimal routes.
2. Determine order fulfillment cycle time. Although this may not seem like a metric to track, knowing the amount of time necessary to pick a click and collect order is essential to making it profitable.
3. Ensure picker accuracy. Tracking the accuracy of orders picked in-store will give pickers the ability to increase accuracy and completes tasks within shorter time frames. This is essential to making buy online and pick up in-store, profitable, but it also ensures workers efficiently perform their duties.
4. Consider the impact on in-store labor resources. Implementing click and collect capabilities sounds excellent, but it is much more complicated than meets the eye. It would be impractical to require in-store workers to handle online orders in addition to their existing job duties, so it may be necessary to hire additional workers.
5. Gather transactional data. In the same manner as tracking information regarding online and in-store purchases, retailers should track information related to buying online and picking up in store. This allows companies to fine-tune picking processes and identify the potential problems that lead to delays in picking online orders in the store.

How a WMS Enables Click & Collect Capabilities

Although a WMS may not seem like the solution for buying online and picking up in-store, the similarities between using a storefront as a distribution center and actual warehouse management resemble one another. As a result, a WMS, when applied to a warehouse, has the same implication for in-store online order fulfillment. It should provide unmatched visibility, route optimization, slotting optimization, and much more. In the storefront, these actions may amount to better inventory accuracy, the creation of pathways for picking orders for workers, relocation of products to be closer to products frequently ordered together, and so on.

Expand Your Shipping and Pickup Options With a WMS

A true omnichannel supply chain allows customers freedom in shopping online and in the store. The ability to offer to buy online and pick up in-store is essential to creating and maintaining an omnichannel supply chain, and supply chain executives need to expand their available shipping and pickup options to offer this vital service. Fortunately, deploying a robust, enterprise wide WMS can help supply chains meet this need while providing the benefits throughout the entire supply chain, ranging from the distribution center to manufacturers and beyond.

The post How a WMS Helps Retailers Execute Click & Collect Capabilities appeared first on Veridian.

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• Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

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