UK Network Roll out of the DCPM – Distribution Centre Planning & Management Software.
In 2022 Sigma Efficiency were approached by a global wholesale food distribution company with a strong representation in the UK. With multiple sites in the UK, they were looking for a Planning and Management solution to further develop distribution centre operational efficiency, increase visibility of operational activities, and improve operative engagement. Equally important was that any solutions implemented would interface with multiple and various WMS and data systems across their distribution network. The DCPM solution (Distribution Centre Planning and Management software) will fully function with any WMS system, T&A, MHE etc. The customer wanted to ensure that the solution also provided ALL management information required for full “network visibility” and to be able to access this significant advantage simply. The vision was to have “full network visibility” to enable control and support of operational process, performance and budgeting. One “version of the truth” from colleague level to director level and all in between.
Following a full scoping exercise and site trial, the decision was made to implement the DCPM solution supported by the TASK-SCAN Solution. These two solutions work hand in hand with all other on-site data capture and WMS systems to provide complete timelines for all operational tasks & activity from colleague level upwards.
By mid-2022 the first site selected for implementation had been established as a “Best in Class” site. Very quickly after a highly successful implementation and proof of concept, a 24 month roll out programme was established to deliver the DCPM solution to the remaining UK network. The UK network implementation was fully concluded in 2024.
DCPM now forms part of the daily operations across all sites with high levels of engagement from the teams. On site communication channels are well & truly open with discussions taking place to support colleagues and managers in their daily tasks at an all-time high. With these new levels of operational visibility, new tools, reporting capabilities and fly by wire depot management, DCPM has enabled continuous improvement to be part of daily operations.
DCPM Champions have been established at all sites and weekly communication and review takes place across the network at multiple site level and interfaces with the weekly senior management reviews creating a whole new perspective on budgeting, performance and strategic network planning.
On site the operational teams have become more efficient, effective, and engaged with many delivering double digit performance improvements with more harvestable opportunity being identified going forward.
From a senior management perspective operational intelligence from the shopfloor is now shaping and supporting more confident decision making.
From a network perspective the end result has been “full network visibility” resulting in faster, more confident & more decisive strategic decision making at a senior level. Prioritisation across the network and significant improvements in sharing demonstrated operational process and consistency across the group continue to be delivered.
Whilst the vision for “network transparency & visibility” has now been achieved, it has become apparent that greater opportunities to further stretch this vision are now well within reach. The next chapter is already being written.
