A communications provider operating in Ontario and Quebec needed to improve the efficiency of its network installation processes.
Historically, the company’s installation workforce managed cable products and associated materials used by the company’s network installation crews and third-party contractors. However, the in-house process was not working. The challenges included:
Higher administrative costs associated with order and inventory management activities
Supply chain inefficiencies resulting from material-handling duplication.
Inefficient network coverage
Disparate information systems leading to lack of control on the movement of products in rest and in transit
Logistics functions being managed by installers and technicians
Lack of labour flexibility and productivity
The Opportunity
Turn to an outsourced logistics expert. Progistix was called on to design and deploy a 3PL solution that would incorporate industry best practices in the management of remote stocking locations and enhance the client’s process with the addition of innovative, intelligent logistics services.
The Solution
The solution incorporated industry best practices and Progistix innovation to create a smarter, more efficient and more accurate field logistics supply chain.
Planned the transition, hiring and training of over 30 service representatives.
Improved logistics processes including stock replenishment and inventory management practices.
Standardized site layout to allow for product flows, signage, racking, etc.
Collaborated with the client and other supply chain partners to establish SOPs covering the end-to-end field logistics services. We also monitored the conformance of supply chain partners to the SOPs through onsite field audits.
Improved network coverage by rationalizing the mix and number of manned (24) and unmanned (57) field locations across both provinces.
Introduced the management of 43 pole yards with a view to better enforcing the adherence to environmental and local municipal regulations.
Introduced tighter management controls on performance management (KPIs, SLAs) and overall operating costs.
Developed better integration between their field inventory management (CFIM) and their ERP systems (SAP).
Delivered improved visibility over inventory status and order fulfillment activities.
