

	Sedlak associate: "When I finished my systems integration assignment, the client threw a party for me. Several months later, when I returned to see how things were going, the DC director greeted me with open arms—literally."

	"Everything Sedlak does is driven by a customer need. They are extremely adaptable in moving with the flow of industry technology. They keep up to date on what's happening, while maintaining that detail level" Jeff Freeman Sr. Vice President Corporate Operations Pleasant Company

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Operations Assessment & Productivity Improvement

Lee Valley Tools is one of the leading multi-channel retail suppliers of woodworking tools, gardening tools, and cabinet hardware. The company asked us to conduct capacity analyses to identify throughput and storage limitations in its distribution facility.

We examined future space, labor, and operations processes for growth expansion opportunities, then developed short-term objectives to improve throughput and picking efficiency during peak periods. We conducted a SKU velocity and slotting analysis to maximize picker productivity, minimize congestion, and improve replenishment processes.

As a result, Lee Valley Tools increased productivity through better slotting and improved picking and packing processes. Also, had a long-term picking and slotting plan and a road map for growth.

Lenox Collections markets fine china, collectibles and art directly to consumers from its fulfillment facility in Langhorne, Pennsylvania.

The company was outgrowing the facility due to rapid growth in catalog and Internet sales initiatives, as well as a substantial increase in SKUs and multi-line orders. Lenox asked us to review its fulfillment operations and information systems and identify and recommend improvements that would enable the company to not only meet demand, but improve productivity as well.

We recommended the addition of new material handling systems in order picking and packing operations and the redesign of product flow through existing conveyor systems.

During the first full year after implementing our recommendations Lenox found they shipped 15% more units with 5% less expense. Productivity increased 20%.