DC Analysis, Design Enhancements, and Warehouse System Implementation

The company provides its cosmetic products through a multitude of channels, including wholesale, spa and boutique, retail, and direct-to-consumer deliveries. It was acquired by a large global cosmetic company that was looking to leverage the combined North American operations.

After being acquired, the parent company wanted to consolidate its North American distribution operations into a single distribution center (DC). There were two existing DCs, but the lease on one site was about to expire, and both facilities lacked sufficient space to attempt a simple merging of the facility operations. The enterprise resource planning (ERP) system also lacked the needed functionality.

Led the assessment of current operational capabilities and requirements and developed a strategic path forward for consolidated operations. The effort included developing a financial model complete with required capital investment, new operating costs, cut-over expenses, and a risk mitigation plan with expected return on investment (ROI).

• Developed facility design that consolidated North American distribution into less total space while accommodating their aggressive growth plans
• Supported selection and implementation of a Warehouse Management System (WMS) that addressed their unique multichannel distribution operations
• Established phased implementation plan for both the WMS and the material handling equipment that would simplify the integration of operations and optimize cash flow requirements to achieve benefits