Strategic Modeling Analysis

Sedlak utilizes several modeling/transportation analysis software packages, which we overlay with our own proprietary tools sets to refine scenarios, providing stronger and more comprehensive results. The software package we prefer is the Strategic Analysis of Integration Logistics Systems (SAILS) from Insight. Using this state-of-the-art optimization technology, Sedlak analyzes current operations, develops network models, considers alternative scenarios and recommends distribution and fulfillment strategies that enhance our client's competitive advantage by providing superior customer services at the most attainable, efficient operating cost.

Facility/Operation Simulations

Desiring to fully understand the effect of potential modifications to their operations based on changing business requirements Sedlak has performed numerous facility/operational simulations for clients who want to fully understand the effect of potential modifications to their operations based on changing business requirements. When applied properly, this powerful analytical tool can lead to improved system design, reduced business costs, and increased operational efficiency. 

Our efforts focus on the client’s baseline operational parameters and execute a concise set of model scenarios to achieve specific operational objectives. We work closely with the client to determine the scope of the model, which can be as broad as the entire fulfillment facility or as narrow as one picking conveyor. 

Sedlak has used several simulation programs to depict warehouse layouts, conveyor merges and sortation, and high-speed sortation. Typically, the base scope involves one major model revision with up to several “what if” scenarios under each major model version. 

Supply Chain Capacity Modeling

As part of Sedlak's proprietary toolset, the supply chain capacity model is tailored to your organization's unique operating structure to provide insight and forward visibility into the many components of your supply chain and their respective capacity utilization levels. The model's structure, with consolidated parameters and assumptions, visual graphics, and concise summary tables, allows for quick and easy 'what-if' scenarios to address the uncertainties in your plans. The model can also be expanded to incorporate resource planning, such as people, mobile equipment, task directive equipment, etc.

Tactical benefits include insight into when capacity thresholds will be reached, the ability to identify the functional areas where bottlenecks may occur, the understanding of the various options to address the capacity constraints, as well as the ability to plan and level critical resources. Strategic benefits include improved capital expenditure planning, deferred capital expenditures, reduced operational costs, improved customer service, among others.

LEED Certification Support

Sedlak assists clients in achieving LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, utilizing the Green Building Rating System developed by the U.S. Green Building Council). This is a recognition that a construction project or building can attain by utilizing environmentally friendly building practices during construction or remodeling, causing the least amount of harm to the environment. LEED certification can be attained on four different levels, which are determined by a credit or point system. The levels of LEED certification are Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Low-energy design decreases maintenance costs and prevents buildings from becoming obsolete as those using systems that are less economical and less friendly to the environment. It may cost more initially, but most green innovations will pay for themselves through 30-35% energy savings within three to eight years. This could translate into millions of dollars in savings. Sedlak strongly supports our clients’ efforts to be good stewards of the earth.

Business Case Development

Regardless of the initiative, we find it imperative to have a solid business case to create a compelling case for change, build commitment, and obtain investment approval. And then throughout the project lifecycle, it is refined and updated at important milestones and is used to plan and manage the business change, realize the benefits and risks, maintain stakeholder sponsorship, and enable key management decisions to be taken.

We will help to clearly define why your project makes solid financial sense to the organization. The business case will support planning and decision-making, such as what to buy, what vendor to choose, and when to implement – all based on maximizing the value created by the effort.

AutoCAD

Drawings form the basis of a concise description of equipment design and layout expectations. We accurately portray to scale the recommended facility and material handling systems to meet your specific needs and project objectives. Our drawings are sufficiently explicit in detail to convey the information required, but not excessive in detail to stifle suppliers design requirements or retard the performance of the computer systems hardware. Our modeling efforts flow into equipment specification development to provide a strong translation of facility and equipment requirements and establish installation expectations, providing a basis for vendors to accurately quote prices for your project.

Lean Distribution

Lean distribution principles allow companies to serve customers faster, using less space and inventory, at lower transaction costs and with greater accuracy. But desired business outcomes linked to operating process changes must first be identified. The starting point is assessing, quantifying, and agreeing on the barriers for improvement.

Sedlak will help you avoid the “black-box” approach that hides how change will occur or conceals what the business will look like in the future. With lean methodology, the shifts are clear and process approaches are well tested. Transforming organizational structures and reporting relationships becomes less of a challenge. What remains is tailoring your lean practices to your markets and operating environment.

RFID Systems Design/Implementation

You need to deploy an RFID system, but don't understand the key risk factors affecting your project. What should you prioritize? How should you choose a partner? How can you evaluate RFID vendors effectively? What activities will determine the project's timeline? Sedlak has the answers and demonstrated experience from configuration, testing, training, conference room pilot preparation, and go- live support.

RFID implementations are complex and a substantial financial commitment. That is why it’s imperative to understand the key risks: objectives, processes, systems, and interdependencies. End users looking to adopt RFID today have a big advantage over their predecessors because the technology, software and know-how are advancing.

With certainty, RFID projects must coordinate processes, applications and people. By leveraging Sedlak’s experience and understanding the key elements of a successful RFID program, we’ll help you establish a sound foundation for a winning RFID implementation.

Slotting

Sedlak’s slotting process involves analyzing historical SKU activity by category and applying the category velocity characteristics to the SKUs to be slotted. Each warehouse is different, so proper slotting is dependent on the facility’s unique product, movement and storage characteristics. An optimal profile allows associates to pick items more quickly and accurately, while reducing the risk of injuries. 

Forget the legend that only huge distribution centers can benefit from or afford a slotting system. Wider availability of software has brought this optimization process within the reach of even small facilities.

In smaller warehouses, slotting is often done manually or using standard computer spreadsheet or database programs. Specifically-designed slotting software is a valuable tool for operations with a large number of SKUs (stock keeping units) as well as for businesses where the items inventoried change frequently, such as in catalog distribution centers.

Material Handling Equipment Design/Procurement/Integration

Sedlak has been designing innovative material handling solutions for our clients since the inception of our company in 1958. Our goal remains to position our clients for achieving outstanding strides in improving their operations through appropriate material handling and related information systems. We coordinate all aspects of the material handling and supporting system implementation to ensure the project is completed and time and within budget. Our success is founded on the breadth and depth of our experience and expertise in creating equipment/systems solutions for clients with new or retrofitted operations, and single facility to very large, complex distribution/fulfillment networks. 

We create the optimum material handling systems infrastructures for our clients by providing services that encompass all aspects of the design, procurement and integration of MHE systems from conception through detailed design, implementation, and training.

Training - WMS/Operations

When introducing a new warehouse management system, training must be conducted in order to successfully shift responsibility to users who need to become responsible for using the system to operate the facility, as well as maintenance of system data and parameters. As a rule, training plans are made when the project is underway and the transition and testing programs are also in the planning stage.

Typically, a core group of people who have been involved in the project have knowledge about how the warehouse management system will operate. This group consists of a few of the client’s staff members, Sedlak, and the systems integrator. Three client groups, the users, “superusers” (or troubleshooters) and the internal information systems/technical support associates, must be prepared to take on new roles. To achieve full benefit of the new system, training should be planned for people in areas of the business whose information needs are linked to warehouse operations. Training curriculum is most effective when real data is used; participation includes hands-on experience and a step-by-step manual of all the general and exception transactions are documented for follow up.

Benefits

• A structured training program leads to efficient use of training time. The staff is pulled from operations only as long as necessary and resources and time requirements are identified early along with capacity constraints/capabilities to meet requirements.
  
• The fastest return on investment for new system and facility operation is realized.
  
• Dissemination of the training plan to the operating staff lends confidence and a less “eventful” start-up after introduction of the new system.

Remember: If the people using the system are not trained, they will create their own way to use the software, which may not be the best way to obtain intended productivity.