How the WMS system implementation reduced warehouse costs by 20 percent

Large European Auto Parts Distributor* streamlines warehouse operations with customized warehouse management system

The large auto parts distributor based in Europe recognized the need to optimize and streamline its complex warehouse inventory and processes before they could focus on expanding its business operations.

Their warehouse space was about 11,000 square meters with 13 work zones used to receive, load, and store parts. The client maintained a large inventory of items with significant differences in weight and size that required a variety of storage options across hundreds of locations within the warehouse. Finally, there was a significant volume of daily orders for various types of products, delivery speed requirements, and transactions.

Their existing system lacked process automation capabilities. The staff knew where products were located—from memory—rather than storing this critical information in the warehouse automation system and using it to efficiently retrieve product inventory. The system also lacked the ability to process refunds and track employee productivity.

The first step was for the client to select a modern warehouse management system (WMS system) to automate warehouse processes, store product location, and interact with people and equipment. Then they would require customization and implementation services to prepare the system to operate according to their specific requirements.

The client selected the powerful viadat Systems WMS by viastore Software and engaged our team with 20+ experience in viadat, to customize and implement the solution.

We provide four types of core implementation services. During the Process and Analysis Design phase, the team audited existing processes to determine system and integration requirements. Then they configured and customized the system according to the specifications and wrote the necessary code for integrating ERP and other systems. First Line used the proven viadat WMS system implementation process to ensure a seamless launch of the system. Prior to launch, they conducted the multilevel training program developed by viastore that First Line customized for their target market. It only took a few days to conduct the training and get all levels of client staff up-to-speed on how to operate the automated warehouse with the viadat WMS system. Finally, once the viadat system was launched, First Line provides ongoing responsive technical support using a system they built together with viastore Systems.

Once the client was up and running with the viadat System, they achieved a number of notable results with improved management and optimization of their warehouse operations. They received and shipped products faster. The client reduced warehouse costs by 20 percent and staffing costs by 30 percent. They issued 30 percent fewer refunds. Conducting inventory was previously a manual process that took up to 10 days and required a complete shutdown of all business operations. By automating the inventory process and integrating with the ERP system, the average is now two to three days without shutting down operations. Visibility into employee productivity became a reality revealing further opportunities for improvement.

*- sorry, but we cannot provide the client name, it’s under the NDA

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Client References

I want to express my gratitude for all of your team’s hard work, support and extra help. We are very grateful for all that you have done for us.
Senior Project Manager, a U.S. specialty digital design and web development agency

Your quality of work is exceptional, and your flexible approach has allowed us to build and deploy a large amount of complex functionality in a very short space of time. Kudos to everyone for their professionalism and for delivering results that exceeded our expectations.
CEO, leading social media analytics provider

We have never had a better release that we can think of. And that is all because of your hard and dedicated work. So here is a big THANK YOU to everyone from all of us!
Editor, leading Scandinavian newspaper

For a software vendor like ourselves, picking the right development partner is crucial. First Line’s technical expertise and solid project management, coupled with their proficiency in Agile methodologies, have made them an integral part of our product development group.
VP Product Development, leading enterprise software vendor

Our First Line Team has been doing a great job. All of the guys check in great code, and they have a forward thinking mindset, not a feature-to-feature approach. They are also very open in terms of sharing knowledge, which is critical to running productive distributed teams.
Application Development Director, global marketing company

We've all learned a lot from you, and it is great working with you.
Application Development Director, global marketing company

The First Line team has an excellent process and we can learn from your team and improve.
Product Owner, Strategic Software Consultancy

I would like to thank the First Line development team for their dedication and high level of quality in their work. Despite being thousands of miles apart, we have been able to work quickly, effectively, and intelligently. Your team has been a major part of why we have been successful thus far.
VP Engineering, e-learning startup

First Line is a great technology partner capable of delivering complex, ‘industrial grade’ projects. They have demonstrated strong technical competence and solid understanding of the media and publishing domain. We have also been very impressed by the management team's attention to our needs and commitment to our success.
CEO, leading European digital media company

Your effort is the #1 reason that this project is going so well. I've worked with a lot of teams over the years and there are very few teams that I trust and respect. When you are given a task or feature, I never have to worry whether or not it will be accomplished on time and I never worry about the quality - you always deliver.
Architect, Strategic Software Consultancy

The team we put together in the last half of this year is one of the most productive, skilled and enjoyable I’ve ever worked on. It’s great to see the product brought to life, and I’m proud to work with all you folks.
Senior Architect, Fortune 100 company

The First Line Software team is professional, results driven, and proactive. I know that when we provide requirements for new functionality, they will not only deliver on the scope of what has been asked but will look beyond and give insight into how we can make our product even better. It has been a privilege to work with First Line Software, and I look forward to continuing our partnership in future.
VP, global marketing company

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