Consignias logistics solutions invests GBP1million in LIS supply chain systems to enhance its logistics operation
Consignia's logistics solutions has invested over GBP1million in supply chain software at its national distribution centre in Swindon. The Dispatcher-WMS warehouse management system from LIS is now managing the end-to-end inventory handling requirements of Consignia's logistics clients, underpinning the company's ambitious plans to continue to grow as a leading player in providing bespoke supply chain services.
Dispatcher-WMS, which is Europe's market leading warehouse management system, is now managing all of the logistics operations across the Consignia group. For the internal supply chain alone, the LIS system will handle more than 14,000 different product variants, ranging from postal workers' uniforms, cycles and handcarts to Consignia stationery and mail sorting machines.
Consignia's new GBP18 million facility in Swindon is a highly automated distribution warehouse, designed and built by Siemens Production and Logistics Systems. It is staffed by over 300 warehouse operatives and allows the logistics solutions unit to rapidly extend its capabilities while maintaining high levels of delivery performance and customer service for clients' supply chains. The WMS is now integrating directly with a Siemens automated conveyor system, improving the flow of fast-moving inventory through the Swindon facility.
The warehouse operation is only one part of Consignia's logistics network, the unit has developed a variety of services which capitalise on the groups established vehicle fleet, infrastructure and technology. Working with LIS, Consignia's logistics solutions is now able to offer not only its traditional distribution network but advanced technology systems to create bespoke logistics services tailored to each customer.
Paul Bateson, Consignia's managing director for logistics solutions, commented: "We have high expectations of Dispatcher-WMS. We need to optimise stock levels throughout the operation and raise overall productivity. The right level of functionality was an important factor in our decision to go with LIS but we were also looking for a flexible solution that would quickly help us build our reputation in the market."
Fraser Dawson, executive director at LIS added: "The selection of Dispatcher-WMS by Consignia is an illustration of how the leading third party logistics providers are looking to deliver ever-increasing value to their customers. These companies are moving beyond the simple storage and transport mentality of the past, becoming true supply chain outsourcers that provide coherent strategic direction based upon collaboration and visibility."
About LIS
LIS is an established global provider of supply chain execution solutions, offering products and services that support flexible and innovative supply chain strategies and embrace Internet technologies. Central to the LIS product line are the company's fully integrated warehouse management and transport management software systems. These products address the modern challenges of e-commerce fulfilment whilst also improving visibility and integration between a company, its suppliers, customers and business partners.
The company employs over 200 people, has offices in USA, UK and continental Europe and successfully completes a WMS implementation, on average, every four working days. LIS can be found on the Web at www.lis-online.com
About Consignia's logistics solutions
Consignia's logistics solutions has been created to offer new and existing customers total supply-chain solutions. Logistics solutions capitalise on Consignia's vast resources: its people, its vehicle fleet and its technology supported by the Parcelforce Worldwide and Royal Mail brands. Consignia manages one of the largest fleets in the UK with 46,000 vehicles, 59 train services, 39 air services per night, which fly through 24 airports, and its 35,000 square metre, technologically 'smart' warehouse serves the largest retail network in Europe.
Consignia is the new name for The Post Office Group, one of the UK's leading companies with an annual turnover of over GBP7 billion and some 200,000 employees. The new name came into effect on 26 March, 2001.
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