APR Supply Co. Central Distribution Center Virtual Tour

Summary

This video highlights the operational excellence of a distribution center that has been in operation for over 25 years. It focuses on their commitment to customer satisfaction, efficient logistics, and cutting-edge automation like the AutoStore system. The center operates 24/5 with an impressive 99.6% accuracy in its services. Sustainability is also a key aspect, with energy-efficient LED lighting and electric forklifts. The dedicated team with long tenure and minimal turnover ensures consistent quality. The video emphasizes the importance of timely deliveries and offers a personal tour to showcase the scale and efficiency of the operations.

Takeaways

• 😀 The distribution center has been operational for over 25 years, focusing on operational excellence to improve customer reliability.
• 😀 The auto store system, featuring 20 robots, automates the product movement process for increased efficiency.
• 😀 The facility utilizes a state-of-the-art Warehouse Management System (WMS) to enhance picking and receiving operations.
• 😀 The company’s mission is to create enthusiastic customers by providing timely, accurate, and reliable service.
• 😀 The distribution center operates 24 hours a day, 5 days a week, with an impressive 99.6% first-time accuracy, including on-time delivery and damage-free items.
• 😀 Employee longevity is a key factor in the success of the center, with many management staff having over 10 years of experience.
• 😀 The center has a low turnover rate, which contributes to consistent performance in order picking and receiving.
• 😀 Sustainability is a core value, with the center using LED lighting and electric forklifts to reduce environmental impact.
• 😀 The company has developed a reusable permanent box system to improve material handling efficiency.
• 😀 Customers who visit the distribution center are often amazed by the volume, SKU depth, and speed of product delivery, seeing firsthand the efficiency of the operation.
• 😀 The company emphasizes the importance of helping customers save time, allowing them to focus on growing their own business rather than managing inventory.

Q & A

What was the main focus when building the first distribution center 25 years ago?

The main focus was operational excellence, ensuring that the company could be relied on by customers, allowing them to reduce the need to carry excess inventory.

What is the Auto Store System mentioned in the script?

The Auto Store System is an automated system consisting of 20 robots that move and process products internally within the distribution center. It helps present products to pickers for efficient operations.

How does the Warehouse Management System (WMS) contribute to the efficiency of the facility?

The WMS helps make the picking and receiving operations more efficient and effective by managing inventory and order fulfillment processes in real-time.

What is the goal of the distribution center in terms of customer service?

The goal is to create enthusiastic customers by providing highly reliable service, including 99.6% accuracy in fulfilling orders, ensuring that products are delivered on time and in good condition.

How does the distribution center's performance reflect its commitment to operational excellence?

The distribution center operates 24 hours a day, five days a week, with a high level of efficiency, achieving 99.6% first-time accuracy in fulfilling orders, including no delays or damages.

Why is employee longevity important for the success of the distribution center?

Employee longevity is crucial because it helps maintain consistency in operations, reduces turnover, and ensures that the same experienced staff are involved in tasks like picking, receiving, and shipping, which leads to better order accuracy and efficiency.

What role do sustainability efforts play in the distribution center's operations?

Sustainability is a core aspect of the organization, with efforts such as LED lighting, electric forklifts, and the use of reusable boxes for transferring materials, all contributing to reducing the environmental footprint of the facility.

How does the distribution center demonstrate its commitment to sustainability to customers?

Customers can see the sustainability efforts firsthand during tours of the distribution center, where they witness the use of energy-efficient lighting, electric forklifts, and the effective use of reusable materials.

What makes the distribution center's product volume and SKU variety impressive to customers?

Customers are often amazed by the sheer volume of products and the depth of SKUs (Stock Keeping Units) available at the facility, which enables fast and reliable next-day delivery when they place an order.

What is the overall mission of the distribution center, according to the script?

The overall mission is to serve customers more efficiently and effectively by saving them time, which is crucial for their business success. By reducing the time spent interacting with the distribution center, customers can focus more on their own business operations.