P - SCOPE Distribution Centre Optimisation Service

Primarius has three technologies that it uses for Distribution Centre Optimisation depending on the problem. In most cases more than one technology is used simultaneously in concert.

  • Activity Analysis
  • Simulation
  • Optimisation (P-SCOPE)

Activity Analysis

Primarius has a strong experience in extracting and analysing data to build up a picture of a system. Primarius would look at some or all of the following types of data to determine how a DC should be designed or the best use of an existing structure;

  • By segmented markets (geographical, industrial, marketing, etc)
  • Receipts
  • Despatches
  • Hits and picks per order
  • Product velocity at SKU level

Primarius builds up models to look at such issues as;

  • Bulk, reserve, pick face storage and replenishment policies
  • Pick and consolidation methodologies
  • Process and work-flow patterns
  • Shift manning, multi-skilling and management
  • Mechanical Handling Equipment
  • Storage medium types, utilisation, cost and impact on operations

Simulation

Primarius has developed very powerful simulations including one for DC Design. The simulation allows the statistical generation of activities, and the manipulation of an enormous number of parameters in the following groupings;

  • Work-flows
  • Activity
  • Productivity and multi-skilling
  • Resources
  • Priority

The simulation allows the user to determine how well the system handles variation given the parameter levels. It also looks at utilisation levels to allow bottlenecks in processes or resources to be identified and addressed.

Optimisation (P-SCOPE)

P-SCOPE simultaneously looks at constraints and available resources for a system, be that a supply chain at a high level, or a production plant at recipe level. P-SCOPE can be used to model the work-flow, resource and cost structures within a warehouse. This brings another level of analysis to DC Design. P-SCOPE is able to determine the best mix of warehouse or distribution centre resources, or the best use of available resources. Some examples of interactions between costs, constraints and resources that SCOPE can look at are;

  • Number and type of docks required and associated marshalling areas,
  • Number and type of material handling equipment (MHE),
  • Task and Activity Workflows within facility
  • Number, type an configuration of pick faces and reserve storage locations
  • Number, type, shifts and multi-skilling of labour