Business challenge:
A CPG manufacturer of innovative laundry care products experienced trouble with its logistics operations, getting product properly kitted, packaged, stored, and distributed throughout the U.S. and Canada to retail customers (grocery, pharmaceutical, mass merchant stores), and online consumers. Additionally, they did not have access to real-time inventory. The company had multiple manufacturing locations and utilized several warehouses in different regions to store its products.
ASW’s solution:
ASW proposed a central, single source solution to manage the CPG company's supply chain, including coordination with its manufacturing locations and warehousing partners. The 3PL consolidated and enhanced the supply chain process from product storage, to inventory management, to strategic packaging, to consumer fulfillment, through final delivery.
ASW’s competitive advantage:
- Strategic location in NE Ohio
- Expertise in managing various types of inventory
- Ability to provide customized solutions
- Online inventory capabilities
- Management of inbound & outbound transportation
- High-performance on-site call center
- Special project packaging services to retail clients
Execution:
ASW consolidated all production and special project products for the entire North American supply chain to achieve cost containment. Additionally, ASW enabled its CPG partner to have complete and secure inventory visibility online 24/7. This capability was essential to providing the opportunity for its partner to make informed, concise decisions regarding distribution and marketing efforts. ASW set up weekly online order batching, which improved efficiency and created pre-built kits to increase delivery cycles, improve customer experience, and increase sales.
Key Benefits:
The client has been provided with complete inventory visibility online, with secure 24/7 access. It has received expert consultation, resulting in effective management of its supply chain. Cost savings have been achieved by leveraging ASW's distribution network discounts and expertise. The online ordering system has become more flexible and internal processes in kitting, packaging, and fulfillment has enabled customers to have a more robust and rewarding ordering experience.