by Noelle Abarelli | Nov 16, 2021 | Alpine News Blog, Blog, Guest Post
This post on testing for project success was contributed by our partner:
Ask any industry pro for keys to a successful solution implementation, and testing for project success will come up at the top of the list every time. The rule of thumb: test the system and then test it again. Below are some of the areas that need to be tested, and often these areas are managed by separate groups of people and skillsets.
- Testing – End-to-End Validations
- Test data – Ensure that the data you are testing is validated and accurate. This would include; Item Master, including all critical dimensions for every available Unit of Measure that will be received, stored, picked and shipped. This becomes even more critical when using dimensional data for key WMS functions, such as Order Cubing, Putaway Algorithms, Replenishment Levels, etc.
- System and Integration Testing – Integration is often the “long pole” in the tent. If integration between systems (WMS, TMS, LMS, ERP, etc.) is compromised, the Implementation will fail.
- Volume Testing – Often times, testing is done with only a small subset of orders, receipts, etc. Make sure that you “stress” the system with volume tests to ensure that all systems and interfaces will “hold the load.”
- Include a “day in life” test scenario – prepare a day’s worth of real data which can be used to cross test the system, end to end (data, integration, processes) and include your key users (shift leads) to validate the test results.
- User Acceptance Testing (UAT) – Often overlooked, or saved until last, most go-lives struggle because there was not enough User Testing. Confidence in the system will likely fail if you have not engaged the actual users.
“Every company plans some level of testing,” said John Sidell Managing Principal of New Course Group. “What’s often missed or not fully considered during the development of the implementation testing plans are the testing the organization is required to perform; the effort it takes to prepare granular test scripts and / or testing mechanisms; the level of documentation required; and the resources and man-hours required to perform each level of testing.”
Compressed timelines and failing to stress the system were shortcomings mentioned time and again by industry experts. You need an adequate timeline for testing. If you rush, you can go in with a defective project.
“A lot of times people test just the ‘happy path’ where they test how things go 90% of the time,” said enVista’s Christian Nixel. “The problem is that those 10% can have a huge negative consequence. It might start as a small problem in the WMS and snowballs in other systems.”
Bottomline, according to Michael Wohlwend of Alpine Supply Chain Solutions, “The reasons for failure in software implementations are pretty much the same whether you are talking ERP, WMS, TMS MES or other type of software, and that is lack of planning, lack of training and a failure to test.”
For more information on testing and other key tips to a successful implementation, read our white paper: “Ask the Experts: What Are the Top Mistakes You See in Supply Chain Solution Implementations
by Noelle Abarelli | Nov 4, 2021 | Alpine News Blog, Blog
Pet Food Experts Partners with Alpine Supply Chain Solutions to Develop a New Facility Layout for its Ohio Valley Distribution Center
CHICAGO, IL – October xx, 2021 – Alpine Supply Chain Solutions, a leader in supply chain consulting, today announced Pet Food Experts (PFX) completed the design and installation of a new facility layout for its Ohio Valley Distribution Center. The new configuration will equip the retailer to meet the ever-changing needs of its growing list of retailers and brand partners in the region.
PFX is a leading distributor of pet food and supplies, serving over 6,000 independent pet retailers from its six distribution centers across 39 states. Known for setting the industry standard for quality products and exceptional customer service, PFX required a highly efficient and reliable infrastructure that could move an increasing number of SKUs through its distribution center with more speed. Alpine Supply Chain Solutions was chosen to provide a turbo shot of expertise to help PFX assess their current operations and plan for the future.
According to Jim Bettencourt, Chief Operations Officer for PFX, “We were in a 100k sq ft facility and we thought we would need more space than that in a few years’ time. With help from Alpine, we were able to stay put and expand our footprint on the current site. We feel confident that our new layout will enable us to meet customer demand in the Ohio Valley region for the next seven years.”
Alpine Supply Chain Solutions Warehouse Consulting Services focus on maximizing space, equipment, labor, and systems to increase productivity while reducing costs and improving quality. Data is at the heart of every engagement, and from the start Alpine set their sights on collecting and analyzing as much of it as possible to understand PFX’s short- and long-term needs. Alpine determined an improved layout would be key to rapidly increasing capacity and created several options for PFX to choose from. The chosen layout included improved rack configurations and a pick module located on a new mezzanine to minimize employee travel, improve replenishment efficiency, and increase space utilization.
According Operations Manager, Gary DeKroon, “Alpine was a partner from start to finish. They put a lot of effort into truly understanding our operations. They were never pushy and were always wanting to learn in order to put together the best solution possible.”
About Alpine Supply Chain Solutions
Alpine Supply Chain Solutions, based in Chicago, IL, is a supply chain consulting company driven to ensure their clients get the most value from their investments. Their approach to every project starts with the data and ends with a cost justifiable solution. With deep roots in industrial engineering, Alpine’s approach is unique. For more information, please visit: http://www.AlpineSupplyChain.com.
About Pet Food Experts
Pet Food Experts (PFX) has been putting people first since 1989. As a fourth-generation, family-owned business, PFX has grown to be a leading distributor of pet food and supplies partnering with 6,000+ independent pet retailers in 39 states across the U.S. PFX is an award-winning, relationship-driven, service innovator offering best-in-class customer experience, and delivering long-term success for its partners and industry at large. Learn more at www.petfoodexperts.com.
by Noelle Abarelli | Oct 13, 2021 | Alpine News Blog, Blog, Distribution Network Services
by Noelle Abarelli | Sep 28, 2021 | Alpine News Blog, Blog
Finding and implementing a new WMS is a large undertaking that requires a whole lot of research and diligence. If you’re searching for a new WMS, a great place to start information gathering is by reviewing the Gartner 2021 Magic Quadrant for Warehouse Management Systems Gartner Magic Quadrant. The research in the report offers a great way to gain an understanding of the current state of the WMS market. Here’s what you can expect…
Market definition & explanation
The report starts by defining a WMS as “a software application that helps manage and intelligently execute the operations of a warehouse or distribution center (DC).”
It then breaks the WMS market into five types of vendors:
“Application mega-suite vendors: Vendors that offer broad portfolios of applications across most application categories.
SCM suite vendors: These vendors offer a holistic WMS plus a portfolio of two or more applications focused primarily on SCM, like logistics, supply chain planning, customer service, or sourcing and procurement.
Specialist WMS suite vendors: Independent software vendors (ISVs) that focus primarily, but not exclusively, on holistic WMS suites. In addition to WMSs, they might offer additional, complementary capabilities.
Material handling equipment/automation vendors: Most material handling equipment (MHE) vendors focus on providing the electromechanical aspects of large-scale, automated warehouses. Many of these vendors also offer some WMS capabilities as part of their portfolio of products. Gartner only included MHE firms that demonstrated they routinely sell packaged WMS applications completely independently from their MHE.
Independent WMS component vendors: Not covered in this report, these vendors specialize in ISVs that focus exclusively on offering stand-alone components that can be used to supplement a WMS; they do not offer a full WMS.”
WMS Offerings
The report also details the areas WMS offerings tend to differ in, such as usability, adaptability, decision support, scalability both up and down market, and life cycle costs. There appears to be two types of WMS buyers. One is focused on features and functionality over cost. The other prioritizes ease of use, reliability, support, and lower cost of ownership.
Strengths and Cautions
The Gartner 2021 Magic Quadrant for Warehouse Management Systems also details each vendor’s strengths and cautions to be considered.
In conclusion
If you’re thinking of implementing a new WMS, we encourage you to start your search by visiting the Made4net website for a complimentary copy of the Gartner 2021 Magic Quadrant for Warehouse Management Systems.
Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Warehouse Management Systems, 30 June 2021, Simon Tunstall | Dwight Klappich
Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
GARTNER and Magic Quadrant are registered trademarks and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and are used herein with permission. All rights reserved.
by Noelle Abarelli | Sep 23, 2021 | Alpine News Blog, Blog
Supply chains are complicated, but so is our world! That’s why whenever possible, all of us at Alpine Supply Chain Solutions try to do whatever we can to bring more good into this world, and for us that starts with community outreach. That’s why we’re so excited to share details with you all about our latest participation in two successful fundraising events!
Gigi’s Playhouse:
Down Syndrome is the most common chromosomal disability in the US, and yet it’s the most underfunded. That’s not okay with us which is why we have been participating in Gigi’s annual golf fundraiser for the past 5 years. This year we sent three teams of four, and one had the honor of winning last place! A good time was had by all and the event raised almost $150,000.
Gigi’s Playhouse exists to support individuals with Down Syndrome and their families from initial diagnosis and on, by making a lifetime commitment to remain by their side. They offer therapeutic-based programs, educational opportunities, career development, and more. The organization is 100% donation-run and all programs are offered free of charge. You can learn more and make a donation here.
Cal’s Angels:
Did you know that only 3 new drugs for pediatric cancer have been developed and approved in the past 30 years? More needs to be done and that’s why we got behind Cal’s Angels 2021 More Than Fore™ Golf Outing as a Star Angel Sponsor. Held at the unrivaled Elgin Country Club on September 16, 2021, the event offered a great day of golfing, raising awareness and fundraising for an important cause.
Cal’s Angels has one mission, to grant wishes, raise awareness, and to fund research to help all children fighting cancer. Since their founding in 2007, they have raised over $7.5 million with the help of numerous generous donors and supporters, helping them provide hope and support to thousands of pediatric cancer patients and their families. To learn more and/or donate, visit: calsangels.org.
We strongly believe that an investment in our community is an investment in the world. We’re honored to participate in these events, and look forward to helping our community for years to come. If you have any questions or want to get involved, send an email to marketing@alpinesupplychain.com, and we’ll help in any way we can. We also encourage you to visit the Gigi’s Playhouse website or Cal’s Angels website to learn more about these amazing organizations!
