by Alpine Supply Chain | Dec 20, 2020 | 3PL
From SDC Executive: Alpine Optimizes Distribution for Mark Andy Print Products
Alpine Supply Chain Solutions completed a multi-faceted project that optimizes distribution for Mark Andy Print Products, a global manufacturer of printing presses. Alpine provided consulting services to improve space utilization, productivity, and replenishment cycle times at Mark Andy’s primary distribution center in Des Plaines, Ill., and conducted a network analysis to determine the best location for third-party logistics (3PL) facilities to facilitate next-day shipping for customers.
Mark Andy was outgrowing its 80,000-square-foot distribution center and needed to determine if 40,000 or 80,000 additional square feet was needed. Alpine conducted a storage type analysis, facility design and slotting project to create the right-sized product homes and place the right products into the best locations, maximizing space usage and improving productivity.
“Alpine has a well-rounded team that understands all aspects of supply chain operations as well as current industry standards,” said Stuart Gallup, Vice President-Commercial Market for Mark Andy. “They were able to rapidly respond to changing information in a very dynamic environment and provided the best solution at a given cost which increased our ROI.”
In addition to the warehouse optimization project, Mark Andy also recognized the need for new locations across the United States to facilitate next-day delivery. Alpine conducted a network analysis to understand where Mark Andy customers were located and to determine the ideal number of facilities and inventory levels required to provide their network with a 98% next-day service window. Alpine then conducted an in-depth RFP process and helped Mark Andy select and onboard five new 3PL locations in five months.
by Alpine Supply Chain | Jun 16, 2020 | 3PL, Distribution Network Services, Warehouse Management, Warehouse Management System
Performs Storage Type Analysis and Facility Design to right-size facility then a Network
Analysis, 3PL Selection, and onboard to support next-day delivery
Alpine Supply Chain Solutions, a leading boutique supply chain consulting firm, today announced the successful completion of a multi-faceted distribution optimization project for Mark Andy, a global manufacturer of printing presses. Alpine provided consulting services to improve space utilization, productivity and replenishment cycle times at Mark Andy’s primary distribution center in Des Plaines, IL, and conducted a network analysis to determine the best location for third party logistics (3PL) facilities to facilitate next day shipping for customers.
Mark Andy was outgrowing its 80,000-square foot distribution center and needed to determine if 40,000 or 80,000 additional square feet was needed. Alpine conducted a Storage Type Analysis, Facility Design, and Slotting project to create the right-sized product homes and place the right products into the best locations, maximizing space usage and improving productivity.
Stuart Gallup
“Alpine has a well-rounded team that understands all aspects of supply chain operations as well as current
industry standards,” said Stuart Gallup, Vice President-Commercial Market for Mark Andy Print Products. “They were able to rapidly respond to changing information in a very dynamic environment and provided the best solution at a given cost which increased our ROI.”
In addition to the warehouse optimization project, Mark Andy also recognized the need for new locations across the US to facilitate next-day delivery. Alpine conducted a Network Analysis to understand where Mark Andy customers were located and to determine the ideal number of facilities and inventory levels required to provide their network with a 98% next day service window. Alpine then conducted an in-depth RFP process and helped Mark Andy select and onboard five new 3PL locations in five months.
About Mark Andy
Mark Andy is a pioneer of the graphic arts and printing industry. As the world’s leading manufacturer of
narrow- and mid-web printing and finishing equipment, we supply leading global brands, including Mark Andy and Presstek printing presses, Rotoflex finishing solutions, as well as a complete line of Mark Andy Print Products consumables and pressroom supplies. All products are backed by the largest customer support team in
the industry, minimizing downtime and helping our customers be profitable, efficient and at the forefront of innovation. For more information, visit Mark Andy.
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.
by Alpine Supply Chain | Jun 14, 2020 | 3PL
A recent Food Logistics article by Brielle Jaekel reviewed the increased demand for third party logistics for functional beverages. “The demand for beverages that offer nutritional value or energy is increasing at exceptional rates, and with the Coronavirus diseasee (COVID-19) pandemic limiting consumers’ trips to the grocery store and ability to dine out, this growth has only escalated. According to a report from Research and Markets, before the outbreak hit, the functional beverage sector has been poised for a compound-growth rate of 11% from 2020 to 2024. Functional beverages are any form of beverage consumed with the notion of doing something specific for the body, including energy drinks, prebiotic and probiotics, special fruit and vegetables juices, sports drinks and CBD-based drinks. Their functions can range from providing alertness and energy to anxiety reduction.”
Michael Wohlwend, Managing Principal of Alpine Supply Chain Solutions, weighs in on how 3PLs will remain an integral part of the distribution process for functional beverage brands looking to scale and get closer to their customers.
Alpine CEO Michael Wohlwend
“Given the growth and lack of historical order profiles, the unknown could result in unrealistic expectations between the manufacturer and the 3PL,” says Michael Wohlwend, managing principal at Alpine Solutions. “There will need to be a sliding scale with regard to the project, so that as the business grows and the demands grow, the 3PL can flex up to meet the demands.”
“Several 3PLs have or are about to invest in layer pick technology,” says Michael Wohlwend, managing principal at Alpine Solutions. “Rather than have a picker go to a location and pick cases of product, there are several different types of technology that allow for the picking of a layer or multiple layers of a pallet at one time.”
About Food Logistics Magazine
Food Logistics reaches more than 26,000 supply chain executives in the global food and beverage industries. The audience includes executives in the food sector (growers, producers, manufacturers, wholesalers and grocers) and the logistics section (transportation, warehousing, distribution, software and technology) who share a mutual interest in the operations and business aspects of the global food supply chain. Food Logistics, published 10 times a year, is the only magazine exclusively dedicated to covering the food and beverage supply chain, from the largest food manufacturers to retailers, distributors and food service providers. Food Logistics is an excellent source of buyers in food and beverage manufacturing, producing, processing, retailing, distributing, restaurant and food service, warehousing, transportation, and storage.
