by Noelle Abarelli | Sep 18, 2023 | Alpine News Blog
In a world where supply chains keep our daily lives running smoothly, there are unsung heroes who make it all happen. Brenda Stolz, the Senior Managing Director of Alpine Supply Chain Solutions, is one such hero. We’re thrilled to share the news that Brenda has been honored as a 2023 Women in Supply Chain award winner by Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive magazines.
A Record-Breaking Year
This year’s Women in Supply Chain awards saw an unprecedented number of nominations, with over 400 submissions. What’s even more impressive is that 118 of these nominations came from male colleagues who wanted to recognize the outstanding women in their field. This demonstrates the progress being made towards achieving gender equality in the supply chain industry.
Marina Mayer, Editor-in-Chief of Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive, pointed out, “While there’s still more work to be done, what we’re doing is working. From truck drivers to CEOs, what these winners are doing matters to the future of all supply chains.”
Meet Brenda Stolz: A Supply Chain Maestro
Brenda Stolz brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the supply chain industry. She’s a master at aligning employees with business objectives and fostering a positive work environment. Her approach to change is refreshing – it’s never “in spite of employees, but rather for the betterment of the individuals involved.”
Alpine’s Managing Principal, Michel Wohlwend, highlighted Brenda’s honesty, energy, and enthusiasm, which enable her to build trust between management and associates. It’s this unique blend of skills and her commitment to improving the supply chain that earned Brenda this well-deserved recognition.
Empowering Women in Supply Chain
Women like Brenda Stolz are making a significant impact in supply chain management, contributing to the growth and innovation of the industry. As more women enter the supply chain workforce, they bring diverse perspectives that can help address complex supply chain problems and improve global supply chain operations.
Sarah Barnes-Humphrey, founder of Let’s Talk Supply Chain podcast and Blended Pledge project, emphasized the importance of empowering, recognizing, and elevating these achievements. Initiatives like the Women in Supply Chain Award play a crucial role in celebrating the incredible contributions of women in the field.
Celebrating Excellence
To see the full list of award winners, you can visit the official list here. These remarkable individuals will be honored at this year’s Women in Supply Chain Forum, scheduled for November 14-15, 2023, in Atlanta. If you want to be part of this celebration of excellence and learn more about the event, visit www.WomenInSupplyChainForum.com to register.
As we celebrate Brenda Stolz and her outstanding achievements, we’re reminded of the strides being made in the supply chain industry towards inclusivity and equality. Brenda’s story is an inspiration to all, proving that dedication, expertise, and a commitment to positive change can make a world of difference in the world of supply chain management. Congratulations, Brenda!
by Noelle Abarelli | Sep 8, 2023 | Alpine News Blog
As dedicated supply chain professionals, we spend most of our year navigating deadlines, troubleshooting challenges, and enhancing our processes. It’s demanding yet fulfilling work. While ensuring our clients receive timely assistance remains our top priority, we also take pride in our active role within our community. That’s why we are thrilled to mark our 6th consecutive year of participation in Gigi’s Playhouse’s annual golf fundraiser!
About Gigi’s Playhouse
Gigi’s Playhouse is on a mission to empower individuals with Down Syndrome and their families right from the initial diagnosis. They make a lifetime commitment to support them through therapeutic-based programs, educational opportunities, career development, and more. It’s worth noting that Gigi’s Playhouse operates solely on donations, and all their programs are provided free of charge.
Why Gigi’s Playhouse?
Down Syndrome is the most common chromosomal disability in the US, yet it remains one of the most underfunded. This is a cause that deeply resonates with us, and we have committed ourselves not only to assist but also to raise awareness. Each year, we actively seek ways to volunteer and support Gigi’s Playhouse, and one of our most cherished traditions is participating in their annual golf fundraiser.
Annual Golf Fundraiser
Gigi’s 10th annual golf outing was held on August 28, 2023 at The Club of Wynstone in North Barrington, IL. All 144 slots were filled and the event raised over $160,000 in support of Gigi’s Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Centers. Alpine is grateful to our customers and partners who joined us in making it a memorable day:
- CJ Logistics
- Conveyor Solutions
- Crate & Barrel
- Dexter
- Essendant
- Mattel
- Walgreens
As always, the event was not only enjoyable but also incredibly fulfilling. Spending a day on the green with wonderful people is a gift in itself. Yet, the knowledge that we are raising funds to assist those in need adds a priceless dimension to it all. If you’d like to learn more or make a donation to this worthy cause, please visit Gigi’s Playhouse.
by Noelle Abarelli | Aug 8, 2023 | Alpine News Blog
Alpine Supply Chain Solutions, a boutique consulting firm focused on maximizing supply chain investments, has been named a 2023 Great Supply Chain Partner by SupplyChainBrain. SupplyChainBrain has maintained a tradition of celebrating 100 Great Supply Chain Partners for twenty-one consecutive years, and 2023 invited a variety of competitive nominations.
The process is selective, and the list results from a six-month online poll of supply chain professionals where a set of 10 criteria must be met. For twenty-one years, SupplyChainBrain has reviewed nominations from thousands of vendors pitting them against the highest of standards in:
- Reliability
- Service Excellence
- Value
- Knowledge of the customer’s business
- Problem-solving skills
- An attitude of continuous improvement
- Solid after-sales support
- A positive “can-do” attitude
- Global reach
- Strong leadership.
Buyers and partners are invited to nominate vendors and service providers whose solutions have helped them improve their efficiency, customer service, and overall supply chain performance, and only 100 make the cut.
As Brad Berger, SupplyChainBrain Publisher shares, “Our six-month online poll of supply chain professionals requires a qualified response, asking them to nominate vendors and service providers whose solutions have made a significant impact on their company’s efficiency, customer service, and overall supply chain performance. This year’s field of nominees was highly competitive and overall excellent – coming from all sectors of supply chain management. All companies should be proud to be named amongst the 100 Great!”
According to Michael Wohlwend, Managing Principal at Alpine, “Receiving this distinction two years in a row is inspiring. But more than anything, it’s representative of our tenacity and resolve, especially when working with high-growth clients like Hy-Capacity. We are so grateful and thrilled to receive this recognition based on nominations from our customers.”
To view the complete list of this year’s recipients, please visit the SupplyChainBrain website.
About Alpine Supply Chain Solutions
Alpine Supply Chain Solutions, based in Naples, FL, 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 Supply & Demand Chain Executive
Supply & Demand Chain Executive is the only supply chain publication covering the entire global supply chain, focusing on trucking, warehousing, packaging, procurement, risk management, professional development and more. Supply & Demand Chain Executive and sister publication Food Logistics also operate SCN Summit and Women in Supply Chain Forum. Go to www.SDCExec.com <http://www.sdcexec.com/> to learn more.
by Noelle Abarelli | Jun 26, 2023 | Alpine News Blog
We’re all keenly aware of the impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on supply chains worldwide, and within the pet food industry, the surge in pet ownership alone led to a variety of changes in how products are distributed. We’ve learned valuable lessons over the last three years, and we know now that awareness of some key trends can help pet players future-proof their operations so they’re better prepared down the line. Alpine’s insight on the matter was recently published in PETS International magazine, which you can read here, or see below for a summary.
Plan for growth
Fortune Business Insights predicts that mass merchandisers of pet food will remain dominant in the market. This is largely due to consumer preference for buying products from large retail stores that offer a wider variety in terms of brand and price. Growth is also predicted to occur in specialty pet food retail stores, as consumers with higher incomes are opting for organic food products more and more. Online sales of pet food are also expected to continue climbing, adding to overall growth in the industry.
Watch for acquisitions
Today, 60% of the global pet food market share is owned by five major players that are continually working to gain market dominance. To compete, some are responding with acquisitions of their own. For example, Pet Foods Experts went from running a single retail shop to servicing over 6,500 independent pet retailers, largely by acquisition.
Analyze SKU data
Picking for a traditional order profile versus an e-commerce order profile is much simpler. As our Managing Principal, Michael Wohlwend says, “Traditional order profiles have more items and the quantity of each item is higher, which allows for easier picking. In contrast, e-commerce order profiles average 1.8 items per order, which requires significantly different, more complex picking strategies.” This means pet food distributors that want to adapt must look at their entire facility layout and audit their space, flow, and usage.
Keep it fresh
The size of the US fresh pet food market is expected to grow at a yearly rate of 23.7%, meaning the pet food providers that want to remain competitive will have to make changes to how they handle refrigerated products. While using chest freezers and reefers may be an option, there comes a tipping point where adding a permanent freezer to a distribution makes more sense.
Embrace technology
The labor market continues to shrink and shipping volumes continue to grow. So, how can pet food shippers and other distributors alike stay ahead of the curve? Automation! The best feature of automation today is that it’s not meant to replace workers, but rather, to assist the ones you already have to do better work. Automated material handling can help minimize wasted time by conveyance systems, co-bots, or automated guided vehicles (AGVs) to bring items to employees, reducing travel time.
For more details on how Alpine Supply Chain Solutions helped Pet Food Experts meet growing demand, visit PETS International Magazine. If you’re looking for optimal solutions that drive maximum value to get the most out of your supply chain, Alpine Supply Chain Solutions can help. Reach out today!
by Noelle Abarelli | Jun 17, 2023 | Alpine News Blog
NAPLES, FL — June 16, 2023 — Alpine Supply Chain Solutions, a boutique consulting firm focused on maximizing supply chain investments, today announced the company has been named a recipient of the Top Supply Chain Projects Award for 2023 by Supply & Demand Chain Executive.
Alpine Supply Chain Solutions received this award for its work with MONAT Global, an international, healthy-aging haircare, skincare, and wellness innovator, in its effort to modernize its distribution operations to support rapid and ongoing growth.
The Top Supply Chain Projects Award (formerly known as SDCE 100) highlights jaw-dropping transformation projects that deliver much-needed value to small, medium, and large enterprises across a range of supply chain functions. It’s projects like these that demonstrate how supply chain solutions and service providers are essential in helping their customers and clients achieve supply chain excellence while preparing their supply chains for success.
When Alpine initially engaged with MONAT, the company was running three facilities that were bursting at the seams. MONAT originally had its eye on revamping one of these operations, but Alpine’s analysis of their peak season performance led the team to determine that building a new facility near the company’s headquarters in Doral, Florida would yield the most rapid benefits.
Alpine led the design of the new facility packed with clever storage solutions and automated technology that would enable MONAT to distribute more product efficiently. Shortly after go-live, results included productivity and cost savings. Outbound shipping rates increased from 80 lines/hour to 120 lines/hour, throughput rates went from 38 units/hour to 60 units/hour, and the receiving and putaway went from processing 6.6 pallets/hour to 40 pallets/hour.
“From demand planning and forecasting to implementing the ultimate in warehouse automation, the past 12 months has seen companies within the supply chain and logistics space upgrade, enhance, adopt, and adapt in order to achieve greater efficiency along the chain,” says Marina Mayer, Editor-in-Chief of Supply & Demand Chain Executive and Food Logistics. “That’s why it’s important today’s supply chains run on collaboration.”
“Companies partnered to implement each others’ software and technology and work smarter, together. And, it’s these partnerships that have enabled many supply chain organizations to better manage inventory, reduce costs, retain employees, track data and analytics, and build resilience for whatever disruptions may lie ahead,” Mayer adds.
“Alpine is honored that SDCE selected this project as an award winner,” said Alpine Managing Principal, Michael Wohlwend. “We are thrilled to be a small part of the important work MONAT is doing to provide premier, sustainable products and entrepreneurial opportunities across the globe.”
To view the full list of Top Supply Chain Projects winners, go to www.SDCExec.com/awards.
About Alpine Supply Chain Solutions
Alpine Supply Chain Solutions, based in Naples, FL, 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 Supply & Demand Chain Executive
Supply & Demand Chain Executive is the only supply chain publication covering the entire global supply chain, focusing on trucking, warehousing, packaging, procurement, risk management, professional development and more. Supply & Demand Chain Executive and sister publication Food Logistics also operate SCN Summit and Women in Supply Chain Forum. Go to www.SDCExec.com <http://www.sdcexec.com/> to learn more.
by Noelle Abarelli | Jun 13, 2023 | Alpine News Blog, Warehouse Consulting News
The Northeast’s largest mattress and furniture retailer, Raymour & Flanigan has been synonymous with exceptional quality and service for over 70 years. With four main distribution centers (DCs) and 22 forward DCs that ship furniture to customers, warehouse operations play a critical role in their success. That’s why when Raymour & Flanigan set out to revolutionize their warehouse operations, they partnered with Alpine Supply Chain Solutions for help. Learn how they are elevating the customer experience with cutting-edge WMS modernization.
The need
Raymour & Flanigan was working with multiple systems; a legacy best-of-breed WMS was being utilized in seven of its complex facilities, and a legacy ERP was being used in the rest. And while this approach provided high-quality fulfillment services to its customers, it was not always delivered efficiently. One clear example of inefficiency is how sometimes an item would pass through three different DCs before being delivered to a customer. Imagine how much happier the customer would be without all the unnecessary travel. Not to mention that certain putaway procedures were performed without visibility into downstream demand, which could present several challenges:
- Inefficient inventory management
- Poor supply chain coordination
- Inaccurate demand forecasting
- Increased lead times
- Ineffective production planning
- Reactive decision-making
- Customer dissatisfaction
There was a lot of room for improvement.
The process
Selecting a WMS is a large undertaking and one that requires due diligence. With a Best Practice Assessment (BPA) and Storage Type Analysis (STA), Alpine Supply Chain Solutions learned that a highly-adaptable WMS would be able to realize productivity improvements that would support Raymour & Flanigan’s future growth and success. With insight into current and future requirements, space utilization, safety, and flow, Raymour & Flanigan chose Körber Warehouse Advantage (WA) to serve as its new WMS. The system enables system-directed put-away and picking, opportunistic cross-docking, and increased storage capacity through better cube utilization and advanced processes. Another crucial factor in their decision was knowing WAs scalability and the ability to easily replicate the implementation process in multiple sites.
The result
To start, Raymour & Flanigan chose to roll out the Körber WA in one of their less complex warehouses. With this approach, they can better understand the system’s capabilities and features so they can implement exactly what they need when the time is right. The plan is to eventually have all 22 sites on the new system, with expected benefits of:
- Increased storage capacity
- Efficient inbound handling
- Opportunistic cross-docking
- Improved inventory visibility
- Picking efficiencies
- Loading accuracy
Raymour & Flanigan’s investment in Körber WA for WMS implementation aligns perfectly with their goals of enhancing productivity, reducing expenses, and eliminating tracking gaps. By embracing this solution, they are ready to unlock a new era of operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
For more details on their selection process and journey, visit Logistics Viewpoints. If you’re looking for optimal solutions that drive maximum value to get the most out of your supply chain, Alpine Supply Chain Solutions can help. Reach out today!
