storage case study l
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sorted and stored on a hanging garment rail system on a three level mezzanine over the Goods In area. The manual overhead rail system gives River Island an efficient solution for storing and moving hanging garments, which removes the double handling that occurred in the previous facility as there is no need for staff to take anything off or carry anything around. Bisham Consulting looked at the option of automating this system, costed it and even planned it into the design, giving River Island the option of a straightforward switch when the business case comes to justify it. In DC2, unlike DC1, the warehouse beyond the mezzanine is empty of racking. Here, River Island’s investment in space allows for expansion of the multi-tier hanging garment storage and contingency space for River Island in the event of a catastrophe halting operations in DC1.
“It’s all about how quickly I can continue my business,” says Ahmed. “I can erect that building again in six months during which time I can easily maintain business from here. We take continuity of business seriously and this is reflected in the investment of both money and time.” And just as DC2 can take an emergency boxed operation, DC1 can hold, if needed, about two-thirds of the full capacity of DC2.
River Island works constantly towards leaner supply chain operations and the new DC has ‘decoupling’ points allowing River Island to operate from just one unit if, in the years to come, the supply chain is simplified to a point where the retailer decides it no longer requires the other. Separate power supplies, utilities, security desks, etc installed in each self-contained unit, gives River Island the flexibility to
sell or lease either one in the future if required.
With occupation commencing in January 2011, River Island will close down its smaller existing DC in March and the larger one at the end of May, along with its e- commerce fulfilment site.
“We were looking for somebody to say: ‘we can see what you want to achieve here and we can get you there more efficiently or more effectively than before',” says Ahmed. "Bisham Consulting has been a reassuring
knowledge base – enabling validation of our beliefs and
30 ShD October 2011
www.PressOnShD.com
strategies and instilling confidence; the
Google.com of consultancy.” The Bisham Consulting team was led by company director Neil Middleton. A pragmatic and flexible response based on its technical skills and operational experience characterised Bisham's approach to the River Island project. The end result is a future-proofed European Distribution Centre that has turned out as Arif Ahmed envisaged and one that offers River Island flexibility and business continuity. Ahmed concludes: “Our DC can adapt whether we grow or decide to contract as our supply chain model changes. Furthermore, while most retailers can bounce back after a disaster, not all can continue their business in the long term without a negative effect on their brand. We do not risk managing uncertainty; moreover we are certain to manage risk.” ●
www.bishamconsulting.com
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