This past August, QC Software introduced a newsletter titled Material Handling Digest. Beyond a message from QC Software president, Rich Hite, and 8 Key Ways to Reduce Transportation Costs, the issue also examines QC Software’s Green Initiative.
Everyone is talking about the green initiative and minimizing impact on the environment and conserving resources for future generations…(Green Initiative #1). But it is more than a buzzword. The rising costs of energy, materials, labor, and equipment mean that companies must find ways to become more efficient and save their “green” to stay in business (Green Initiative#2). As companies implement various green solutions, they are realizing several benefits including enhanced customer satisfaction, faster turn-around times, and lower operating costs.
USANA Health Sciences realized their order fulfillment process was inefficient. They were packing small orders in larger boxes because the conveyor was not designed to accommodate smaller packaging. The alternative was for employees to manually re-pack these small orders, which was time consuming and inefficient. QC Software developed a new process for orders that met a defined set of criteria (SKU mix, order size, etc.). These orders were separated from the “regular” order pool and then processed on a dedicated line that was designed for smaller, non-conveyable packaging. The result was improved customer satisfaction and a lower cost per order by reducing dunnage, material costs, and shipping costs. Since the start of 2008, USANA has recycled 160 tons of corrugated cardboard and 13 tons of plastic wrap as a result of its green initiatives.
As an innovative and forward thinking company, QC Software takes pride in proactively identifying and implementing green business practices. QC Software (www.qcsoftware.com) is the leading provider of Tier 1 warehouse control systems to the warehousing and distribution industries. Since 1996, QC Software, utilizing state of the art technology combined with extensive research, development, and rigorous testing, has developed the QC Enterprise suite of products. Helping each customer optimize their resources and energy use by providing the tools needed to carefully plan the material handling process from start to finish is a hallmark value of this Cincinnati-based firm. By maximizing throughput and reducing costly errors, material/labor costs, and inventory loss, customers have significantly minimized waste and improved the efficiency and profitability of their operations. This is a win-win situation for both the company and the environment.
Some ways QC Software applications help customers with their green initiative:
Order Management Software – cartonization functionality provides customers with the most efficient packaging solutions for the amount and type of product to be shipped. This results in less dunnage and fewer packages shipped. Inventory Management Software – allows customers to more accurately plan and manage inventory, thereby optimizing inventory levels and space utilization and reducing inventory loss.
Designed to be modular in nature, easily configurable, and platform independent, this highly scalable solution satisfies the needs of any size warehouse. QC Software also professional affiliations with the, DSA, Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, the Warehousing Education and Research Council, and Material Handling Industry of America.
QC Software, Inc.
Jerry List
(513) 469-1424
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