Issues that must be addressed
The Logistics Improvement Group (LiG) in close liaison with the client will itemise, and manage these issues:
- Get a thorough understanding of the business as it is, how each aspect of it works, and how everything is expected to work once it has been re-formatted.
- Find all acceptable new sites and help to whittle those down to the final site for the new premises. All elements must be taken into account, for example topography, ease of access to major routeways, utilities and the weight of traffic from potential neighbours.
- Assemble plans for the redevelopment of each area into a logical and chronological sequence.
- Develop and schedule material flows for each sector.
- Prepare, discuss and finalise, with the Board of Directors, the outline design
- Compile an all-encompassing budget of costs involved and present to the Board for approval.
- Prepare a forecast of the improved profitability, and therefore ROI, following the competion of the project.
The LiG knowledge and experience is vital
Over the last decade LiG has led large projects and developed a sound methodology to ensure that all key steps are undertaken correctly.
Any implementation, to be a success, has to rely heavily on the correct integration of the four key aspects of any automation project, namely,
- The chosen automation solution
- The build processes
- Successful integration of all IT systems
- The management of the staff change programmes
Rather than trying to reinvent the wheel, LiG will always advise talking to those who have done it before and well, at the scale you are proposing.
There are eight stages of a typical automation project
- Procurement – the selection of, and negotiation with, the appropriate suppliers.
- Mobilisation – managed by a specific project team made up of client personnel, LiG consultants for example, and suppliers.
- Design – developed and managed through a series of workshops involving all appropriate people.
- Build and commissioning – of the building and the installation of the equipment.
- Operation preparation and training – developing the management controls.
- Testing and readiness assessment and planning – systems, equipment, and staff.
- Go Live and resolutions – issues logged and resolved.
- Benefits confirmation – assess the improvements in process that are in line with the original objectives and plans.
In Conclusion
The Logistics Improvement Group (LiG) have successfully carried out projects throughout Europe and Africa for well over a decade.
They can help smaller projects of 100,000 sq ft to much larger 1,000,000 sq ft, so if you are contemplating automation. just ring this number 020 4587 5487 – we can help you.