Recovering Value from a Multi-Site WMS

Simpler frontline processes, less manual intervention and greater value from the WMS the business already owned.

Client: Multi-site timber and building-products distributor

The timber distributor had already completed a systematic review of its warehouse operations and established a clear improvement agenda. Linkforge was engaged to stabilise the existing platform and turn that agenda into working improvements.

What we found

The WMS remained suitable for the business, but warehouse teams were spending too much time on batch handling, stock movements, replenishment and other system-driven tasks.

Some processes had evolved around the system rather than being supported by it. This increased manual work and made consistent operation across sites more difficult.

What we did

We first made targeted changes to batch handling, putaway, barcode use, bin numbering, allocation and pick routing.

We then delivered the broader improvement programme in manageable stages, covering receiving, stock movement, replenishment, picking, shipment handling, reporting and consistent warehouse setup across locations.

Each change was designed around a simple principle: the correct warehouse process should also be the easiest one for an operator to follow.

Outcome

Warehouse processes became easier to follow and less dependent on manual decisions or individual knowledge. Repeated count and stock-movement actions were shortened by approximately 15 seconds each.

The business retained its existing WMS and recovered greater value from it. The planned platform upgrade was scoped separately but was not part of the completed improvement programme.