Author Archive

Simulation helps improve material handling methods for a major building materials manufacturer »

A building materials manufacturer with nationwide manufacturing locations had to replace an aging fork lift truck fleet and upgrade its material handling methods.
The company manufactures materials which are shipped to customers within the service region of each of its sixteen plants. Finished goods are stored both indoors and outdoors. The putaway operation began at […]

Logistics Management - How to go Greenfield »

In the September 2007 issue of Logistics Management, Maida Napolitano, Senior Engineering Consultant at Gross & Associates and contributing editor to the magazine, discusses the process steps involved in the design of a new distribution center, or Greenfield facility.
The following is an excerpt from the article:
“Over the past 10 years, my colleague, Bill Elenbark, and […]

Inbound Logistics - Designing the Perfect Warehouse »

Don Derewecki, President of Gross & Associates, discussed the steps needed for “Designing the Perfect Warehouse” with Inbound Logistics for a feature story in the May 2007 edition of the magazine.
To read the article, please click on the following link:
Designing the Perfect Warehouse.

Jack Kuchta selected by DC Velocity as one of the 2007 Rainmakers »

Jack Kuchta, Executive Vice President of Gross & Associates, has been selected by DC Velocity as one of its 2007 Rainmakers. The winners were selected by DC Velocity in conjunction with members of the magazine’s Editorial Advisory Board from candidates nominated by readers and previous year Rainmakers. This award recognizes those who have worked to […]

Gross & Associates - Consultants in Material Handling Logistics »

Gross & Associates is the leading material handling consulting firm in the industry, with over 40 years of experience designing operations for warehousing, distribution, and manufacturing facilities. Our services include operations design layouts for new and existing distribution centers, location network modeling, simulation modeling, SKU slotting, equipment specifications, and implementation management. We […]

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  • Space Saving Tips

    #9   Close out the merchandise. In many trade lines there are companies that specialize in buying close-out merchandise. They may resell by mail order, through off price stores or as 'special purchases'in full price stores. Look in trade journals, The Wall Street Journal and local newspapers to find who handles your class of product. Sometimes your present customers may be interested in a one time deal to use as a promotion. Do not overlook your employees as close-out customers. With luck, you may even find another outlet for your regular merchandise. You can use close-outs to sell raw material as well as finished goods.
    #45   Use computer directed putaway. If the inbound material does not require elaborate checking in procedures and a computer can assign empty locations for each pallet, the material can be put away directly into storage eliminating the need for receiving staging space. If the receipt contains less than full unit storage quantities, the computer can locate a partially filled location of the same product and direct the putaway to fill the location.
    #4   Sell to present users. Use your sales or warranty history to find the people who have bought the product. Let them know that you have more available for immediate delivery. Consider telling them that you are discontinuing the product and closing out the remaining inventory. Offer a discount because they are loyal customers. Offer owners of older versions the chance to upgrade at low cost.