Most of our clients make use of our computer system to manage their logistics. This allows them to focus development of their own system on marketing and production while we invest in logistics tools. It also often means that they don’t have to update or upgrade their entire computer system just to keep their distribution offering to customers competitive.

Stocklink’s Distribution Management System is called Logistix. It is a LAN based package built on a SQL database that manages all key warehousing, transport and associated functions in real time. It is purpose designed to operate in the 3rd Party environment and is therefore able to manage a number of clients on a single site. This multi-client functionality has been extended to allow clients to manage a number of different brands under their single client database.
The net result is a comprehensive system that will manage product and transactions from point of supply to point of delivery.

Particular functions that have been developed for us include:

• Multiple order picking
• Batch picking
• Dynamic bin management
• Multiple zone picking (eg: Carousel plus split-case, plus bulk pick zones)
• Cross-docking
• Integrated transport including single invoice for transport and DC fees
• Customised invoice or packing slips for clients
• Plus many more designed to improve our productivity and clients visibility.

We have developed sophisticated order entry routines that allow product owners to control who can have what, when and how much. This is of particular interest to clients with promotional material.

Change is inevitable and one of the real strengths of our system is the relative ease with which we can add enhancements, change reports and fix bugs. This allows us to continue to offer clients a solution that fits rather than giving them a vanilla solution that they have to fit into.

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Whilst inter-company computer links using web based technology are a relatively new skill-set we have over eight years experience exchanging files with our clients host systems.

We build virtual real-time links with our clients for order download, receipts uploads and inventory comparisons. At present these links are usually built using FTP or tagged files embedded in e-mails. The next development will see these files being developed using XML type formatting and technologies that will evolve from this.

For a number of our clients this file transfer routine is their first significant undertaking of this nature and leads them to a development path that eventually sees integration with other suppliers and key customers.
For those clients with less demand for high level technology, we are able to offer our system on a simple dial-in basis for secure customer, product and order management.

See attached flowchart.

Some clients prefer to use their own computer system for warehousing and distribution management, and we have experience with this with SAP, MFGPRO and BPCs.
The important message is that whilst we prefer to use our own system – particularly in a multi-client site – we recognise and understand that there are situations where using our client’s system will produce a more robust result.
Contact us to find out more.

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