How to make investments and the importance of partnerships
So where does that leave a fashion fulfilment centre seeking to improve its operations?
Nielsen believes it means an increased level of professionalism needs to be applied. Changes are not something easily done alongside maintaining a fully operational warehouse, he says. Nor is it something that is wise to embark upon without the right know-how.
According to Nielsen, the fashion distribution centre will need to build up an internal team and if needed, enlist the support of an experienced independent consultant. With the team in place, it will need to identify relevant system integrators that have the potential to become long-term partners that can assist in the concept development.
Learn more about future-proofing your warehouse by teaming up with a long-term knowledge partner.
Nielsen continues:
“If the fulfilment centre approaches a system integrator, it needs to be clear and concrete on what it wants to achieve in terms of business opportunities. Importantly too, the fulfilment operator needs to regard its relationship to any suppliers already having delivered automation or WMS to the site as a working partnership. This is because any changes to improve its system will need to be gradual and conducted in a controlled manner. A good working partnership will enable adjustments to be made over time, while containing the risks that might impact on continuing operations.”
A system integrator can help distribution centres integrate the processes and flows on the IT side.
When screening the market, a fashion distribution centre should look for a system integrator that has a demonstrated ability to execute projects for comparable businesses, using the technology or the concepts that the warehouse has in mind.