Supply Chain - Logistics Strategies
It is fundamental to ensure that the supply chain and logistics strategies are appropriate for the business now and in the future.  This covers a range of requirements, including customer service standards, product range, stock levels, seasonality and the like. Some projects require a much more detailed study and analysis of the total supply chain in order to ensure that the distribution facility is appropriate for the future.

Existing Operations
It is necessary to undertake a site survey to fully study and record details of existing operations as a starting point.  This does not imply that current operations are copied in the future, but enables strengths and weaknesses to be identified early in the project.

Data Analysis
It is important to extract information on product movements and order profiles and to analyse this to fully understand the levels of activity that exist.  In addition labour productivity and costs are often analysed and benchmarked.  If necessary, data modelling is undertaken to project future requirements on which a design brief is established.

W.M.S. – Technology
It is important to understand a client’s current position and then to determine the appropriate future direction including the upgrade or installation of warehouse management systems and other appropriate technologies such as barcode tracking, voice technology, RFID, etc.

Design Development
With the above items completed, a range of concepts is developed for the most appropriate integrated material handling systems and automated systems if applicable.  The options are then analysed and discussed in order to determine the most appropriate option for the future.

New Building Design
Darroch's believes in designing from within, so once the overall material handling systems and concept have been developed, an appropriate building structure is determined.  This involves determining essential building features, such as length, breadth, grids and doors as well the site layout and traffic flows for container handling and trucks.

Finalise Concepts
From the above the final concept is developed with capital cost estimates, labour productivity and other benefits evaluated and presented to the client.

Stage 1 Presentation
The above is then presented in person with a brief report and discussed in detail with the client so that a future decision can be made.

While many projects only include Stage 1 above, others require more input from Darroch's and can include some or all of the following phases:

Detailed Distribution Centre Design

Once the project has been accepted and approved, detailed engineering design is undertaken for the total integrated material handling systems. At this stage detailed design of specialised requirements such as dangerous goods, chilled and frozen, security and other requirements are taken into account. The detailed design finishes with specifications of equipment requirements ready for tender.


Supplier Tendering
As required, tenders with full specifications, designs and drawings are submitted to selected suppliers for the different elements of the distribution centre for quotations. 

Because Darroch's places considerable amounts of business with suppliers, they believe they obtain cost effective quotations for the supply and installation of all equipment.

Transport – Containers and Trucks
Depending on the project, the flows into and from the site need to be specifically evaluated. 
This will involve truck flows, turning, container handling and overall yard layout and traffic flows.

Operating Procedures
Frequently we are required to fully evaluate the proposed operating methods and procedures for a future distribution centre operation. 
This will involve preparing flow charts, brainstorming with clients and eliminating non-valued added processes prior to specifying warehouse management system requirements.

Project Management
When required a complete project management service can be provided, which involves liaison with building contractors, equipment suppliers and the overall project management process to ensure that projects are completed on time and within cost budgets.

Add Value Services
With our distribution development design work, it is frequently necessary to handle a range of other activities within the design such as providing for safety, forklift trucks, battery charging, operator training, detailed design of packing benches and despatch areas and overall productivity improvement programmes.