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Software Warehouse Control Systems Leader Qc Software Profiled in Industry 2.0 Magazine

QC Software is the leading provider of Tier 1 warehouse control systems to the warehousing and distribution industries. Since 1996, QC Software, utilizing state of the art technology combined with extensive research, development, and rigorous testing, has developed the QC Enterprise suite of products. Designed to be modular in nature, easily configurable, and platform independent, this highly scalable solution satisfies the needs of any size warehouse.

Manufacturing journalist TR Cutler, profiled QC Software in a recent issue of Industry 2.0. The full feature can be read at http://trcutlerinc.com/Cutler%20Speak%20-%20Nov06.pdf.

Experiencing exponential growth, Arbonne, a leading cosmetic distributor, needed to re-engineer its distribution operations. Arbonne achieved this by implementing a third picking line that was fully automated, enabling them to double their output. A major component of this new system was QC Enterprise, by Cincinnati-based QC Software, Inc. (www.qcsoftware.com). QC Enterprise is a warehouse control system, which communicates in real-time with the host WMS as well as the material handling hardware. It manages the entire conveyor routing process and the operational aspect of the picking and shipping (order fulfillment) functions within the distribution center.

The QC OMS (Order Management System) module allows Arbonne to pick orders directly into shipping cartons

Utilizing cartonization logic. This ensures that each carton is not over packed based on product dimensions and weight. When the orders are downloaded to QC Enterprise, the volume and weight of the items are calculated, with a ‘dunnage’ factor for packing materials, and suggests the proper size carton for the order. Also, if it is determined that the order is comprised of more than one carton, QC Enterprise will allocate SKUs in such a way to minimize the route cartons must travel and avoid multiple cartons being diverted into the same pick zones.

Other inefficiencies of the ‘pick and pass’ process were overcome by implementing zone skipping. Cartons traveling on an automated conveyor are now routed only to the required pick zones, decreasing the actual throughput time and drastically reducing the number of times a carton is touched throughout the picking process. “Imagine driving down the road and stopping at every exit, even though it’s not your exit, just because it’s there. That’s what zone skipping prevents,” according to Tom Verzi, vice-president of QC Software.

Modifications to the shipping process were also put into place. This included automatic printing of packing documents and the implementation of QC SMS (shipment management systems) powered by ConnectShip (a UPS product) providing a single server, multi-carrier shipping system. Further streamlining the process involved installing ‘print and apply’ technology which automated the printing of shipping labels and applying them directly to the shipping carton. This eliminated the need for manual shipping stations.

The solutions provided by QC Software (www.qcsoftware.com) enables companies to streamline their warehouse operations with the lowest total cost of ownership in the industry ensuring increased corporate profitability. With a commitment to total customer satisfaction QC Software is the obvious choice for warehouse control, order management, and inventory management needs.

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Warehouse and Distribution Position Best Placed by Industry Sector Leader Prologistix

Unlike other staffing organizations, 100% of ProLogistix recruiting efforts are centered around warehouse and distribution positions. Branch staff is trained in logistics, and they understand the intricacies of the industry. Staff is not spending time testing and interviewing bookkeepers, data entry clerks, and construction workers. ProLogistix is fortunate to have built a reputation in the communities served as the “go-to” company when seeking a job in a warehouse or distribution center.

According to Brian Devine, division vice-president of ProLogistix, “The staffing industry was doing a poor job servicing warehouse and distribution companies with talented employees. At ProLogistix, we created the most comprehensive application process for logistics employees in the industry. We use our selection process to evaluate a candidate’s specific knowledge and experience, and we then match qualifications to the positions for which we are recruiting. The combination of an exclusive focus on logistics, screening tools utilized in the application process, and the experience of branch staff makes ProLogistix the leading provider of logistics talent in the country.”

ResourceMFG, the sister division to ProLogistix places manufacturing specific positions. Devine explained the differentiation between the two organization by noting, “The way we differentiate between which clients are best served by ResourceMFG or ProLogistix is to ask what the company does. If they manufacture products, then they are best suited to ResourceMFG; if they distribute products, then ProLogistix is the right staff solution.”

The types of warehouse and distribution positions ProLogistix fills include:

• Loaders and Unloaders

• Order Selectors

• Warehouse Associates

• Shipping and Receiving

• Forklift Operators

• Quality Assurance

• Supervisors

• Warehouse Managers

• Operations Manager

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Logistics Staffing Leader Prologistics Focuses on Warehouse Safety

The combination of an exclusive focus on logistics, screening tools utilized in the application process, and the experience of branch staff makes ProLogistix the leading provider of logistics talent in the country. Unlike other staffing organizations, 100% of ProLogistix recruiting efforts are logistics centered. Branch staff is trained in logistics, and they understand the intricacies of the industry. ProLogistix is fortunate to have built a reputation in the communities served as the “go-to” company when seeking a job in a warehouse or distribution center.

According to Brian Devine, division vice-president of ProLogistix, “The points for ProLogistix – Warehouse safety include:

 Every branch has a certified forklift instructor qualified to certify forklift operators in compliance with OSHA regulations

 Our testing and screening process eliminates those candidates who don’t have previous experience on lifts

 In our warehouse branches, we can have applicants demonstrate their proficiency on different types of lifts

 Back injuries from improper lifting is always an important factor, we have conducted specific safety classes to teach proper lifting techniques

 Safety starts with selecting the right candidate for the environment – for example – someone who is used to working in a 500,000 sq. ft. warehouse may be uncomfortable working in a very confined, fast-paced cross-dock facility.

The types of positions ProLogistix fills include:

• Loaders and Unloaders

• Order Selectors

• Warehouse Associates

• Shipping and Receiving

• Forklift Operators

• Quality Assurance

• Supervisors

• Warehouse Managers

• Operations Manager

Brian Devine has more than ten years of staffing experience and is a management owner of the company and is the founder of the ProLogistix brand. Devine attended Towson State University majoring in Mass Communications. Devine began his career with PaineWebber Mortgage Finance where he held the position of Area Vice President for the Southeast Region. Devine began his staffing career as Vice President of Marketing for US Personnel. Since1995, Brian has led the ProLogistix Division and has established it as one of the most successful logistics placement businesses in North America. Devine was the 2000 winner of the EmployBridge Spirit Award for exemplary demonstration of company core values.

ResourceMFG, the sister division to ProLogistix places manufacturing specific positions. Devine explained the differentiation between the two organization by noting, “The way we differentiate between which clients are best served by ResourceMFG or ProLogistix is to ask what the company does. If they manufacture products, then they are best suited to ResourceMFG; if they distribute products, then ProLogistix is the right staff solution.”

IKEA’s automated warehouse in Germany

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