Transmed is one of the largest FMCG distributors in the Middle East. It is a regional sales, distribution and bottling organization, operating in four countries: Lebanon, UAE, Jordan, and Syria (Supply Network Solution, 2008).
It is one of those manufacturing companies that have successfully implemented Supply Chain Management. It is important to note that the company had an effective ERP prior to SCM implementation at its main distribution center facility at Dubai Investment Park (DIP). “Integration solution between the WMS (Warehouse Management System) and JD Edwards ERP” (Supply Network Solution, 2008), was already a success.The successful implementations of the Infor WMS at Jebel Ali Freezone by SNS (Supply Network Solutions) lead to the improved accuracy and stock control for Transmed.
SCM which simultaneously considers demands, capacity and material constraints, and provides visible maps of the entire supply chain showing where problems are, is what the organization’s decision makers decided to implement to address the competition and customers’ needs which are the driving forces of today’s economies. Transmed was established in Lebanon in 1946 as a private shareholding company.In an environment of turbulent history, it has thrived, grown and expanded successfully in UAE, Jordan, and Syria respectively. The rapid modernization, specifically in UAE, paralleled by an accelerated development of the trade with the introduction of international retail chains and the expansion of few local chains created a challenge for Transmed.
Therefore ERP alone was not enough. Transmed UAE established its Supply Chain Laboratory, fully dedicated to resolve discontinuation and disruptions in supply chain.It focuses on removing time and disruptions out of supply chain to improve speed, eliminate delays, inventory, cost and resources. A mapping session was done and participated by all that touches the supply chain: from Transmed logistics team to the retailer’s receiving official. In summary, SCL (Supply Chain Laboratory) is the place that assembles the best supply chain tools and concepts to help both retailers and Transmed in creating the best possible shopper driven supply chain.
Transmed has successfully implemented supply chain management, and now proud to be the largest FMCG distributor in UAE. (http://www. transmed. com/NewsDetails. aspx? ID=124) Benefits of having the SCM: The company can quantify the benefits of having the SCM. Its site at DIP is 15,000 sqm warehouses with over 14,000 pallet positions.
The site gets around 300 orders daily. Lines reach up to 250 for full trailer loads. Large outbound volume (around 30,000 cases daily) and high number of picks is complemented by a high inbound activity of about 20 full trailer loads every day.Now the company could more easily manage its large warehouses. It will go-live and would be able to check the availability of needed stocks round the clock.
The delivery response to the customers would so become short. Measuring Success: “WMS provides exceptional capabilities in automating the logistics operation relying on radio frequency enabled hardware to achieve maximum efficiency and accuracy in lot control, inventory accuracy, FIFO, traceability, space utilization, picking accuracy and order fill rates” (Transmed, 2007).The company measures its success by determining its closeness to it mission and the realization of commitment to itself and to its business partners – to provide optimal storage facilities, ensure the quality of products, and manage a best in class operation. It challenges its work processes and performance measures to improve efficiency, cost effectiveness and profitability. It tries to improve competitive edge by applying "best in class" practices.
Implementation of WMS at DIP is proving in itself.
