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Material Handling Information - Advanced Applications - Maturity Matrix
   
Advanced Applications
Maturity Matrix
Description

How does your distribution system stack up against World Class Distribution Centers? It's easy to compare using this Maturity Matrix. Just measure each part of your operation against the different levels of distribution system maturity to find out where your warehouse fits in.

Instructions:

Walk through your system and take a look at each step in your distribution process. Print the table below and mark where your business falls into each one of the categories. Processes that fall into "Step 1" are generally outdated and keeping your business from performing as well as it can. Pieces that fall into "Step 2" are marginal and may keep your business from being productive. "Step 3" presents the norm for businesses that are keeping pace, but are not yet world class. "Step 4" represents the example of what a World Class Distribution System looks like.

Process
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Receiving
Stage, inspect check in
Inspect, put away to reserve
No inspection, put away to primary
No inspection, cross dock
Storage
Floor storage
Conventional racking and bins
Hybrid storage by size/popularity
Automated storage
Inventory Control (WMS)
Manual, fixed location, batch
Computer, random location, batch
Computer, random location, batch
Computer, random, paperless, real-time
Communications
Paper
Paper, barcode
Paperless RF terminals
Paperless, RF, automated
Slotting
Random
Popularity based
Popularity and cube based
Dynamic
Picking, Manual
Single order
Batch
Zone, downstream consolidation
Zone, progressive (pick and pass)
Picking, Automated
None
Pick-to-light
Material to operator
Fully automated
Replenishment
Manual, when needed
Manual, anticipated by sight
Manual, anticipated by computer
Automated, just in time
Sortation/Order Consolidation
Manual
Partially automated
Highly automated
Fully automated
Postponement/Customization
Small, packaging
Moderate - packaging, pricing
High - packaging, pricing and promotions
100% with some assembly
Shipping
Manual staging on dock
Automatic sort/staging on dock
Pre pick/stage in shipping buffer
Pick to trailer
Inventory Turns
< 10/yr
10-20
20-30
> 30
Order Fulfillment Cycle Time
3-5 days
2 days
1 day
Same day


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