- Isn't Associated a Lift Truck "House"? Answer
Associated began as a Raymond Lift Truck Dealer in 1960. However, as the market evolved so did Associated. For the last 5 decades we have been providing leading edge design and engineering solutions, industry leading products and comprehensive support services that increase efficiencies and maximize cost savings within the supply chain. Over the years, we have successfully designed and installed distribution center applications involving conveyor, high rise storage racks, ASRS solutions and PC based software solutions.
- Does a Sales Representative or a degreed Engineer analyze the data and propose the solution? Answer
Although our sales representatives play a key role during the initial feasibility stage and have a wealth of experience and knowledge in optimizing storage and order fulfillment processes within our customers operating environments, Associated's degreed Engineers analyze the data, develop solutions and project potential customer returns. Each Engineer has extensive industry experience in designing and optimizing layouts and process flows.
- Won't your recommendations be exclusively for Associated products? Answer
Every Operational Efficiency Analysis results in a minimum of three recommendations
across conventional, semi automated and fully automated solutions. It is important to note recommendations are generated based on optimizing payback for our customers. Depending on the customer's direction, Associated can generate baseline specifications which can be sent to multiple potential suppliers or Associated can serve as the singular supplier. Either way, the proposed solutions will be available in the general marketplace to ensure competitive bidding.
- Our Company has historically worked directly with consultants. Answer
Consultants have a history of adding value in the data analysis stage and more recently, in the WMS or ERP professional services stages of an implementation. By leveraging industry accepted software tools and years of real world industry experience, our engineers now offer detailed analysis to solve complicated distribution center applications. Important to many companies is that we have found our price points for comparable services to be much more attractive when compared to consultants. In addition, Associated's Operational Efficiency Analysis often includes specification generation which many consultants charge above contract fees to generate. Finally, Associated is located locally in the Midwest and is typically available to provide onsite support within hours if needed.
- What is a data driven analysis? Answer
Associated understands that although "rules of thumb" can enhance efficiency, true optimization is the result of analyzing each company's unique profile. Accordingly, in addition to walking through your facility and interviewing personnel, we closely analyze your actual product/equipment storage and movement. By accessing representative order activity files from as little as twenty days of activity, true patterns and opportunities become apparent. Best of all, data deals only in facts and not opinions. As a result, recommendations can be made from your actual inventory, shipping and receiving movements.
- That information may not be available? Answer
Although we certainly prefer electronic activity reports, there are many ways to gather information. Shipping and receiving manifests as well as other internal documents can provide very useful information. Should there be concerns about what information would be beneficial, our engineers are available to discuss alternatives and corresponding insights.
- Can Associated provide replacement units for current RF systems? Answer
Associated encourages our customers to work with their existing suppliers or original professional services provider in sourcing replacement RF equipment. If the original professional services provider is un-willing to assist, we can direct the customer to alternate resources. If the application requires an evaluation to uncover application cost saving opportunities due to growth or consolidation plans, Associated can include RF equipment as part of a long term improvement plan.
- Do you have a reference list of satisfied customers? Answer
Yes and we would certainly be willing to provide those most applicable to each customer's project based on their unique application requirements.
- Who does my company call for more information? Answer
Our Sales Team will work with you to better understand your needs and will facilitate the Engineer's involvement to meet your expectations.
- Many companies have offered to look at my operation in the past. What will you do
that is different from your competitors? Answer
Our recommendations are driven by your historical data and day to day operation. By reviewing your order transaction file and the data about your inventory, we are able to construct a solution around real world information built on your day to day operation. We also use on-site observations so we are able to incorporate that as we look at the information you provide.
- All I really need is more storage locations, why would I need a study when I know
what I need? Answer
We look beyond storage and to the actual components of your picking application. Through analysis of your order transaction file we can determine how your picking breaks down by part and if you are utilizing your storage efficiently based on your historical activity.
- We're satisfied with the time to pick and pack our orders. What can Associated provide that we may not already know? Answer
Through our on-site observation and data analysis of your system we can identify efficiency gains that may be achieved by utilizing simple process adjustments or slotting to improve your order fulfillment goals.
- What kind of solution would you recommend for my application from an Operational
Efficiency Analysis? Answer
There are no pre-determined solutions before a study. Solutions are driven by the analysis and review of your operation. Associated examines many factors and applies years of experience in the marketplace to identify areas of potential pains and corresponding remedies to maximize efficiencies and payback.
- Our Company has a large investment in my operation currently and has no plans to
replace this system. Answer
Our solutions do not necessarily set out to replace any equipment. They are designed to reduce costs and inefficiencies by evaluating your existing application and how you are operating your order fulfillment requirements. The use of your equipment, the efficient access to your product and the reduction of costs in the picking process are the key factors in the study. Doing "more with less" is what we looking to achieve for you.
- I have been looking at different types of technology for information gathering and
order processing; would this be part of the solution that you recommend? Answer
One of the discussions we can have is your objectives for utilizing a WMS. Our team will work closely with you and your IT staff in reviewing and identifying the appropriate requirements for your system.
- My system is designed around rack storage and pallets. I don't want automation.
How can Associated help me? Answer
The goals of the project are established by each customer. If automation is not desired, our evaluation would result in conventional solutions such as re-slotting inventory or considering storage medium alternatives.
