Supply Chain Optimization

As competitive pressures intensify, it is increasingly important to streamline your supply chain to optimize efficiency and reduce costs. After a thorough review and analysis of your packaging product and process, our dedicated teams, equipped with our System 3000 program, will work with you to uncover alternatives for existing materials and processes. We will develop strategies that improve package performance, shorten lead times, reduce order quantities, eliminate non-value activities and lower transaction costs.

Contact Us for Additional Information Request Additional Information

Product

Course of Action

Opportunities

Requirements

SKU Rationalization
  • reduce item count
  • carton consolidation
  • size and orientation analysis across all SKUs
  • analysis of annual demand by SKU
Board Weight Analysis
  • optimize product performance
  • reduce fiber content
  • determine opportunities for cost savings
  • board grade analysis across all SKUs
  • ISTA requirement analysis
  • safety factor analysis and testing
  • distribution/market conditions analysis
Redesign
  • preferred carton design for labor and board savings
  • pallet pattern improvements for trailer and warehousing maximization
  • improve your sustainability scorecard
  • suggest packaging equipment options to improve process flow and reduce labor
  • TOPS program optimization
  • package/product cube analysis
  • cube analysis for pallet/truck/warehouse
  • package modeling program for sustainability scorecarding

Process

Course of Action

Opportunities

Requirements

Order Quantity Review
  • determine the most economical order quantities based on usage and order patterns
  • analysis of annual demand by SKU
  • order frequency analysis
Delivery/Inventory
  • establish VMI and KANBAN systems
  • determine delivery options with dedicated fleet drivers
  • scanning systems to provide inventory access 24/7
  • bar code labeling to enhance inventory accuracy/tracking/ordering
  • determine fit and support of customer material flow in receiving and shop floor areas
  • determine customer storage/staging
  • understand customer system requirements, electronic/manual
Transation and EDI Options
  • streamline purchase orders and receive order confirmation using Web interface and/or EDI
  • seamlessly integrate business systems for MRP/Advanced Planning
  • ASNs, detailed order information communicated in advace
  • understand customer’s system capabilities and available IT resources
  • provide Web access for releases, orders, inventory visibility
  • determine system-to-system capabilities for some or all of EDI transactions

Great Expectations

Great Expectations is more than a tagline, it is an attitude. At Great Northern, customer challenges are met by an undying spirit to doing what others can’t or won’t. It’s in our DNA. And it is what our customers have come to expect with Great Northern.

How can we exceed your expectations?