UDG Manages Multi-User Warehouse Within A Single System Using DLx Warehouse From RedPrairie

Leading healthcare warehousing and distribution services provider UniDrug Distribution Group (UDG) has synchronised and automated all of its warehouse management processes by implementing DLx Warehouse from RedPrairie, a global leader in supply chain technology solutions.

UDG, whose clients include major global pharmaceutical manufacturers, commissioned the new warehouse management system to modernise and streamline operations at its Derbyshire distribution centre. The same instance of DLx Warehouse is used to manage two warehouses built on the same site, with a total capacity of 60,000 pallets.

The first stock was transferred to DLx Warehouse after an 18-week implementation carried out by RedPrairie. The seamless transition won approval from UDG's clients, all of whom recognise the benefits of the new system. Training by RedPrairie ensured that 200+ staff at UDG who use DLx Warehouse on a daily basis were up and running quickly.

DLx Warehouse's integrated multi-client functionality allows UDG to manage the diverse logistics needs of all 45 of its clients. Third Party Logistics (3PL) clients can also manage their own stock remotely via the Web to check stock levels and process release or quarantine transactions. DLx Warehouse also helps UDG develop customised documentation and contents labels to individual client specifications. "RedPrairie enables us to give clients a more personalised service that meets their specialised requirements – with minimal software customization," says Nick Blurton, UDG's director of projects and contract development.

Smarter, leaner warehouse processes and real-time control are improving the productivity of warehouse operatives while managing costs. Tasks are now prioritised and scheduled dynamically, with system-directed storage and picking maximising interleaving and minimising forklift movements. Screen menus on the RF terminals direct staff to their next task, which has eliminated previously paper-based instructions. Intelligent storage analysis means pallets from the same consignment can be stored in different parts of the warehouse and still be instantly traceable.

Says Blurton, "DLx Warehouse's integrated warehouse management solution eliminates the risk, cost and complexity of dealing with different suppliers and allows us to benefit from a best-of-breed versus a best compromise situation. RedPrairie is helping us build on our leading market position and deliver innovative, value-added logistics services to our clients."

About UDG
UDG provides warehousing and distribution based logistics solutions to more than 45 pharmaceutical and healthcare clients in the UK. The company's two warehouses, which are approved for the safe storage of medicines, have a combined capacity of 60,000 ambient pallet spaces, plus 1,400 cold chain storage pallets. Through its own fleet of vehicles, supplemented by selected couriers, UDG delivers more than £ 2.3 billion of products each year. Its customers include pharmaceutical wholesalers, grocery multiples, cash and carry, retail chemists and hospitals. Since its inception in 1996, UDG's reputation for quality service delivery and its ability to deliver logistics solutions that meet the specialised needs of its customers has resulted in rapid growth. UDG is now the leader in its industry and employs over 260 people. For more information on UDG contact Richard Shore, Director of Business Development on 01773 510 123 or visit www.udg.co.uk

About RedPrairie Corporation
For over 30 years RedPrairie has enabled leading global companies to create competitive advantage through supply chain excellence. RedPrairie's comprehensive technology solutions provide rapid and sustainable return on investment by optimizing the performance of people, places and processes.

RedPrairie provides industry-tailored solutions for diverse markets, including consumer goods, direct to consumer and traditional retail, food and beverage, high tech/electronics, third party logistics, industrial/wholesale, automotive and service parts, and pharmaceuticals.

For additional information, call +44 (0) 1494 486500, or access www.RedPrairie.com