From Chaos to Control: Navigating a Multi-Vendor Project

Many companies hire multiple consultants or vendors to handle specific aspects of their projects, which – with so many different players – can lead to inefficiencies and a lack of cohesive control. Without the right guidance and expertise, this fragmented approach can result in higher costs and slower project timelines due to misaligned objectives and poor communication between parties.

Let’s take the case of a well-known apparel company we worked with during the pandemic. This company had just made a strategic shift from a retail to a direct-to-consumer model. This move allowed them to navigate the disruptions with agility, reinforcing their position in the market. And, as they scaled their operations, they recognized the need to invest in automation, specifically an auto-bagging system, to enhance their supply chain efficiency.

LIDD was brought in from the project's inception, overseeing it from the initial request for proposal (RFP) all the way through to the final implementation. This comprehensive involvement ensured that every step, from vendor selection to space reconfiguration in the warehouse, was thoughtfully managed. Our role encompassed everything from technology selection to hands-on implementation, which can be a big advantage when dealing with a multifaceted project like this.

The Complexity of the Auto Bagger Implementation

Implementing an auto bagger is not a straightforward task. This machine automates the process of packaging products into bags, which involves several intricate steps:

1. Product Handling: The auto bagger needs to handle different product sizes and types, ensuring they are correctly placed into the bags without damage.
2. Label Printing and Application: It must integrate with the company’s ERP system to print and apply shipping labels accurately. This requires precise synchronization to ensure that each package receives the correct label. Since they were using a 20-year-old system, we had to also re-engineer some of the warehouse processes and reconfiguring the space to fit the new system.
3. Bundling Process: For this company, the auto bagger had to manage a bundling process where multiple items (e.g., three articles of clothing) were wrapped together before being placed in the bag. This added a layer of complexity to the operation.
4. Vendor Coordination: The project involved coordinating multiple vendors, each responsible for different components of the system—software, conveyors, and the auto bagger itself. Ensuring that these components worked together seamlessly required meticulous planning and communication.

One hurdle was the timing of machine setup and training, scheduled just a week before the go-live date, leading to initial operational difficulties. Additionally, the machine's ability to handle multiple units efficiently required significant adjustments and fine-tuning during the early stages of implementation.

Avoiding these challenges comes from effectively holding vendors accountable and maintaining strong communication. Acting as the glue or guardrails for the project, we quickly responded and prioritized stakeholder management. This meant setting clear expectations, monitoring performance, and ensuring all processes aligned with client goals. This approach reduced risks, boosted efficiency, and helped save costs.

The key takeaway: working with multiple players can spread control thin. However, with multidisciplinary projects, spending extra time getting to know each vendor's team can make interactions smoother and feedback more effective. These relationships help navigate inevitable hiccups and ensure a cohesive effort toward the common goal.

Is your business facing similar challenges? Just want to chat?

Contact us today for more or get in touch with Jeff directly.

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For more information visit our website www.lidd.com