Overview
LINK supports a high output Rapid Distribution Center that supports over 100+ retail centers, and handles over $1 Billion dollars of merchandise annually. This RDC is also the flagship of this client’s operations, it is ground zero for any new shipping/flow models within their nationwide network. Client faced continued challenges with its flex labor force, and it has used multiple numbers of staffing providers to supply that need. In 2012, we began our relationship with this RDC with a request to supplement the main provider Prologistics.
Challenges:
Client faced several challenges with its flex force:
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Solution:
LINK offered a multi-pronged approach solution. The plan required LINK to address multiple issues at once and begin implementation:
- Customize recruiting – all recruiting efforts were focused in hiring field staff that had experience in fast pace, warehouse, distribution, or order fulfillment centers. We implemented LINK’s physical abilities evaluation to ensure the staff were properly qualified for the physical demands of the job. We focused on applicants that were familiar with RF scanners, standing on their feet for 10+ hours a day, able to sustain work pace for the day through the screening process.
- Customized Orientation/On-Boarding – LINK developed customized orientation and on-boarding process that included pre-assignment overview, site tour, and on-the-job training. LINK worked with the client to mirror their standard operating procedures then placed their own training and onboarding specialist to oversee all site specific training, resulting in faster onboarding and less turnover.
- LINK Lead/Supervisor – LINK provided a Supervisor to manage and train all of our field staff, and the Supervisor acted as a liaison between client’s leaders and LINK field staff to ensure key performance indicators, compliance, safety, and communication are met on daily basis. The Supervisor also communicates daily with LINK Branch Managers, and client’s Operation Managers, Assistant General Manager, and General Manager. LINK Supervisor also addressed any and all performance, attendance, safety and training issues on site. This enabled LINK to proactively manage expectations while improving performance and retention.
- LINK assigned their Major Accounts Operations Manager, who met with the client’s Leadership team during peak seasons on weekly basis to address expectations, including performance, training, safety, and any other relevant topics related to on-site management.
- LINK offered a continued presence on all shifts three shifts to support the client and their growing demands. Third shift presented as the biggest challenge to the client. The third is a 3-day weekend shift that the client struggled to sustain internal staff. LINK continually exceeded expectations on the third shift with staffing requirements. LINK was able to achieve this through proper screening, completion bonuses, awards and recognitions.
- Client requires that all non-client contractors be identified prior to entering the facility, LINK accommodated this by having all field staff use lime green safety vests, and all field staff are issued ID badges, identifying them as LINK employees.
- LINK also understood from the early stages that success of this operations hinges on having the right leadership on-site. LINK has been able to provide exceptional leadership and has continually worked with client to improve on performance and expectations while keeping their cost fixed.
Results:
The solution that LINK offered has lowered turnover, increased performance, lowered training cost, and has removed the burden of supervising temporary labor by their supervisors, thus allowing them to focus on their core activities while LINK has managed the performance expectations of its own field staff in par with client’s KPI metrics.
Through this process LINK has transformed the relationship from a vendor to a trusted partner. The client calls upon us to support them on different projects. The relationship will only continue to grow and our experience will make a stronger partner within the client’s distribution network.