Argos improves productivity at distribution centres

This article is brought to you by Retail Technology Review: Argos improves productivity at distribution centres.

Retalix, a leading provider of software solutions for retailers and distributors, has announced that Argos is deploying the Retalix Yard Management software system at its distribution centres across the UK to optimise resources and improve efficiencies in day to day operations.

Argos has been using Retalix Warehouse Management System since 1998.  The deployment of Retalix Yard Management at Argos head office in Milton Keynes is a natural extension of the visibility Retalix provides into warehouse operations, allowing control and monitoring of its 500-strong fleet across all Argoss nine UK distribution centres in real time through a Web-enabled user interface.

With a large network of regional and national distribution centres across the United Kingdom, it is essential that our tractor and trailer fleet is closely tracked, said Adrian Burleton, Commercial Director - Supply of Argos. By integrating the Retalix Yard Management system with our existing Retalix Warehouse Management system, we will be able to optimise our yard and dock resources and eliminate inefficiencies that negatively impact our operations.
 
The first phase of the Retalix Yard Management System roll out is the vehicle tracking module, which is being implemented in parallel with the enabling radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. RFID readers are being installed at the entry and exit points of the company's distribution centres, and each of the approximately 1,100  trailers and  500 tractors in the Argos fleet are affixed with a rugged RFID tag, automatically registering arrival and departure information as the vehicles enter and leave the distribution centres.
 
The Retalix Yard Management system is designed to automate the yard and dock management process through advanced predictive logic and leading-edge optimisation algorithms. Using powerful software engines and rich visibility tools, Retalix Yard Management can eliminate operational silos and synchronise yard and dock activity with distribution centre demand in real time.
 
The Retalix Yard Management system was designed using the Microsoft(r) .NET platform. The application is part of the Retalix Transportation solutions suite, which is designed to fulfill the critical transportation requirements of inbound traffic, yard management and dock scheduling for retailers and distributors. Additional offerings include Retalix Traffic Management which provides comprehensive inbound freight management for planning, procurement, execution, settlement, visibility and supplier control; and Retalix Dock Scheduling, which facilitates dock appointment scheduling via the Web, predicts labor demands, optimizes dock resources and streamline the flow of goods through the distribution centre.