Introduction:
In the fast-paced world of logistics, efficient handling of unserviceable units and their associated paperwork directly impacts overall shipping speed and cost. This case study dives into how ProVal helped a client significantly optimize their FedEx shipping process by tackling these inefficiencies. Prior to our involvement, locating and processing unserviceable units consumed crucial time and resources, leading to operational bottlenecks and delays.
Client Background:
A prominent aviation industry giant, renowned for maintaining passenger and cargo aircraft for global airlines, faced inefficiencies in their shipping process. These bottlenecks impacted crucial resources and time. Partnering with ProVal, they implemented a streamlined workflow, in their shipping process. This case study unveils their journey and offers valuable insights for optimizing your own large-scale operations.
Objectives:
Recognizing the impact of inefficiencies, The client sought to optimize their shipping process by tackling the challenges associated with unserviceable units. They partnered with ProVal to achieve the following objectives:
- Reduce time and resources spent locating and processing unserviceable units.
- Minimize unnecessary trips between hangars.
- Improve overall shipping efficiency and reduce delays.
- Optimize manpower utilization and minimize associated costs.
Problems Identified:
ProVal’s initial assessment revealed several key issues impacting the client’s shipping process:
- Time-consuming: Locating and processing unserviceable units involved searching multiple hangars, leading to employee time wasted and inefficiency.
- Paperwork delays: Manual handling of paperwork attached to units caused confusion and delayed shipments.
- Unnecessary trips: Employees made repeated trips between hangars to locate and process units, wasting resources and time.
- Cost inefficiencies: The existing system resulted in higher manpower costs and inefficient resource allocation.
Solutions Proposed:
ProVal designed a comprehensive solution focused on streamlining the workflow for handling unserviceable units and paperwork:
- Designated Liaison: Introducing a dedicated liaison responsible for collecting printed repair orders from docks, attaching them to corresponding units, and delivering them directly to the shipping team for immediate processing.
- Streamlined Workflow: A new protocol established clear steps for identifying, tagging, and delivering unserviceable units, ensuring seamless handover to the shipping team.
- Centralized Unit Handling: Establishing designated areas for unserviceable units within hangars minimized unnecessary trips and facilitated efficient collection.
- Technology Integration: Exploring potential technology solutions, like handheld scanners or mobile apps, to further automate document and unit tracking.
Implementation:
ProVal worked closely with the client to implement the proposed solution:
- Process Training: The designated liaison received comprehensive training on the new workflow and responsibilities.
- Team Communication: Open communication channels were established to ensure smooth adaptation and address any concerns.
- Gradual Rollout: The optimized workflow was rolled out hangar-by-hangar, allowing for controlled implementation and feedback collection.
- Continuous Improvement: Ongoing monitoring and analysis were conducted to assess effectiveness and identify opportunities for further refinement.
Conclusion:
By partnering with ProVal, the client successfully tackled their shipping inefficiencies and achieved their optimization goals. Through a streamlined workflow, dedicated employee roles, and continuous improvement practices, they realized significant improvements in efficiency, cost savings, and overall shipping speed. This case study demonstrates the power of strategic process optimization in enhancing competitiveness and achieving operational excellence in the logistics industry.
Project Details
- Category: Operational Consulting
- Client: Leading Aviation Company
- Location: U.S.A
- Duration: 6 months
- Results: annual savings of $15,360