MINNEAPOLIS - February 5, 2019 - HighJump, a global provider of supply chain solutions, today announces, that in collaboration with global distribution consulting firm Fortna and independent software developer and team augmentation partner iWMS, the company enabled omnichannel fashion value retailer Mr. Price Group Limited to evolve its operations by taking advantage of automated supply chain capabilities.
Meeting today's consumer expectations is driving the industry to change. Supply chain professionals need technologies to handle stressed traditional logistics systems, new business models and deconsolidating networks. Together with the HighJump Warehouse Management System (WMS) and the expertise of HighJump professional services and Fortna, this became possible for South Africa-based Mr. Price Group Limited.
"This is a revolutionary time for the supply chain industry, with technologies emerging rapidly to enhance processes like never before," said David S. Houser, senior vice president, international sales and operations at HighJump. "The success of this project with our long-time customer Mr. Price Group Limited is a testament of our and our partners' commitment to empower companies worldwide with creative, automation-aware solutions to reach their full potential today and in the future."
In just four months, the project team migrated the entire business, consisting of five business divisions from two non-automated sites to a single, highly automated 61,000 square meter facility. Mr. Price Group Limited's new facility utilizes carton and unit sortation combined with inline label printing. The transition also required onboarding 500 new employees. Capitalizing on the simplicity and adaptability of the HighJump WMS to evolve with the business and enable the latest technologies, the companies worked together closely to assure the design of the building, automation requirements, processes and the FortnaWES™ (Warehouse Execution System) integrated smoothly. The entire move was seamless and completed prior to Mr. Price Group Limited's peak trading season.
The migration could not have been as successful without the collaboration of all parties involved. The project required the adoption of an innovative, problem-solving approach, during which HighJump and Fortna were pivotal in working with Mr. Price Group Limited's logistics and IT teams during testing and implementation. The requirement to migrate quickly demanded a flexible support, testing and development resource strategy across the existing and new distribution facilities. iWMS was the right partner to assist with resources at the right skill level.
"This distribution center in Hammarsdale is one of the most automated facilities on the continent," said Marc Austin, managing director for Fortna EMEA. "Fortna and Mr. Price designed and implemented all of the operations and systems to meet Mr. Price's specific requirements and make this a world-class facility that will allow them to best serve their customers going forward."
"Given the size, complexity and length of the project, Mr. Price and iWMS created a unique engagement model to assure we removed the complexity around having multiple vendors heavily involved in implementing HighJump," said Richard Evans, CEO, iWMS. "Both companies continue to see substantial benefit in challenging the traditional thinking around the supplier-vendor relationship to ensure a successful outcome for everyone involved."
Based on this project, Mr. Price was honored as one of HighJump's Customer Innovation Award winners at HighJump's annual user conference, Elevate, in 2018. Current and prospective customers can learn the latest advances for the global supply chain at Elevate 2019, March 3-6, in San Antonio, Texas. Register here.
For further information on HighJump and its international and consulting partners, visit here.
About Fortna Inc.:
For over 70 years, Fortna® has partnered with the world's top brands to transform their distribution operations into a competitive advantage. Fortna helps clients make and keep bold promises to their customers - fast, accurate and cost-effective fulfillment consistently at every touchpoint, across every channel. Our expertise spans distribution strategy, distribution center operations, material handling automation, supply chain systems and warehouse execution systems. We built our firm on a promise - we develop a solid business case for change and hold ourselves accountable for results. www.fortna.com
About Mr. Price:
Mr Price Group Limited is an omni-channel, fashion value retailer. The Group retails apparel, homeware and sportswear through owned and franchised stores and online channels in Africa and Australia.
www.mrpricegroup.com
About iWMS
iWMS is an independent software developer, innovator and team augmentation partner with years of global experience in consulting, building, and supporting WMS solutions. We offer proven industry-leading software from HighJump Software Network Solutions for warehouse and supply chain management.
iWMS is based in South Africa, America, Australasia and India. This gives iWMS access to the best resources and IT talent globally enabling us to ensure that the right level of experience is available for all projects at any given time.
Please contact us if you require further information at https://www.iwms.co.za
About HighJump
Today's consumer has ever-higher expectations for purchasing convenience, delivery speed, choice and adaptability. More options for consumers spell greater complexity for the supply chain. It's no longer enough to fulfill demand - you must anticipate it, predict it and make smarter, faster decisions.
In a high volume, complex logistics environment, the shift to an on-demand model can be challenging - but failing to adapt poses even greater risks. You need a technology partner with a proven track record of delivering efficiency and a lower cost of ownership today, plus the flexibility a
More Info: https://www.highjump.com
