Innovations in Delivery
Distribunet
Distribunet is a virtual distribution network that functions nationwide by tying together affiliate distributors across the nation through proprietary software. This Labatt-designed software allows customers to extend a Labatt program outside of the company’s geographic footprint. However, Distribunet is more than just a voluntary affiliation of distributors. It also functions as a policing mechanism whereby Labatt, as lead distributor, monitors pricing compliance nationwide, and receives all invoice details. Distribunet ensures a true national distribution program with consistent and cohesive results.
Robotic Warehouse Aisles-Mini-Load
A “mini-load” is a robotic aisle that allows slower-moving products to be stored in high-density racks and retrieved by a robotic arm for the order selectors. Labatt has made multi-million dollar investments into several of these robotic aisles across several divisions. With this technology, Labatt has been able to put as many as 1,400 items into a single aisle. This efficiency has allowed an increase of three times the traditional storage density. This also obviates the expansion of the warehouse, keeping down costs and reducing the distances that selectors must travel to fill their orders. With the mini-load, slow-moving products do not need to be merged with other products, which also allows for fewer errors. All in all, Labatt’s use of robotic aisles has created greater efficiencies, driven down costs, and allowed the company to stock an ever-greater number of slow-moving items so as to meet the special needs of our customers.
Voice Technology
Labatt’s pursuit of error-free distribution begins with its Radio-frequency (RF) system which tracks the path of every pallet in the warehouse, from receiving until all the product on the pallet has been shipped to the customer. A major innovation in this process is the Voice Technology Order Selection, where the order selector wears a headset and is directed by the computer to the location of the next item. The selector then must read a special number back to the computer to confirm that the slot is the correct one. Voice technology has been essential to bringing Labatt’s errors down to a Six-Sigma level, at under 5 errors per 10,000 cases.
Truck Routing - Monte Carlo
To create the most efficient routes for our customers, Labatt uses a computer algorithm called the Monte Carlo algorithm, which was originally used in the Manhattan project that developed the atom bomb. Monte Carlo permits the instantaneous analysis of thousands of possible alternative route solutions. Using our routing software, Labatt has been able to achieve 98% on-time delivery.
Where’s My Truck
Labatt’s truck-location software allows Labatt reps and customers the ability to track their deliveries once the truck has left the warehouse. The software continually updates the estimated time of arrival based on the actual travel time. The specific delivery time is known down to the minute. The software sends the customer mobile text alerts for the latest timely information. Since our customers always know the answer to the question “Where’s My Truck?,” they can fine-tune their own schedules and ensure the most efficient delivery possible. “Where’s My Truck?” gives Labatt customers the most immediate and accurate information.