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The Alaska Railroad Engineers a Better Warehouse with RF-SMART
Technology Category
- Application Infrastructure & Middleware - API Integration & Management
- Functional Applications - Inventory Management Systems
Applicable Industries
- Transportation
Applicable Functions
- Logistics & Transportation
- Warehouse & Inventory Management
Use Cases
- Inventory Management
- Supply Chain Visibility
- Warehouse Automation
Services
- System Integration
- Training
The Challenge
Having implemented JD Edwards the previous year, ARRC was seeking a solution that would easily and seamlessly integrate into JD Edwards. As RF-SMART uses native JDE API and does not keep any data outside of JD Edwards, the ARRC selection team knew they had found the best solution to meet their needs. The architecture of how RF-SMART works with JD Edwards is really bullet proof. Not only is there no delay or gaps in our data, but we didn’t have to make any custom modifications. ARRC had found a solution to meet all its functionality requisites and solve their business needs, and one that would require little on the part of their IT team.
About The Customer
The Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC) is a full-service freight and passenger railroad, with rail lines in south central and interior Alaska. Primarily running as a regularly scheduled public transportation service, ARRC connects major cities such as Fairbanks and Anchorage with remote locations. With more than 500,000 passengers annually, ARRC routes across miles of wild landscape connecting metropolitan areas. Alaska Railroad freight operations transport materials both within Alaska and to/from the Lower 48. With complex internal operations meeting a variety of business demands, ARRC needed an inventory management solution for their supply warehouse to improve warehouse operations. Using strict metrics, ARRC chose RF-SMART.
The Solution
ARRC uses RF-SMART in its warehouse to serve internal customers and different departments. The warehouse is a vital component for their railroad crew. Previously, maintaining an accurate inventory in the warehouse was almost impossible. Warehouse Supervisor, Ron Lewis notes that at times, it would be a week before data was entered from pick slips into JD Edwards. Relying heavily on paper process was time-consuming and error-laden. Now re-order/ review is accurate and up to date. Utilizing the built-in logic of RF-SMART, ARRC has reorganized its warehouse to follow RF-SMART; this one change alone has accounted for over 20% increase in inventory accuracy. Not only has RF-SMART made its warehouse layout more accurate and efficient, but as a result of implementing, ARRC is better utilizing their resources and supplies. Not only can they ensure they have inventory on hand to meet upcoming work orders, but they can meet immediate demands as needs arise. With RF-SMART, ARRC is better able to maintain accurate inventory of its critical components, such as air-brake valves and bearings. Lewis knows he can now monitor daily usage and assure that critical items will be available when needed, taking manufacturer lead times and other logistical considerations into account. Having accurate information at all times allows them to identify demand, better respond to internal customers’ needs and keep its trains - and revenue - on schedule.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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