Cisco
Background:
In a world where communication is key, staying connected is everything. So when an international manufacturer of networking equipment needed a packaging partner who could also manage a complex inventory load, it tapped into Drake Pack.
Objective:
Establish a logistics solution to ensure accurate and timely supply of packaging materials to the client's Houston manufacturing partner — including material sourcing, contract packaging, quality control, inventory management and just-in-time delivery.
Solution:
Drake's multi-level solution begins with the production of corrugated components, including outsourced foam packaging and polyethylene bags — to the tune of 40 separate kits comprised of 160 parts. Responsible for quality control over 3.5 million components annually, Drake also assembles, palletizes and warehouses the kits, delivering up to four shipments daily per client request. A real-time inventory management system allows for automated reorder notifications to guarantee uninterrupted supply.
Results:
Now the client is able to focus on its core business of keeping people connected, since Drake keeps it connected to its customer base. With inventory efficiency maximized, additional floor space is now available for expanded packaging lines. Line productivity is also up, as is client confidence in the quality-control process, resulting in reduced on-line inspection, downtime and rework. In fact, the Drake model has been so successful the client has implemented the same supply-chain structure at other locations.
