Boston Industrial Consulting - News

Boston Industrial Consulting, Inc. has recently completed the design of the largest customer parts branch for a large Caterpillar (CAT) Dealer Branch in Murrysville, PA utilizing a custom bin-sizing program specifically designed for Caterpillar. Utilizing BIC’s extensive exposure to industry best practices, along with years of experience with CAT Dealerships, the BIC slotting tool helps to maximize limited warehouse space and minimize new equipment expenditures.

Input for the tool has been designed to minimize effort using a standard information tool from Caterpillar's Mainframe unit. Standard output includes a detailed parts list for shelving, racking and other storage systems, along with a detailed list of locations for SKUs using proper cube and velocity.

The slotting output can provide a most efficient start or re-slotting for any branch parts depot operation.

BIC’s slotting program includes:

· Accurate slotting for the total number of storage units by type and part velocity

· Building sequence for storage systems based on the results of the slotting analysis, prioritizing faster moving parts in faster pick locations.

· Shelving schematics depicting number of levels, dividers, and spacing for each unit as well as weight and cubic capacities.

· Detailed pallet rack elevations.

· A detailed map for all locations open and occupied, formatted for import into a WMS or Host system.

· Segregation of parts as conveyable vs. non-conveyable based on part dimensions, shape and weight

Boston Industrial’s effort is greatly reliant on the CAT dealers’ internal capabilities and the selected vendors used for automation equipment and WMS implementation.

Project work for CAT dealerships has centered on designing effective and efficient Parts Depots and Stockrooms and increased shop efficiency programs. Boston Industrial continues to work with 6 Caterpillar Dealerships to help find ways to improve workflow and customer order turn time.