Supply Chain Manufaturing & Logistics
Adding a new WMS from HighJump to its SAP ERP and PCC’s pick-to-light solution brought speed and accuracy to Creative Memories’ growing logistics process.
By Deb Navas, Editor at Large
November 09, 2005
Creative Memories markets scrapbook photo albums, papers, supplies, tools, stickers, and accessories through more than 90,000 sales consultants in 11 countries. It is one of the top 10 party-plan direct-sales businesses in the U.S.
Founded in 1987, Creative Memories saw healthy growth in sales of its products, which include photo albums, refills, and related accessories that it sells through 90,000 consultants worldwide. Sales in 2004 reached about $425 million. About two years ago, the company, which is owned by the Antioch Company, relied on a proprietary warehouse management system (WMS) that didn’t yield the results it required in terms of operational efficiency. “We were building a new distribution center and wanted an open standardized platform,” said Kevin VanderMey, senior business analyst for Creative Memories. As the growing company neared completion of its new, 350,000-square-foot facility in St. Cloud, MN, it decided the best scenario was to implement a Microsoft Windows-based WMS. After a preliminary selection review, the company decided to select the Warehouse Advantage WMS from HighJump Software, a 3M company. “We were impressed with the system’s standard functionality, but more important, with the flexibility to configure it to our requirements,” said VanderMey.
Now the company runs a fully integrated HighJump solution that includes seamless interfacing between Warehouse Advantage and HighJump’s solutions for slotting, supply chain visibility, and containerization. In turn, these solutions interface directly to Creative Memories’ SAP ERP system, Distribution Planning Inc. (DPI) conveyors, and PCC Systems’ Lightning Pick pick-to-light solution. In addition, Creative Memories also rolled out Warehouse Advantage at its facilities in Sparks, NV, and Richmond, VA.
