MLE balances three sets of competing and sometimes contradictory goals in managing the logistics system. We are charged with meeting Customer Service Objectives while maximizing Inventory Turnover and minimizing Distribution Costs. For example, push too hard on improving Inventory Turnover and Customer Service suffers. Also, reducing Distribution Costs through low cost rail shipments can cause Inventory Turnover to suffer as lead time, transit time and lot size increase.

We continue to manage tradeoffs between these three objectives. There is no single program or method which will guarantee results in every business. But there are tools which provide better and more profitable answers.

MLE Consulting is committed to improving the profitability, cash flow and customer service of our customers through the application of rigorous mathematical optimization, incisive process re-engineering and management training.

The services we provide cover the complete range of logistics activities.

• Forecasting and Demand Management
• Customer Requirements Systems
• Supply Chain Management
• MRP II/MPS/DRP
• Inventory Planning
• Network Analysis
• Site Selection
• Delivery Route Optimization
• Shipment Planning
• Transportation Mode Mix Analysis

In each of these areas, we make a comprehensive survey of the situation, developing a definition, making a thorough assessment and systems examination. MLE Consulting then creates a Best Practices solution including a plan for implementation. We further support the client by providing essential training and developing measurement standards.

Our clients have achieved savings from $800,000 annually from the implementation of a site selection program to in excess of $15 million from network analysis. They have driven customer service levels from 55% order fill rate to more than 98%.

Within the field of logistics, MLE Consulting has developed two tools which are applicable to a wide variety of industries.

Customer Requirement System (CRS)

• This system is an outgrowth of work done by AME Associate J. Edward Gerber for Black & Decker.
• CRS builds the crucial link between a firm's retail customers and its manufacturing operations
• Trained corporate CRS representatives work with retailers to identify sales, promotions, seasonality and other factors which create spikes in demand. This information is then directed through the forecasting system so that the manufacturing operation can respond with increased production. The resulting inventory satisfies the retail promotions and seasonality spikes for the customer. The CRS process is tested with a pilot project within the client firm before being implemented into company wide systems.

Forecasting

Accurate forecasting is one of the most important assets a business can have. We have developed two methods of reliably tracking retail sales to forecast manufacturing demand.

• For commercial and consumer products with warranty cards, the warranty card system simply and effectively tracks warranty card returns to predict both the volume and variability of demand for a product.
• The flow of goods system is a sampling process of key products and customers which tracks shipments, retail sales and channel inventory. This system determines macro and regional retail sales by focusing on inventory changes through the sampled channels.

MLE Consulting also offers its capabilities to serve client needs with the following services:

• Logistics Assessment

• Warehouse Layout and Distribution Centers

• Inventory Minimization

• Logistics Network Modeling

• Logistics Routing Modeling

• Material Handling