________________________________________________________________________________________________ Smitty ’ s Supply
vehicles , which further enhances its logistical capabilities both locally and long haul .
Technology upgrade
Cane Guin , Vice President of Operations at Smitty ’ s , joins the conversation to discuss a recent Enterprise Resource Planning ( ERP ) system upgrade . “ In July 2023 , we successfully implemented IFS Cloud across five locations . IFS offers much broader functionality and configurability than our previous ERP system . Therefore , business processes can be managed within a single system , instead of several standalone applications and spreadsheets . One notable feature is the embedded Warehouse Management System ( WMS ) functionality , which wasn ’ t present in our previous ERP . This addition fosters a more controlled workflow , driving better accuracy throughout our warehousing and shipping operations .
“ After nine months of using IFS , Smitty ’ s logistics operations have surpassed pre-IFS levels in inventory and shipping accuracy , as well as fill rate performance . The cloud-based system has proven to be highly reliable , with operational system uptime improving . This has resulted in minimized disruptions and boosted productivity in both our office and floor operations . In addition , IFS is relentlessly being refined with additional functions and capabilities . As Smitty ’ s becomes more acclimated with IFS and these upgrades are implemented , we anticipate a series of continuous improvements that will deliver even greater value to our business ,” he informs
At Smitty ’ s , company culture and employee retention are a strong focus . “ Associate engagement and retention rank within the top three priorities of our company today ,” opens Jon Lorio , Chief Operating Officer . “ We have adopted a multi-level approach to tackle the evolving challenges posed by labor shortages . For example , the business is heavily involved in local universities and community colleges to connect with young talent . Additionally , our recruitment strategy prioritizes internal referrals while also utilizing external platforms . To ensure employee retention , every month we strive to recognize and appreciate them . One aspect many companies often overlook is involving employees in day-to-day decision-making . This approach fosters buy-in with company initiatives , and we actively strive to involve the entire team when making decisions ,” he ends .
Looking to the future , Smitty ’ s continued investment in its workforce , safety , and automation will surely drive further success in the years ahead . ■
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