On time, in full: The Wrekin Way

In today’s competitive marketplace, operational efficiency isn’t just a buzzword – it’s a necessity. Delivering on time and in full (OTIF) requires continuous improvements in logistics and purchasing strategies, leading to increased profitability and a more reliable customer experience. Steve O’Brien, Operations Director, explains how seemingly small adjustments in operations can drive substantial growth, proving that marginal improvements can make a monumental difference, making operations safer, better and faster.

Warehouse operations are the backbone of an efficient supply chain, yet many businesses overlook small, practical improvements that can yield significant gains. We have overhauled our warehouse layout, prioritising high-demand stock in accessible areas, reducing unnecessary movement. This simple yet effective change has significantly improved order fulfilment speed, minimising pick and pack times and reduced operational strain. The logic is simple – less movement means faster processing, which ultimately leads to increased capacity and greater profitability.

Inbound logistics have also been refined to ensure that goods arriving from suppliers move seamlessly onto outbound shipments. We introduced a more fluid inbound logistics process. Instead of offloading stock into storage only to retrieve it later, many items now move directly from supplier deliveries into outbound dispatch where feasible. This approach has streamlined inventory management, lowered handling costs and improved overall efficiency.

Our approach to operational efficiency doesn’t just benefit its own business ambitions but sets industry standards. Making efficiency the norm and continuously refining processes, we provide service levels that remain unmatched and unrivalled.

A commitment to shorter lead times and high OTIF accuracy isn’t just an internal goal. It is a marker of excellence that enhances customer experience and strengthens competitive positioning.

The results speak for themselves – increased stock availability, record-breaking sales months and a more responsive, agile supply chain. By focusing on incremental improvements, we created a system where efficiency, profitability and customer satisfaction go hand in hand.

The key takeaway? Operational excellence isn’t achieved overnight, but through a relentless pursuit of marginal gains that, over time, redefine what’s previously been possible. This provides a competitive edge and is the difference between following industry best practices and leading them.