The predictive LMS application predicts the duration of time required to complete a task generated within the WMS.  These LMS applications are often sophisticated and require detailed XYZ location coordinates such that every work instruction has a travel time that can be calculated based on the associate’s location in the warehouse.  A robust LMS application will enable engineered labor standards to serve as the basis for predicting the time required to perform the work.  Throughout the day the associates can be kept informed of their progress versus the expected standard.

The deployment of predictive labor standards often requires a trained external industrial engineering resource who knows the standard number of seconds required to reach into a pick location, to scan a label, to grasp a case, to place the case onto a pallet, to capture any required data into the RF terminal, to travel, etc.  Since labor standards can be deployed for any direct labor job functions from receiving through to shipping, the industrial engineer relies extensively on experience to develop a fair standard that is realistically achievable throughout the work shift.  In distribution centers with organized labor, the engineer must develop standards that are negotiated with and accepted by the union.

It is important to understand that LMS applications are highly specialized solutions that can be purchased as standalone bets of breed applications or as integrated modules within a suite of supply chain execution software applications.  It is not unusual for LMS software combined with engineered labor standards to provide a 10 - 15% productivity increase in high volume distribution centers where the return on investment can be less than 12 months.  The reason for this is simple - people who work in distribution centers appreciate having an understanding of how long it should take to do their job.

MWPVL International, in partnership with selected partners, provides LMS consulting services to companies seeking the benefits of labor efficiency improvements.  MWPVL International works with suppliers, customers and business partners to provide trusted experience in helping companies with the following types of questions:  

• Which LMS software application is best suited for our company, distribution center operation, and financial budget?
• What is the business case for investing in a LMS application?  What is the total capital investment requirements including internal and external resources and what financial benefits can we realistically expect to obtain from a new system?
• What are the main differences between the solutions available within the existing market place and which vendors present the match to our company’s requirements?
• Is there a structured process that we should follow when selecting a LMS application to ensure that we have done the appropriate due diligence to protect our company’s interests?

MWPVL International Inc. provides strictly unbiased advice and trusted experience in helping companies through the following efforts: 

• Developing the business case and financial justification for a LMS application
• LMS requirements definition and RFP Development
• Development of structured software demonstration scripts
• Vendor/solution evaluation and selection
• Software negotiation and acquisition
• Developing the project budget, plan, schedule, internal and external resource requirements for deployment
• Project Management
• Software implementation
• On-going support