Case Studies

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Introduction to the Client 

FedEx Cross Border provides global e-commerce technologies that facilitate international transactions for online merchants and consumers in over 200 countries globally. It also provides cost-effective and reliable cross-border transportation and international shipping solutions.

The Problem Description

 FedEx Cross Border sought to optimize its logistics and routing plans to enhance efficiency in parcel delivery for its clients. The wanted to optimize their logistics network to ensure it had a competitive advantage in offering seamless and timely deliveries to its customers. 

Scope of the Consultancy Work

 The consultancy project aimed to improve the efficiency of the logistics and routing network. It focused on two key areas:

•  Reviewing FedEx Cross Border operating foot print – by reviewing the regional distribution centers and the availability of human and physical resources (staff and vehicles) determined an outcome and need. It was established the first location needed to be in the Northeast and with a partner.  
• Reviewed the network of locations and partners. FedEx Cross Border uses a network of partners for last-mile delivery. The location, speed and price of these partners determines the market , and I considered this a key decision for the company. Findings and 

Outcomes 

1. Understood that further optimization of routing and logistics networks was possible. The US routing plans were reviewed, and solutions provided for the enhancement of the routings. Significant savings were identified. 
2. Setting up a Northeast warehouse. Warehouses play a critical role in facilitating seamless order sorting and distribution. The first warehouse was commissioned and actioned within 3 months, allowing FedEx to start selling their products in the US market. 
3.  The introduction of new US vendors. It was recognized the currently existing network of partners needed to be expanded to drive better costs and solutions.  Over 10 new partners were identified and introduced to the company. 

Introduction to the Client 

The New Zealand Ministry of Health (Ministry of Health of New Zealand) leads New Zealand’s health and disability system. It manages and develops the health system to deliver better health outcomes for citizens.  

The Problem Description 

The development and approval of COVID-19 vaccines was pivotal in addressing the COVID-19 crisis. The New Zealand government’s goal was to vaccinate as many people as possible, and a successful roll-out was critical to helping New Zealand re-open its economy.  The key challenges facing the Ministry of Health New Zealand were managing the contracts with the vaccine vendors and effectively storing and transporting the vaccines to health centers in the country.  

Scope of the Consultancy Work 

The consultancy project focused on four tasks critical in facilitating a fast and efficient roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccines. 

• Managing the four approved vendors: Pfizer, Astra Zeneca, Janssen, and Novavax. Contracted to act as the contact person for the Ministry of Health of New Zealand to agree on critical details such as vaccine availability and volumes.
• Selecting, negotiating, and managing the warehousing providers. These vaccines required special storage conditions, and the capability of warehousing providers was assessed  to meet the strict storage conditions. The warehousing providers were structured at the national level, one in each island. 
• Selecting, negotiating, and managing the final mile transport providers. Assessment of the capability of the transport providers to meet the vaccine storage standards and deliver the vaccines on time to remote-health centers in New Zealand.  
• Managed all the inbound shipments for the ministry. Critical role was to facilitate the delivery schedules of the vaccines from the vendors and their receipt at the national warehouse.   

Outcomes

1.  The effective management of the vendors and the transportation ensured 99% on-time delivery of vaccines to the citizens. 
2. The selection and management of various vendors and transportation providers allowed flexibility in the roll-out and minimized potential shortages in certain regions.
3. The delivery of vaccines was first class, and New Zealand administered vaccines to at least 2% of its population daily. The management of vendors and transportation earned the country global plaudits for its efficiency and speed.
4. The careful selection of the warehousing and transportation providers ensured minimal wastage of the vaccines. There was 99.9% efficiency in the storage and transportation of the vaccines. 

Introduction to the client 

Our client is a large New Zealand courier firm that offers a wide range of express courier and general freight services.  

The Problem Description 

Due to growing volumes, the senior leadership team sought to redesign the business operations. The following questions confronted the client:

• How does the expansion affect our current operation? 
• What barriers does the company expect in pursuit of growth?  
• What are the operational requirements needed to support the expansion? 

Scope of the Consultancy Work

•  Reviewed the need for expansion vs. the current operations. Gained an in-depth understanding of the existing workflows. Mapped out the new workflows and routes based on estimated growth volumes.  
• Identified with the senior management team any barriers that existed. Identified these barriers including financial, human, and infrastructure constraints that would slow down the expansion. iii) Understood the operational requirements needed to support the expansion. Our analysis identified the need to review the in-house third-party logistics offering and options automate the current business processes. 

Outcomes

1.  We optimized the workflows and then mapped out the entire process including detailed drawings of the expected workflows and the flow of delivery vehicles.  
2. We gave options for the in-house third-party logistics 
3. We developed a business and a methodology for change with the senior leadership team. We undertook a thorough cost-benefit analysis to identify cost-savings initiatives and the financial resources needed to support the expansion. 
4. We proposed options for automation solutions to the client to enhance efficiency.