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77 PHCPpros.com l The Wholesaler l OCTOBER 2024 3 Provide Comprehensive Training and Support Comprehensive training and ongoing support are essential for successful WMS adoption. HVAC distributors should con- duct thorough training programs to en- sure employees have the knowledge and skills to effectively use the new system in daily operations. Consider hands-on prac- tice sessions allowing employees to ask questions and become familiar with using the so ware. Additionally, establishing a dedicated support channel, such as a help desk or designated contact person, helps employees with timely assistance and addresses any challenges during the im- plementation phase and beyond. Naturally, change can be scary, and Mingledorff's found that training was needed to encourage warehouse em- ployees to not fall back into old habits. At Hercules, a w ar ehouse "champion" was appointed for each location to help every branch get the most out of its WMS. The company hosts an annual training event for each of these warehouse cham - pions. Throughout the year, they use a popular workspace collaboration tool to keep in touch, ask questions and share advice when not meeting in person. 4 Monitor and Evaluate Performance Metrics One way to ensure that each branch loca- tion gets the most out of its WMS is by reg- ularly tracking and analyzing performance metrics. These key performance indicators may vary from one HVAC distributor to the next, but common metrics to monitor in- clude inventory accuracy, order fulfillment rates, w ar ehouse capacity use and labor productivity. Leverage real-time data provided by the WMS to identify areas for improve- ment, address bottlenecks and opti- mize each location's operations. This dat a-driven approach across branches enables informed decision-making and continuous improvement. For instance, Hercules tapped into the advanced inventory metrics of its WMS to track and supplement the company's replenishment strategy. This gives the distributor valuable insights to adjust inventory levels for every product at each location, allowing it to set minimum and maximum product amounts. What is the biggest benefit of this in Luzietti's eyes? "Having a platform pro - viding unique levers for all warehouses based on different SKUs, capacity con- straints and sales volumes at each loca- tion," he notes. 5 Calculate Return on Investment Measuring the return on investment (ROI) of a WMS implementation is crucial for HVAC distributors to evaluate the impact on their businesses. Key metrics might include savings from reduced in- ventory carrying costs, labor productivity impr ovements, decreased order errors and enhanced customer satisfaction. By comparing preimplementation and postimplementation performance measurements, HVAC distributors can quantify the tangible benefits of the WMS and make informed decisions to further optimize their warehouse operations. Mingledorff's Wallace is quick to observe the ROI for its warehouse man - agement solution: "Having a WMS has helped us improve accuracy on the re- ceiving end while giving us quantifiable data that help pinpoint errors instantly. I'm excited that our team now has more time to spend improving customer ser- vice and safety." On the efficiency front , W allace con- cludes that his company can drastically reduce the number of seasonal employ- ees hired, providing cost savings and in- stant ROI to Mingledorff's bottom line. Implementing a WMS across multiple branches is a significant undertaking for HVAC distributors, but it doesn't have to feel like a roller coaster ride where you throw your hands in the air in frustration. By considering the experiences of com - panies such as Mingledorff's and Hercu- les, companies can gain valuable insights into managing a successful WMS rollout across branches. Thorough planning and assessment at the start of the process, effective stakeholder engagement, comprehen - sive training and support, monitoring performance metrics and calculating ROI will help HVAC distributors optimize warehouse operations, enhance cus- tomer service and drive overall business success. Mingledorff's acknowledged that the aggressive rollout would not have been successful without buy-in from the top down. Yet training was needed to encourage warehouse employees in 35 locations to not fall back into old habits. Photo credit: Mingledorff's As president and CEO at PathGuide Technologies, ERIC ALLAIS drives strategic objectives that provide sustainable long-term growth and ensure profitability. With more than 30 years of experience in marketing, product management and sector analysis in the automated data collection industry, his expertise in supply chain and business management lays a solid foundation for the success of PathGuide and its clients.

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