CHESS LOGISTICS TECHNOLOGY
SELECTED PRESS RELEASES ISSUED DURING 2000
CHE00/07 - CHESS IMPROVES WHITBREAD’S FOOD DISTRIBUTION
WITH CACHÉ (11 December 2000)
CHE00/08 - NEW RF CAPABILITY FOR CHESS’S EMPIRICA (15
November 2000)
CHE00/02 - NEXT GENERATION WAREHOUSE MANAGEMENT FROM
CHESS (29 March 2000)
CHE00/01 - AJK CHOOSES CHESS’S NEW EMPIRICA (26 January
2000)
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PRESS INFORMATION
Issue Date: 11 December 2000 (TOP)
Ref: CHE00/07
CHESS IMPROVES WHITBREAD’S FOOD DISTRIBUTION WITH CACHÉ
Chess Logistics Technology has upgraded Whitbread Food Supply Chain’s
supply chain management system as part of a programme to improve warehousing and
distribution to more than 2000 outlets operated by the Hotel, Restaurants and
Pubs and Bars groups. Chess has reconfigured an application delivered to
Whitbread some years ago, to incorporate the latest relational database
technology and migrated the software and data to a more powerful hardware
platform. The new system has been designed to support new management processes
that will streamline and simplify operations in Whitbread’s warehouses.
“The new system has helped us to change the way we use the warehouses,”
says Andy Pickett, Business Systems Manager for Whitbread Food Supply Chain.
“We have simplified the way stock is stored and managed.”
MULTIPLE CONCEPTS
Whitbread Food Supply Chain distributes products to several concepts within
the Whitbread Group including Pizza Hut, TGI Friday’s, Beefeater, Brewers
Fayre, Hotels and Pubs and Bars. Warehouses in Reading and Salford stock most of
the food lines required by the company’s 2000 outlets, also stocked are some
drinks and sundry items. Throughput is more than 300,000 cases a week split
approximately 60/40 between the two warehouses. The company has over 250
suppliers.
Chess Logistics Technology has worked with Whitbread for a number of years
and developed a supply chain management system known as Socretes based around
the requirement to deal with a large numbers of suppliers and multiple concept
customers. The application incorporates warehouse management as well as
functions that support the purchase, supply and distribution of goods to the
concepts.
TIME FOR CHANGE
For historic reasons associated with the scale of the application the system
was originally configured to run on two computers. Stock control in the
warehouse had evolved so that each concept had its own storage areas and picking
locations. The result was that items required by more than one concept were
stored in five or more locations. A review of operations highlighted the
inefficiencies in the system.
“It made sense to reorganise each warehouse so that individual products are
all stored in the same location and can be picked for delivery to any
concept,” says Andy Pickett. “But in addition to the physical changes
required in the warehouse this meant some changes to the warehouse management
system.”
DESIGN DECISIONS
The simplest option was to upgrade the application but to continue running it
on the two existing computers. After careful consideration and consultation with
the managed service provider that operates its computer systems Whitbread
decided to take the opportunity to migrate the entire application to a single,
more powerful platform. This would lead to significant commercial and
operational benefits and would ensure the application was easier to operate and
maintain.
Andy Pickett and his Whitbread colleagues worked with the managed service
provider and Chess Logistics Technology’s own development team to plan the
migration. The main problem was that the existing hardware had dual processor
capability but the new platform had four processors to support more powerful
applications. The underlying MSM database technology was unable to make full use
of this power and it was decided to upgrade the database to the more advanced
Caché product from Intersystems in order to obtain the full benefit of the
additional processors.
ADDING CACHÉ TO THE WAREHOUSE
The choice of the Caché technology was significant because it had itself
been evolved from a version of the old MSM database. More importantly, Chess had
experience with Caché because it had based its latest warehouse management
system Empirica around it. Whitbread’s in-house staff also had some knowledge
of its capabilities because the database formed part of the hotels division’s
Travel Inn booking system.
Caché is a unique multi-dimensional database that is much more efficient
than conventional relational database systems at supporting high volume on-line
transaction processing applications, especially where complex business logic is
involved. Its ability to handle the multiple sets of data required to manage
large numbers of suppliers and customers made it a suitable choice for the
Whitbread application and its requirement to support a growing number of retail
concepts. Caché’s full compatibility with industry standards such as OBDC,
Java and HTML ensured that it could be integrated easily with Whitbread’s
business applications such as accounting and order download systems.
Chess developers enhanced the warehouse management software to manage common
stock across all the Whitbread concepts and converted the existing database to
Caché by recoding the underlying MSM syntax. Once this was completed, the data
was migrated from the old application to the new.
NEW WAREHOUSE OPERATIONS
The new version of Socretes has to manage a complex supply chain. As well as
processing daily orders from the 2000 outlets the system also manages purchase
ordering and the warehouse management. Orders for products are placed with
suppliers using a combination of EDI, email and fax. Much of the stock passing
through the two warehouses is cross-docked but the remainder is stored in
frozen, chill or ambient locations.
Each outlet places its orders at a predetermined time of the day to help with
work scheduling. Callers can be advised of stock availability using information
held on Socretes. Picking lists generated by the system are used to compile
deliveries. Most outlets receive three deliveries a week although the busiest
might require a daily service. Information generated by Socretes is used to
compile electronic invoices that are issued to the relevant concept via
corporate computer systems. Operations at the warehouses are continuous so
reliability is critical. By supporting these operations, Socretes is close to
being an enterprise solution.
Frontline support is handled by Whitbread’s managed service provider which
passes any relevant queries to Chess’s own support staff. For specific
development and support issues, Chess staff work directly with the Whitbread IT
department.
“We’ve had a good relationship with Chess and their support has been very
good,” says Andy Pickett.
Chess Logistics Technology Limited has provided software for logistics and
distribution applications for more than fifteen years and is recognised as a
specialist in its field. The company has an extensive client list of national
and international companies.
Notes To Editors:
7x5” print or 300dpi JPEG image available on request from Keith
Wootton.
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PRESS INFORMATION
Issue Date: 15 November 2000 (TOP)
PR Ref: CHE00/08
NEW RF CAPABILITY FOR CHESS’S EMPIRICA
Click on image to view/download 300dpi version
A new RF (radio frequency) module from Chess Logistics Technology enables
Empirica, its new generation warehouse management system, to be used with a
range of truck mounted and hand held terminals, barcode scanners and other data
capture devices to combine real time stock control and high data accuracy with
state of the art warehouse management functions.
“The modern RF unit is an advanced electronic device with an array of
technical features,” says Alex Mills, Marketing Director, Chess Logistics
Technology. “But typical WMS RF software modules tend to be too basic and fail
to include sophisticated software decision making to complement the hardware
they are using. Our new RF module adds this enhanced functionality to
Empirica.”
Empirica covers all key elements of warehouse management and has been
designed for ease of use and rapid implementation for in-house, third party and
contract based operations. Its three tier structure provides a wide choice of
configurations to support a user’s unique business operations and
requirements. The new RF software module can be used with any Empirica
configuration and builds on the real-time capability of previous Chess products
to reflect the diversity of modern warehouse operations. In addition to standard
functions such as put away, transfers, replenishment, stocktaking, order
picking, full pallet handling and despatch marshalling, Empirica supports
processes such as cross docking, stock reworking, EAN label receipts, kit
building, substitution, unit pick/pack and non stock held operations.
Empirica can be used with a range truck mounted and hand held RF equipment,
barcode scanners and other data capture devices from leading manufacturers to
deliver real time stock control and high data accuracy as part of the overall
warehouse management function. Empirica supports fully automated task allocation
through a range of sophisticated parameters and, though offering
system-controlled placement and picking decisions, it is sufficiently flexible
to allow full or partial user-driven operation where required.
By implementing RF based warehouse management with Empirica, users can
enhance their supply chain management still further by fully utilising the
system’s powerful integration capabilities to introduce web enabling and other
advanced facilities such as customer controlled inventory and remote report
generation. These help promote closer ties with business partners with enhanced
customer service and better flow of information in the supply chain.
ABOUT EMPIRICA
Empirica has a three tier structure designed to support a range of user
applications. Level One is designed for straightforward or primary site
operations; Level Two is ideal for sophisticated RDC-type operations; Level
Three offers multi-company, multi-depot capability and is suitable for a network
of stores or distribution centres. Each level incorporates a large number of
definable parameters and is highly customisable to provide complete flexibility.
This means that users can configure the system to support their unique business
processes and warehouse operations.
Empirica can be implemented under client server or host based architectures
and is scaleable and portable across the leading UNIX and Windows NT operating
systems and platforms. It is compatible with all industry standard data transfer
and network formats and can interface with external computer systems to enable
complete integration of the warehouse management function with other business
processes.
Standard interfacing is supported throughout to deliver simplified
integration with new and existing business applications and to allow supply
chain partners to exchange information more easily. Empirica also incorporates a
sophisticated interface module that supports communication between host systems,
networked EDI and web enabled platforms. This simplifies integration by reducing
the amount of reprogramming required so that users can eliminate the cost, time
and risk of developing their own individual interfaces.
ENDS
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PRESS INFORMATION
Issue Date: 29 March 2000 (TOP)
PR Ref: CHE00/02
NEXT GENERATION WAREHOUSE MANAGEMENT FROM CHESS
Chess Logistics Technology’s Empirica is a next generation warehouse
management software for in-house, third party and contract based operations. The
new product covers all key elements of warehouse management and has been
designed for ease of use and rapid implementation.
Empirica’s three tier structure, with access at all levels, provides a wide
choice of configurations to support a user’s unique business operations and
requirements. Standard interfacing is supported throughout to deliver simplified
integration with new and existing business applications and to allow supply
chain partners to exchange information more easily.
“Empirica is ideal for new millennium logistics operations needing top
range quality at an affordable price,” says Alex Mills, Marketing Director of
Chess Logistics Technology. “It has been developed on the strength of our many
years’ experience in warehouse management solutions.”
Empirica warehouse management software builds on the success of Chess’s
previous applications with a wide range of new features and additional
functionality designed to promote even greater control of this key element of
the supply chain.
Level One is designed for straightforward or primary site operations; Level
Two is ideal for sophisticated RDC-type operations; Level Three offers
multi-company, multi-depot capability and is suitable for a network of stores or
distribution centres. Each level incorporates a large number of definable
parameters and is highly customisable to provide complete flexibility. This
means that users can configure the system to support their unique business
processes and warehouse operations.
Empirica supports all elements of warehouse and location management, with put
away, transfers, replenishment, stocktaking and order picking as well as
additional features such as cross docking, non stock-held operations, stock
reworking, substitution and kitting. It provides real time inventory management
by interfacing with a wide range of data capture devices such as hand held,
truck mounted or fixed position RF and barcode systems.
“Empirica is based on the leading edge multi-dimensional Caché database
from Intersystems,” says David Derbyshire, Development Director of Chess
Logistics Technology. “This offers significant advantages over established
RDBMS while remaining fully compatible with industry standards such as OBDC,
Java and HTML. Caché’s unique multi-dimensional approach means it is much
more efficient than conventional relational models at supporting high volume
on-line transaction processing applications, especially where complex business
logic is involved.”
Empirica can be implemented under client server or host based architectures
and is scaleable and portable across the leading operating systems and
platforms, UNIX and Windows NT. It is compatible with all industry standard data
transfer and network formats, including EDI, and can interface with external
computer systems to enable complete integration of the warehouse management
function with other business processes.
The flexibility provided by Empirica means that web enabling and other
advanced facilities such as customer controlled inventory and remote report
generation can be introduced to promote closer ties with business partners for
enhanced customer service and better flow of information in the supply chain. A
thorough audit trail provided by the system to maintain complete traceability.
The new system will initially be offered as a standard upgradeable package
incorporating modules for the three tier warehouse management system. While the
standard modules offer benefits of easier implementation for users with
mainstream requirements, Chess will also use the applications as the basis of
the customised developments that it implements for a number of its customers.
Additional modules will be introduced later to broaden the functionality.
ENDS
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PRESS INFORMATION
Issue Date: 26 January 2000 (TOP)
PR Ref: CHE00/01
AJK CHOOSES CHESS’S NEW EMPIRICA
Andrew Johnson Knudtzon (AJK) Limited has become the first customer for Chess
Logistics Technology’s new Empirica warehouse management software. The company
chose Empirica because it offered a range of advanced features and a clear path
towards new facilities such as RF based real time stock control and simplified
web-enabled interfaces with customer computer systems.
An experienced temperature controlled storage and distribution operator, AJK
can trace its origins back more than 100 years. A wholly owned subsidiary of the
Andrew Marr International Group, the company has more than five million cubic
feet of temperature controlled warehousing at three sites in Hull. It provides
warehousing and distribution services for a range of blue chip clients and has
an impressive range of facilities, including its own refrigerated ship terminal
at Hull’s Albert Dock, which links direct to its Neptune Street site.
“We have been using warehouse management software from Chess for the past
eight years and have been very happy with it,” says Tony Casey, Director and
General Manager of AJK. “The new Empirica software runs on Windows, includes
additional features and supports improved accessibility to information. It is
fast becoming one of the best logistics packages in the industry and is
supported by good people.”
The decision to upgrade existing systems to Empirica was taken after a review
of warehousing operations at AJK. The company has always invested in its
facilities through an ongoing programme of modernisation to ensure it remains
abreast of customer requirements. A key factor in the decision was Empirica’s
web enabled features that allow warehouse operators to provide customers with
direct access to inventory and other information about the supply chain. Certain
AJK customers can expect to see that at work early in 2000.
“The way the food industry is going we need to be in a position to expand
and introduce new facilities, such as RF based scanning and direct connections
with customers,” says Tony Casey.
The new software replaces a bespoke package, also supplied by Chess, that has
been in use for a number of years. Computerised warehouse management provides
AJK with advanced stock control so that it can respond rapidly to enquiries. The
company already issues regular statements on stock held and movements to
customers, but Empirica now offers the prospect of making this information
available over the web to customers in real time.
The two companies worked closely during the implementation of the software,
which will initially be used in one of AJK’s three cold stores. The new and
old systems operated in tandem for two weeks before the warehouse finally went
live, followed by a further two weeks bedding in. The speed of implementation is
attributed to the ability of Empirica to provide a complete warehouse management
solution out of the box with no need for additional bespoke programming.
“Chess has provided us with full support through the development and been
super attentive to our requirements,” says Tony Casey. “Chess really does
have a good understanding of the temperature controlled storage and distribution
market.”
Note To Editors: Empirica is a next generation software designed for ease of
use and rapid implementation that supports all key elements of warehouse
management. Empirica’s three tier structure, with access at all levels,
provides a wide choice of configurations to support a user’s unique business
operations and requirements. Each level incorporates a large number of definable
parameters and is highly customisable to provide complete flexibility. Users can
configure the system to support their unique business processes and warehouse
operations. Standard interfacing is supported throughout to deliver simplified
integration with new and existing business applications and to allow supply
chain partners to exchange information more easily.
Empirica supports all elements of warehouse and location management, with put
away, transfers, replenishment, stocktaking and order picking as well as
additional features such as cross docking, non stock-held operations, stock
reworking, substitution and kitting. It provides real time inventory management
by interfacing with a wide range of data capture devices such as hand held,
truck mounted or fixed position RF and barcode systems.
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