Client: National Pharmacy Chain
Eclipse IA Boosts Distribution Efficiencies, Streamlines Deconsolidation and Hiring Operations
The Challenge
A multi-billion dollar pharmacy chain tasked Eclipse with tackling four of its most pressing issues and opportunities:
1. Replace the existing supplier without an interruption in productivity.
2. Retain as many of the current workers as possible
3. Provide unique ancillary services
4. Take over the deconsolidation services from the existing third-party deconsolidator
The Situation
A leading drugstore chain turned to Eclipse IA as a staffing solutions partner in the management of a team of 70-90 experienced supply chain employees. Due to a successful, long-term relationship at five other sites, Eclipse IA was a natural choice for the startup.
The Solution
Hybrid Model
Since the DC had some unique hourly functions and needs, Eclipse began the startup with a hybrid CPU and hourly model.
This ensured the necessary continuity while also offering the productivity benefits of a CPU model.
Retention Bonuses
To secure retention, Eclipse offered competitive pay with sign-on and retention bonuses after 30 and 60 days, which also helped to alleviate any concerns about the new productivity-based pay model. Eclipse was also cognizant of retaining employees on the receiving team, as we understood they were providing the critical inbound processing and loading services critical to this site’s success.
Deconsolidation
Eclipse also took over the deconsolidation logistics. The team unloaded the freight, staged it and loaded it back onto different trailers to be transported to their appropriate DCs.
"People want to be part of what’s going on here"
We are contractually obligated to increase or decrease production by 20% the day of operation, and with our size and quality of our applicant waitlist, which is primarily filled with referrals from existing workers, we are always prepared to meet this demand. People want to be a part of what’s going on here. Our culture is strong and our pay is strategic and that goes a long way in retention.”
- Sean Crane | Eclipse General Manager
The Impact
By working with Eclipse, the pharmacy chain’s DC was able to:
Ensure a smooth startup
With an extremely experienced team deployed and a retention rate of 90%, the transition was seamless and productivity rates were high, despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Improve management situation
The chain has been thrilled with the new management team on site and all the issues with the previous supplier have been eradicated.
Increase pay rate & productivity
By implementing a productivity team-based pay structure at this site, worker pay rates increased on the inbound dock. This was a big reason for the increased productivity and dock flow increase at this site.
Eliminate deconsolidation costs
By transferring deconsolidation responsibilities to Eclipse, the chain was able to eliminate the costly third-party port service, as the transload building created better efficiencies and cost savings.
Transitioned workforce
Half the temporary workers were transitioned into permanent positions.
Next Case Study
The distribution center for a national retailer was using multiple temporary staffing agencies to unload freight from overseas. Despite all of that staffing power, the agencies were continually falling behind, resulting in months of sleepless nights at all levels of the facility.
Read The Case Study >
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