Revolutionizing Inventory Management: Stadium Goods and Barrett Distribution

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Case Study: Stadium Goods and Barrett Distribution
   1. About Stadium Goods
   2. About Barrett Distribution
3. Inventory Management Challenges
   1. Complex Inventory Structure
   2. Consignment Model
   3. High-Value Items
   4. Accurate and On-Time Delivery
4. Solutions Implemented
   1. Continuous Cycle Counts
   2. Transactional-Based Inventory Counts
   3. Use of Gather AI Drones
5. Benefits and Impact
   1. Higher Inventory Accuracy
   2. On-Time Shipping
   3. Cost Savings
   4. Employee Morale and Retention
6. Implementation Process
   1. Setup and Mapping of Warehouse
   2. Training and Integration
7. Safety Considerations
8. Conclusion

Article: Maximizing Inventory Accuracy and On-Time Delivery with Gather AI Drones

In today's fast-paced retail industry, precision in inventory management and order fulfillment is crucial for ensuring customer satisfaction. Retailers face numerous challenges in handling their inventory, especially when dealing with complex product structures, consignment models, and high-value items. This is where innovative solutions like Gather AI drones come into play.

Introduction

In this article, we will explore a case study of a successful partnership between Stadium Goods, a retail marketplace specializing in sneakers and streetwear, and Barrett Distribution, a third-party logistics company. We will Delve into the inventory management challenges faced by Stadium Goods and how they overcame them with the adoption of Gather AI drones. This technology has significantly improved their inventory accuracy, order processing speed, and on-time delivery.

Case Study: Stadium Goods and Barrett Distribution

About Stadium Goods

Stadium Goods is a prominent marketplace that focuses on sneakers and rare streetwear items. They specialize in selling unworn and collectible sneakers, including game-worn sneakers. With a retail store in New York and a strong online presence, Stadium Goods ships their products from warehouses located in the US and Europe. The consignment-based business model adds another layer of complexity to their inventory management processes.

About Barrett Distribution

Barrett Distribution is a third-party logistics (3PL) company with extensive experience in providing specialized solutions for various industries, such as apparel, cosmetics, food, automotive, and medical. Their expertise lies in distribution and warehousing, meeting the unique needs of their customers. With over 25 locations nationwide, Barrett Distribution offers reliable and technologically advanced services to businesses.

Inventory Management Challenges

Stadium Goods faced several inventory management challenges that needed to be addressed for better accuracy and efficiency in their operations. These challenges included:

Complex Inventory Structure

Managing inventory in a consignment-based business model is inherently complex. Stadium Goods often receives multiple units of the same SKU owned by different consigners, each with a different selling price. To handle this complexity, each item is assigned a unique serial number, enabling accurate tracking and fulfillment.

Consignment Model

Under the consignment model, Stadium Goods is accountable for paying out their consigners if the inventory cannot be found. This places a high importance on ensuring inventory accuracy to avoid financial losses. With over 500,000 units in their main warehouse, precision in inventory management is crucial for quick retrieval and shipment.

High-Value Items

Stadium Goods deals with sneakers that range widely in value, from $50 to over $155,000 for a single pair. This vast range of product values adds another layer of complexity to their inventory management processes. Accurate tracking and secure storage are pivotal to prevent loss and damage to these high-value items.

Accurate and On-Time Delivery

To maintain customer satisfaction, Stadium Goods needed a partner with an impeccable track Record of fast and accurate shipping. With a large volume of orders and the need to quickly locate and ship items, inventory accuracy and efficiency were critical factors in meeting customer expectations.

Solutions Implemented

To address the inventory management challenges, Stadium Goods partnered with Barrett Distribution and adopted a range of solutions to maximize accuracy and streamline operations.

Continuous Cycle Counts

Moving away from traditional annual physical inventories, Stadium Goods chose to implement continuous cycle counts in collaboration with Barrett Distribution. They began conducting transactional-based inventory counts, checking the previous day's picks and replenishments. This shift allowed for real-time error identification and corrections, significantly improving inventory accuracy.

Transactional-Based Inventory Counts

The use of transactional-based inventory counts involved checking and verifying inventory on a frequent basis, often multiple times a day. This approach allowed for the identification of discrepancies or errors promptly and facilitated immediate corrections, ensuring accurate inventory data.

Use of Gather AI Drones

One of the key technological advancements implemented by Stadium Goods in partnership with Barrett Distribution was the adoption of Gather AI drones. These autonomous drones revolutionized inventory management by providing a highly accurate and efficient solution for counting and tracking inventory.

The drones are equipped with advanced scanning capabilities and are programmed to fly to specific pallet locations. They capture high-resolution images of each pallet, which are uploaded to the cloud for analysis. The images are compared against the inventory data in real-time, enabling quick identification of discrepancies and exceptions.

The Gather AI dashboard provides a comprehensive view of the entire warehouse, presenting crucial information such as matches, exceptions, and empty locations. This data allows inventory managers to proactively address issues and make informed decisions to improve inventory accuracy.

The drones also offer the benefits of increased safety, avoiding the need for manual counting in potentially hazardous areas and reducing the risk of accidents. Additionally, their ability to fly in low light conditions and independence from Wi-Fi connectivity makes them versatile and reliable tools for accurate inventory management.

Benefits and Impact

The implementation of these solutions, including Gather AI drones, has brought numerous benefits to Stadium Goods, Barrett Distribution, and their customers.

Higher Inventory Accuracy

With continuous cycle counts, transactional-based inventory counts, and the use of Gather AI drones, Stadium Goods has achieved a significant increase in inventory accuracy. Previously facing inventory shrink of approximately 1.5% to 2%, they now maintain an accuracy level of 99.99%.

By frequently checking inventory and promptly addressing any discrepancies or errors, Stadium Goods ensures that orders are fulfilled accurately and that consigners are paid correctly. This increased accuracy improves operational efficiency, reduces financial losses, and enhances customer satisfaction.

On-Time Shipping

Accurate inventory management is crucial for ensuring on-time delivery. With accurate inventory data, Barrett Distribution can quickly locate items and process orders without delays. Stadium Goods benefits from Barrett's strong track record of fast and precise shipping, meeting the demanding timelines of their customers.

The implementation of Gather AI drones has further supported the on-time shipping process. The speed, efficiency, and accuracy of the drones eliminate delays caused by missing inventory, resulting in a smooth order fulfillment process and expanded customer satisfaction.

Cost Savings

The transition from traditional annual physical inventories to continuous cycle counting has resulted in significant cost savings for Stadium Goods. Previously, the annual inventories required business shutdowns for approximately a week and incurred expenses of around $250,000 per year. With Gather AI drones and the ability to conduct continuous cycle counts without disrupting operations, Stadium Goods has eliminated the need for annual inventories, reducing costs and improving overall efficiency.

Employee Morale and Retention

The implementation of innovative technology like Gather AI drones has had a positive impact on employee morale and retention at Stadium Goods. The drone's user-friendly interface and its ability to simplify inventory management tasks have generated excitement among team members. The training and utilization of cutting-edge technology have empowered employees and improved job satisfaction. Additionally, the efficient inventory management processes made possible by the drones have created smoother workdays, minimizing frustration and keeping employees motivated.

Implementation Process

The successful implementation of Gather AI drones and other inventory management solutions involves several key steps:

Setup and Mapping of Warehouse

The process begins with the setup and mapping of the warehouse. The Gather AI team works closely with the business to Create a digital map that accurately represents the warehouse layout. This map helps guide the drones during inventory counting missions. The physical locations are then labeled with QR codes or other identifiers, allowing the drones to identify and scan the inventory accurately.

Training and Integration

Once the mapping is complete, the inventory management team receives comprehensive training on operating the drones and utilizing the Gather AI dashboard. Training Sessions cover drone assembly, mission planning and execution, reviewing inventory data, and resolving exceptions. The Gather AI team provides ongoing support to ensure a seamless integration of the technology into the existing warehouse operations.

The training and integration process is tailored to the specific needs of the business, allowing for customization according to different racking configurations or product requirements.

Safety Considerations

Safety is a top priority when using Gather AI drones in the warehouse environment. To ensure a safe operating environment, several measures are implemented:

• Cones are used to block off aisles during drone operations, notifying warehouse personnel of ongoing drone missions.
• Clear communication is established among the drone operators, warehouse staff, and other personnel working in the area.
• Proper training is provided to all drone operators to ensure they are familiar with the safety protocols and operating procedures.
• The drones are designed to adhere to safety standards and undergo regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance.

By adhering to these safety considerations, businesses can seamlessly integrate Gather AI drones into their warehouse operations while prioritizing the well-being of their employees.

Conclusion

Efficient inventory management and accurate order fulfillment are critical factors for success in the retail industry. Through the case study of Stadium Goods and Barrett Distribution, we have seen how the adoption of innovative solutions like Gather AI drones can greatly enhance inventory accuracy, streamline operations, and improve on-time delivery. By leveraging technology and implementing effective inventory management strategies, retailers can overcome complex inventory challenges and achieve higher levels of customer satisfaction.

The benefits of accurate inventory management go beyond operational efficiency and cost savings. They extend to employee morale, retention, and overall customer experience. With the right solutions and processes in place, retailers can position themselves for success in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

If You're a retailer looking to maximize inventory accuracy, improve order fulfillment, and enhance customer satisfaction, consider exploring the potential of Gather AI drones and other innovative technologies available in the market today.

Highlights:

• Stadium Goods, a marketplace specializing in sneakers and streetwear, faced complex inventory challenges due to their consignment-based business model and high-value items.
• By partnering with Barrett Distribution and implementing solutions like continuous cycle counts, transactional-based inventory counts, and Gather AI drones, Stadium Goods achieved higher inventory accuracy and on-time shipping.
• Gather AI drones revolutionized inventory management by providing precise and efficient scanning capabilities, resulting in improved accuracy and reduced errors.
• The adoption of innovative technology like Gather AI drones improved employee morale and retention by empowering them with the necessary tools for efficient inventory management.
• The implementation process involved setup and mapping of the warehouse, comprehensive training, and ongoing support from the Gather AI team.
• Safety considerations, such as the use of cones, clear communication, and proper training, ensured the safe operation of Gather AI drones in the warehouse environment.

FAQ:

Q: How often are inventory counts conducted with Gather AI drones?
A: Inventory counts can be conducted multiple times a day, depending on business needs. The use of Gather AI drones allows for frequent and accurate inventory checks, ensuring real-time data accuracy.

Q: Are Gather AI drones suitable for warehouses with narrow aisles?
A: Yes, Gather AI drones can navigate and scan inventory in narrow aisles, typically ranging from four to five feet wide. Their compact design and advanced capabilities make them well-suited for warehouses with limited space.

Q: Can Gather AI drones detect discrepancies in empty locations?
A: Yes, Gather AI drones can detect discrepancies in empty locations. By comparing scanned images with inventory data, the drones can identify any empty locations that show product in the WMS, allowing for quick error resolution.

Q: How long does it take to set up the Gather AI drone system in a warehouse?
A: The setup and mapping of the warehouse can typically be completed within two to three weeks. The Gather AI team works closely with the business to create a digital map and label the physical locations, ensuring a seamless integration of the drone system.

Q: Can Gather AI drones be integrated with existing warehouse management systems?
A: Yes, Gather AI drones can be integrated with existing warehouse management systems. The initial implementation usually begins with CSV file uploads, but integration with WMS can be explored for real-time updates and further system automation.

Q: Are Gather AI drones safe to operate in a warehouse environment?
A: Yes, safety considerations are prioritized when operating Gather AI drones in a warehouse. Protocols such as blocking aisles with cones, clear communication, and proper training for operators help ensure a safe operating environment for all warehouse personnel.

Q: How do Gather AI drones contribute to cost savings in inventory management?
A: By reducing the need for traditional annual physical inventories and enabling continuous cycle counts, Gather AI drones help save costs associated with labor and equipment required for shutdowns. Their accuracy in inventory management also minimizes financial losses due to misplaced or lost inventory.

Q: Can Gather AI drones be used for different types of inventory, such as pallet-based or consigned items?
A: Yes, Gather AI drones can be utilized for various inventory types, including pallet-based and consigned items. The drones' adaptability and customizable solutions make them suitable for different businesses and inventory structures.