Supply Chain Design & Innovation (SDi) at its highest level
UTi continues to be a pioneer in delivering innovative solutions and driving continuous improvement to our clients' supply chains. The Supply Chain Design & Innovation (SDi) team is comprised of experienced strategists, specialists and engineers who have designed and implemented numerous integrated supply chain solutions projects for major companies operating all over the world. The high levels of success achieved by our SDi team are based on:
Strong Consulting Experience - Many of our team members have previously worked for renowned consulting firms while others on our team have a strong background in the logistics industry, coming from solutions functions in major supply chain organizations.
Optimal Solutions Balanced With Operational Expertise - Many supply chain analyses and solutions are conducted by organizations that have strong modeling capabilities, but lack an in-depth understanding of the operational requirements and constraints of the business. These studies often result in solutions that are operationally flawed. Because SDi is part of UTi, our solutions are always balanced by a deep understanding of the reality of operations once they are implemented.
Global Reach - The global SDi team consists of over 100 consultants and solutions engineers engaged in supply chain design, optimization and implementation projects on a daily basis. We use common methodologies and approaches globally, and engage in continuous improvement and training. Because we do not rely on overseas affiliates or partner with other consulting companies, we can guarantee full control over the project timeline and the quality of the deliverables.
Leading Tool Set - SDi uses the i2 suite of optimization software (by JDA) to support analyses in various types of projects. i2 Supply Chain Strategist is one of the strongest network optimization tools currently on the market.
Access to Benchmark Data - As part of a global logistics company, SDi has direct access to market transport rates on a global basis, as well as tariffs for contract logistics services. This access allows us to build a realistic and accurate baseline for comparison of any supply chain cost element.
Competitive Pricing Structure - As part of a much larger global logistics company where SDi can leverage its operational expertise, we are not burdened with high overhead costs and can operate in a very cost-efficient manner.
Quantified Value - In any project, SDi focuses on adding quantified and lasting value to your business. This pragmatic approach is characterized by small teams that work closely with you to deliver the best results possible. We differentiate ourselves by not only designing reliable and innovative supply chain solutions, but by working to implement solutions that will effect the changes required to realize all potential benefits.
Different solutions tailored to individual clients' needs
UTi's Supply Chain Design & Innovation (SDi) team offers a full range of supply chain consulting and implementation services that are selected for development based on individual client requirements. We analyze your business, then design and implement specific solutions that will deliver enhanced value to your global supply chain. These include:
Strategy Setting - Our View-Aim-Execute (VAE) methodology allows us to work with you to jointly set and align the supply chain strategy with your business strategy.
Strategic Value Assessment - A pragmatic approach to quickly identify, quantify and prioritize key improvement areas, which may include many of the analyses below, configured to your needs.
Network Optimization - Determining the lowest cost and best service logistics network through detailed modeling and scenario analyses. This solution can uncover optimal warehouse/distribution locations, import/export gateways, and sourcing recommendations. The analyses provide a granular view considering the product lines/types, demand on a month-by-month basis, seasonality, and other factors.
Transportation & Distribution Optimization - Recently, companies have found only limited cost savings in transportation activities through negotiations with their logistics service providers due to overall low margins in the market and increasing fuel prices. However, UTi develops solutions that unlock large opportunities for cost savings by applying smart consolidation concepts, carrier rationalization techniques, and utilization of multimodal and other transportation solutions.
Warehouse Optimization - SDi works to identify improvements in current warehouses/distribution centers such as facility design, process improvement, and warehouse management systems (WMS) improvements. UTi has vast experience with warehouse optimization and runs over 100 highly efficient logistics centers around the world.
Inventory Optimization - Effectively managing inventory is a complex task because of the many rules, multiple locations, and hundreds of thousands of SKUs that must be managed across the supply chain. The SDi approach assesses current policies, procedures, and systems; identifies immediate improvement opportunities; and optimizes inventory locations and policies based on multi-echelon optimization algorithms.
Performance Management and Benchmarking
While ongoing performance management is provided by several groups within UTi, SDi also provides Performance Management support to clients who want to take a step back and benchmark their supply chain costs and performance against others inside and outside the industry. We also work with clients to determine the most effective supply chain KPIs, and develop a plan for reporting on those metrics.
Green Solutions
SDi takes a pragmatic approach to measuring a client's carbon footprint, using our proprietary EcoTool model. Our methodology is based on the World Resources Institute's GHG Protocol, and is organized in three phases: calculate, optimize and manage. Depending on where our clients are in their carbon footprint evolution, we can help them understand and improve their environmental impact.
