Research Triangle Park, N.C., September 3, 2008 – Optricity Corporation, an innovator and provider of mathematically advanced, supply chain optimization software, announced the launch of its new product, OptiProfile™ for warehouses at the SCOPE West executive supply chain conference (www.scopewest.com). OptiProfile enables the user to perform an accurate Optimal Slot Type Analysis (OSTA), which incorporates all slot and item attributes, ergonomics, and technology constraints in addition to user-defined rules. Using these attributes, goals, and constraints, the tool profiles items into slots and determines the optimal rack configuration by slot type.
Responding to increased pressure to trim distribution costs and minimize capital expenditures, OptiProfile enables users to fully utilize existing space and equipment before pursuing expansion. Additionally, designers of green field facilities and new layouts for existing warehouses can make use of OptiProfile to specify rack types and run multiple what-if scenarios for cost/benefit comparisons. The profiling feature includes current and forecasted velocity information, dimensional and weight requirements, restrictions (such as conveyable, special equipment), and alternative slotting units (i.e. slot by pallet, case, inner, each), which contributes to the power of the tool.
The output of OptiProfile is two-fold. First, a report lists each item to be slotted including pertinent item data and the assigned slot type. Second, a matrix of each slot type and the quantity of each slot type is produced. According to Tim Riehl, Optricity Vice President, “This matrix does more than just count the items and divide by the number of slots per bay - the matrix actually figures out how many of each slot type are required based on the exact criteria for the slot type.” Riehl goes on to explain, “There is no way to do this using conventional tools such as a spreadsheet. OptiProfile is not simply a capacity calculator based on matching the item cube and cubic velocity to rack capacities... it provides the baseline of a true optimal slotting solution.”
OptiProfile uses advanced computations, attributes, item/slot settings, and constraints; the resultant output is an extremely accurate and fast calculation of how many racks of each slot type are actually needed to slot the items based on the defined criteria. Application of an accurate Optimal Slot Type Analysis can extend the life of an existing warehouse and more efficiently utilize existing equipment by providing exact slot specifications to optimally slot the facility.
About SCOPE
The Supply Chain Operations Private Exhibition SCOPE is an upscale, exclusive event for senior level executives involved in supply chain management and logistics. It's a one stop resource to discover cutting edge solutions from the industry's premier suppliers to expand your network of influential industry peers and educate on strategies and best practice with industry experts. Recently expanded to include multiple
industry focused Tracks: "SCOPE Consumer Goods", "SCOPE Industrial", and "SCOPE 3PL" to focus on challenges and opportunities directly relevant to Supply Chain executives.
About Optricity
Based in Research Triangle Park, NC, Optricity Corporation offers mathematically advanced optimization engines to enhance return on supply chain investment. Capitalizing on leading web technologies, deep domain expertise, improved computing algorithms and analysis techniques, Optricity’s tools integrate with current supply chain planning and execution systems. Optricity engines optimize least cost solutions based on competing goals and constraints of multiple functions (data and systems) coming together at merge points to achieve Juncture Optimization. For more information, visit http://www.optricity.com./.
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