Growth is a good problem to have. But when distribution volumes climb, warehouse operations need to keep pace.
Hirsch Pipe & Supply, one of Southern California’s largest independent plumbing and HVAC distributors, turned to PathGuide Technologies and Latitude WMS to help support its growing operation. With 30 locations and increasing distribution center throughput, Hirsch needed a warehouse management system that could improve efficiency and visibility while integrating with its existing ERP environment.
The results are already making an impact.
Since implementing Latitude WMS, Hirsch has improved picking efficiency by 25% through more streamlined warehouse workflows and better labor utilization. The company has also reduced its reliance on manual, spreadsheet-driven processes while making inbound logistics and operational information more accessible to warehouse, purchasing, and sales teams.
“As we continued growing, we needed a warehouse management system that could scale with us and not force us to change how we operate,” said Robert Gabrielson, Vice President of Supply Chain at Hirsch Pipe & Supply. “Latitude gave us the flexibility to integrate with our existing ERP, improve warehouse efficiency, and gain the operational visibility we were missing. Just as importantly, PathGuide has been a true partner throughout the process, helping us continuously improve as our business evolves.”
Designed specifically for distributors, Latitude WMS gives warehouse teams greater control and visibility over inventory, labor and day-to-day operations. For Hirsch, that included introducing zone-based picking and expanding warehouse capabilities to support greater efficiency as the organization continues to grow.
The implementation also demonstrates how the right WMS can help distributors get more from their existing resources rather than simply adding labor to accommodate higher volumes.
“Hirsch Pipe & Supply’s success is a clear example of how contemporary warehouse management investments can increase labor efficiency, show where productivity improvements can be made, and deliver a better customer experience,” said Eric Allais, President and CEO of PathGuide Technologies. “With Latitude, Hirsch strengthened warehouse performance, improved operational decision-making, and built a foundation for continued growth, and we’re proud to be a partner in that journey.”
For a distributor experiencing rising order volumes, the challenge isn’t simply moving more product. It’s finding ways to move that product accurately and efficiently while giving employees the information they need to make better decisions.
For Hirsch Pipe & Supply, Latitude WMS is helping provide that foundation for continued growth. As distribution demands evolve, Hirsch has the tools and flexibility to adapt its warehouse operations while continuing to meet customer expectations. And with PathGuide as a long-term partner, the company can continue identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and get even more from its warehouse operation.
To read the full press release, click here.