FDBusiness.com

Since its initial implementation in 2011 the Empirica warehouse management system provided by Chess Logistics Technology has supported rapid growth at Scunthorpe-based Via Coldstores. Operating from a 140,000ft2 (13,000m2) site with over 22,000 pallet spaces, Via provides a range of services to manufacturing and food service companies. These include ambient, chilled and frozen storage, tempering, blast freezing and packing among others.

Together with its sister company, Via Supply Chain Solutions, Via Coldstores is a relatively new player in the temperature controlled sector. Behind the organisation however lies the considerable experience and track record of its MD Stuart Hancock, whose past career has seen many years’ association with key industry players. Helping Stuart run the business on a daily basis is a team of industry professionals with extensive logistics and food service experience.

The Empirica WMS system was installed to provide operational efficiency across the full range of services provided. This includes the need to handle differing types of pallet racking, and variations in customer service offering including chilled transhipment and cross docking. The system has operated with wireless real time movement control since implementation, and offers sophisticated interface facilities for electronic data exchange with Via customers’ systems. Customers also have immediate online access to stock data via a dedicated system portal.

Despite its already impressive growth over the past year Via is pursuing ambitious expansion plans based on its flexible approach and strong industry expertise. Inherent in Stuart’s team’s philosophy is their desire to help customers increase efficiency by highlighting operational improvements and cutting supply chain costs. The Empirica WMS is already providing a firm foundation for them to do this and will continue to work behind the scenes as the business expands.