Dunkin' Donuts Mid-Atlantic Distribution Center, the logistics supplier to Dunkin' Donuts franchisees in eight states, has deployed the VoiceLogistics solution developed by Voxware Inc., a supplier of voice-based solutions.
"Today we support 1,400 locations, and our challenge is to keep up with the addition of new stores and new franchise chains to our operation," says Craig Setter, executive vice president and COO of Dunkin' Donuts Mid-Atlantic Distribution Center. "We leverage technology to maintain our high service levels, and VoiceLogistics is enabling us to increase productivity, reduce cost and boost velocity. We are very happy with the results we are getting."
"VoiceLogistics gives us 99.9% accuracy, which has enabled us to eliminate order-checking positions," notes Warren Engard, director of distribution operations. "We've also realized cost benefits in reduced training time: it used to take up to 8 weeks for a new worker to reach our standard performance level, but with VoiceLogistics someone with little or no warehouse experience can move to standard in half the time it used to take, which is a huge benefit for us."
Warren also reports impressive accuracy gains, so training time concentrates on learning the floor and getting up to speed physically. "Most new hires have to get into shape in order to lift 50 lb. bags and reach our performance standard of 200 picks per hour."
The initial deployment was in the dry section of the Dunkin' Donuts Mid-Atlantic Distribution Center in Swedesboro, N.J. The company is currently moving to an expanded 300,000 square foot facility in Westampton, N.J., where VoiceLogistics will be used in freezer, cooler and dry zones. The impetus for the move was the company's commitment to Dunkin' Donuts' parent company, Allied Domecq, to begin distribution for its mid-Atlantic Baskin-Robbins and Togo's Sandwiches franchisees in September.
Dunkin' Donuts Mid-Atlantic Distribution Center is one of 4 cooperative Dunkin' Donuts Distribution Centers owned by regional Allied Domecq franchisees. Each regional DC is an independently operated non-profit corporation.
