STI Relocates Hitachi Data Systems without Business Interruption
STI, a business leader in specialized supply chain solutions, relocated Hitachi Data Systems’ International Distribution Center without business interruption and maintained inventory integrity throughout the transfer. Hitachi Data Systems’ move from Plainfield, Indiana to Norman, Oklahoma combined its distribution facility with the existing Hitachi Computer Products (America), Inc.’s campus, further enhancing their mutual operating efficiencies. The seven month pre-planning effort culminated in a well orchestrated move over two extended weekends to meet Hitachi’s overriding goal of “no downtime” for its customer base.
Together, STI and its California based agent, Valley Relocation & Storage, coordinated a mix of flat bed, dry van and climatic trailers with their single and two-man delivery teams. Over two hundred truckloads were utilized for the inventory move which included work in process, spare parts, laboratory testing equipment and fixtures. The relocation was accomplished in a synchronized manner to facilitate Hitachi’s continuous operating platform. Valley’s President, Jim Robson relayed: “This was a significantly more complex service in which volume far exceeded our traditional national transportation service on Hitachi’s behalf. Hitachi’s two critical demands were no downtime and full visibility at all times for all product movement to satisfy security, production and insurance requirements.” STI’s Chief Operating Officer Dick Omlor added: “While this move was a large and complex project, it’s really what we, in partnership
with our agents, do everyday.”
As STI moved inventory to the new facility, Hitachi’s system integrity was maintained with each of the million plus inventory items that were traced with both STI’s and Hitachi’s inventory
management systems. “The transfer of our entire distribution facility in an admittedly compressed time window allowed us to achieve the move with no loss or damage and most importantly, in a seamless fashion for our customers,” Observed Frans van Rijn, Hitachi Data Systems’ Senior Vice President, Global Supply Chain, CLO.
Senior Mr. van Rijn added: “Indeed, we were extremely pleased that our distribution center’s relocation was successfully completed with no loss of revenue recognition or customer service interruption. The move enabled us to accept customer orders on Friday in Plainfield, Indiana and fulfill those orders on Monday from our new facility in Norman, Oklahoma. STI, along with Valley Relocation, successfully met all of our demands.”
About STI
STI has been an asset-based industry leader of specialized supply chain solutions since 1965, formerly as the High Value Products/Logistics Division of North American Van Lines, before becoming an independent company in 2004. STI provides customized supply chain solutions for products that require high touch support, special handling and equipment, and value added on site services. Supporting the business to business and business to consumer markets, the company provides multi-modal logistics supported by an extensive network of distribution centers throughout the U.S. and Canada. The suite of services includes specialized padded van transportation, trade show support, first and final mile logistics, white glove services, transportation management, warehousing, home delivery, and technology tools. STI supports customers in the Technology, Healthcare, Industrial, Furniture, Store Fixtures, Retail, and Financial Services markets. Please visit www.STIdelivers.com for more information.