Shaw Industries didn't become the world's largest carpet manufacturer, with more than $5 billion in annual sales, by letting the competition walk all over it.

Shaw has deployed a yard management system (YMS) at its main 79-acre distribution campus in Dalton, Ga., as well as at two supporting DCs in the area.

They've got it covered

Managing the flow of more than 500,000 shipments from these facilities each year, the software automates workflow, it improves yard throughput, asset and labor utilization and on-time deliveries in support of Shaw's national distribution network. The software has enabled Shaw to achieve a new level of efficiency for moving trailers and product within and between the DC hubs; it also reduces outbound transportation costs by picking the most appropriate trailers for selected routes servicing Shaw's national distribution network.

“Most of our yard operations are now on 'auto pilot' thanks to [the new system],” says Jim Gordon, director of Shaw's industrial engineering and systems distribution division. “The configurable execution rules ensure that the right trailers are brought to the right dock doors at the right time.”

By automating processes and increasing throughput, Shaw has realized a complete return on its investment in less than one year and plans to implement the YMS in at least three more of its distribution facilities.

Wherenet Corporation 408-845-8500 www.wherenet.com