Sakata has seen many benefits since implementing Tasklet Mobile WMS. Among them are: shortened processing time, more functionality for warehouse employees, more machine control, and a marked reduction in data entry errors. The easy integration with their existing ERP system and improved warehousing processes has made the WMS solution an invaluable asset for Sakata's business.
Sakata’s production is split into two phases: The first is growing and harvesting the crops out in fields, and the second is processing the harvested seed in the warehouse.
Within the warehouse, the seed goes through many steps to obtain a clean- and high-quality output. Further, since the product is produced by lot, is lot-tracked throughout, is live and has a shelf life, control of the product throughout processing is vitally important.
For instance, great care is being taken to prevent unintentionally cross-mixing different lots of seeds during the process. “It is certainly safe to say that our warehouse operations are a major key to the overall business success of Sakata”, says Doug Kenyon, IT Manager of Sakata Seed America.
Sakata needed to find a solution that could remove manual processes from its high standards of quality control and growing product line. Doug Kenyon, explains:
“Quality of product is-, and has always been, a key priority for Sakata. And as we grew and got more products to control, manual procedures became problematic. We, therefore, decided to digitalize our processes and began searching for a modern WMS solution that would enable us to grow our business and still maintain our high standards for quality”.
Making the decision to search for a WMS platform was step one. Finding the right platform was step two. The mission, however, was straightforward. Doug Kenyon highlights a few of the companys requirements:
“First and foremost, we wanted a state of the art WMS platform with seamless integration to our Microsoft Dynamics AX. Furthermore, we wanted a platform that could be modified to fit our unique business requirements, such as adding customized validation steps and extending the solution to be integrated with existing warehouse machinery. Finally, we wanted a solution that could work in multiple locations, and that could be upgraded along with us upgrading our ERP”.
Sakata’s past experience with WMS platforms called for a particularly thorough selection process to identify their future solution. Doug Kenyon explains:
“We previously attempted to use a different WMS system and found it cumbersome, not easily customizable, costly, and very slow – especially at remote facilities. As soon as we saw Tasklet Mobile WMS, we immediately spotted the differences. It matched all of our requirements and stood out from the rest of the competition! Really, it was an easy choice”.
Sakata has enjoyed several benefits with its implementation of Tasklet Mobile WMS, including faster processing times, more functionality for warehouse staff, and better machine control. However, the biggest value to Sakata lies within the significant reduction of errors. Doug Kenyon emphatizes the impact the new WMS solutions has had on business:
“Since the implementation of Tasklet Mobile WMS, we have experienced far fewer data entry errors and have not had a single unwanted mixture of seeds. It would honestly be unfair to put a dollar amount to what this means for us – it is priceless for our business. Plus, our warehouse workers love it—Don’t ever take this solution away from us, they say. I think that tells it all”.
Real Dynamics is a Microsoft partner with expertise in Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations and Dynamics AX. Real Dynamics specializes in implementation-, advisory-, and business transformation services.
From a technology point of view, Real Dynamics have been major contributors to getting Sakata Seed to where they are today. Doug Kenyon elaborates:
“Upon defining our requirements for the project, Real Dynamics have been forerunners in turning our thoughts and plans into actual and practical solutions, including all the custom programming and integrations to other systems. We could not have done it without them”.
The project has also been rewarding for Real Dynamics. Sandeep Shukla (Principal) explains:
“Since day one, we had so much fun working on this project. Sakata Seed approached the cooperation with an open mind and was generally a fantastic client to work with. Tasklet Factory as well has been a great partner throughout and has provided all the support we needed to end up with a successful implementation and a happy customer”.
USA
Sakata Seed America, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sakata Seed Corporation of Yokohama, Japan. Sakata Seed America, Inc. is headquartered in Morgan Hill, CA, and breeds, produces, and sells hybrid and OP wholesale vegetable and ornamental genetics through seeds and cuttings. Sakata Seed Corporation has been in business for more than 100 years, and Sakata Seed America for more than 40 years.
In vegetables, Sakata is the largest global breeder, producer, and wholesaler of broccoli seeds, and breeds, produces, and sells tomato, pepper, carrot, beet, melon, watermelon, spinach seeds, and more. On the ornamental side, Sakata is noted for its Sunpatiens® impatiens and Supercal® petunia as well as notable pansy, celosia, begonia, gerbera, zinnia, and many more ornamental products.
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