Doskocil Implements Oracle Transportation Management to Replace Manual Processes and Reduce Logistics Costs

Pet Product and Sporting Goods Manufacturer Gains Control of Logistics Processes with Oracle

Doskocil, a leading pet product and sporting goods manufacturer has successfully implemented Oracle( Transportation Management 5.5 to transform its outbound logistics operations, Oracle today announced. With Oracle, Doskocil has eliminated manual processes and now benefits from reduced transportation costs and increased efficiencies across its logistics operations.

Doskocil manufactures a variety of pet supplies and sporting goods equipment for its large retail partners including PetSmart, PETCO and Wal-Mart. Previously, the company relied on manual reports and processes to create truck schedules and manage its transportation needs. Doskocil’s logistics processes were inefficient and costly which led to its investment in a new transportation management system. Based on the success of its existing Oracle Applications deployment, Doskocil purchased Oracle Transportation Management.

“Especially in a time where fuel costs are rising, we wanted to do everything possible to rely on efficient logistics processes to control costs and ensure products are delivered on time to the right retail locations,” said Doskocil Chief Financial Officer Susan Richman. “Leveraging Oracle Transportation Management, we have the peace-of-mind that we’re reducing transportation spend, improving the productivity of our operations and passing along those savings and benefits to our customers.”

As part of its recent implementation, Doskocil deployed Oracle Transportation Operational Planning, a capability within Oracle Transportation Management 5.5. This module enables the company to create the most optimized shipments for multi-stop trucks based on cost, service level and asset utilization. Doskocil is also equipped to act on unpredictable events, helping to ensure that every shipment is delivered in the most efficient and cost-effective manner.

Additionally, Doskocil is benefiting from the Load Configurator functionality, part of Oracle Transportation Management 5.5. This capability allows the company to use three-dimensional load modeling for optimized item placement and volume calculations. Now, Doskocil can account for odd-shaped items and stacking constraints within the trucks so that orders are consolidated and loads are optimized. Before each shipment is loaded, Doskocil receives detailed loading instructions that account for actual item characteristics to maximize truck space, reduce the number of sub-optimized loads and lower overall transportation costs.

“We produce a lot of odd-shaped products - from small feeding and watering products to very large kennels and pet shelters. With the Load Configurator tool, we’ve reduced the amount of ’wasted space’ in our trucks because the software outlines the best item placement so that we utilize every inch of available storage,” said Richman.

Doskocil is also implementing Oracle Freight Payment, Billing and Claims, as part of Oracle Transportation Management 5.5 and may also deploy Global Sourcing to support the company’s global container management needs.