Mclane is is an American wholesale supply chain services company that distributes products to convenience stores, discount retailers, wholesale clubs, and more throughout the United States.
Company type: Enterprise
Company size: 100+ people
Design and developed multiple modules of custom ERP/WMS
Sprint-based development kept timelines in check
Iterative development based on internal user feedback
Technical requirements documents
Figma design mockups and wireframes
Weekly task reporting
Engagement: 18 - 36 months
Budget: $100k+
McLane, a major distributor of food and wholesale products to convenience and club stores across the US, faced significant challenges in their outdated distribution systems. Their unique business model, comprising multiple semi-independent business units and specialized product requirements, demanded a custom solution that their existing infrastructure couldn't support. The company recognized the need for a comprehensive digital transformation, including modernizing their Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Warehouse Management System (WMS).
Porter Software (PS) offered McLane a blend of technical expertise and industry-specific knowledge crucial for their complex project. PS's ability to translate intricate operational requirements into user-friendly software applications was key. The team's specialization in understanding and simplifying highly complex operating environments aligned perfectly with McLane's needs, promising a tailored solution that would streamline their operations while accommodating their unique business model.
What set Porter Software apart was our unique ability to bridge the gap between niche, technical industry-specific requirements and user-friendly software applications. Unlike other firms, PS combined deep technical knowledge with a keen understanding of McLane's specialized operational needs. This holistic approach allowed us to design solutions that not only met technical specifications but also resonated with end-users, ensuring high adoption rates and operational efficiency.
The project's success stemmed from Porter Software's adaptability and expertise in handling complex, large-scale digital transformations. By delivering consistently high-quality work, PS expanded their initial scope from designing inventory management modules to encompassing the entire WMS and system integrations. This comprehensive approach resulted in a cohesive, efficient system that addressed McLane's unique operational challenges while setting a new standard for distribution system modernization in the industry.
Opportunity: McLane's existing systems struggled to handle their diverse product range, including items with specific requirements like cigarettes (tax stamp requirements) and perishable foods (spoilage/expiration tracking).
Solution: Porter Software designed custom modules within the new ERP and WMS that specifically addressed these unique product management needs. By integrating advanced tracking and compliance features, PS ensured that McLane could efficiently manage their diverse inventory while meeting all regulatory requirements. This tailored approach significantly improved inventory accuracy and reduced compliance risks.
Opportunity: McLane's multi-business unit structure, with shared resources but independent operations, created complexities in system design and implementation.
Solution: PS developed a flexible architecture that allowed for both shared and independent functionalities across business units. By creating a modular system design, Porter Software enabled McLane to maintain autonomy where needed while leveraging shared resources efficiently. This approach optimized resource allocation and improved overall operational cohesion across the organization.
Opportunity: The scale and complexity of the project required collaboration between multiple teams, including McLane's internal staff, external consultants, and offshore developers.
Solution: Porter Software took a lead role in coordinating efforts across diverse teams. By providing clear, comprehensive designs including technical specifications, architecture diagrams, and UI wireframes, PS ensured all teams worked cohesively towards the same goals. This collaborative approach, facilitated by PS's expertise, streamlined the development process and ensured consistent quality across all aspects of the new system.
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