Case Study
As Thomson Legal and Regulatory expanded its e-commerce footprint, it required an advanced system to support high-demand order fulfillment while maintaining speed and accuracy. Managing diverse legal publications across a 125,000-squarefoot facility, Thomson needed a solution to improve order productivity, reduce cycle times, and achieve near-perfect accuracy.
Thomson Legal and Regulatory, a premier publisher of legal and regulatory documents, serves a wide range of clients with books, manuals, and legal inserts. As their e-commerce operations grew, Thomson’s distribution center needed to meet increased demand without compromising on speed or accuracy.
Thomson’s expanding e-commerce operations demanded faster, more accurate order processing in its 125,000-square-foot facility. Handling various document formats efficiently within the storage and picking areas required advanced equipment and a robust layout. LD Systems was selected to provide specialized support, implementing an integrated system to meet productivity and accuracy goals in a high-paced environment.
LD Systems’ system implementation transformed Thomson’s document distribution process. The new layout, storage types, and conveyor systems enabled a 50% productivity boost and 99.92% order accuracy. Order cycle time was reduced to 25 minutes, a significant enhancement that empowered Thomson to meet e-commerce demands with efficiency and precision.
LD Systems conducted a thorough review of Thomson’s distribution operations, identifying key improvement areas. The findings informed a strategic plan that enhanced workflows and aligned with Thomson’s operational objectives.
Using AutoCAD, LD Systems developed a custom layout to optimize Thomson’s storage, picking, and packing areas. Efficient pathways and equipment placement reduced travel time and supported a smooth order flow across the facility
High-performance equipment, such as VNA racks and flow racks, was tailored to Thomson’s needs. Additional pack stations, conveyors, and sorters, including MDR transfers, allowed faster picking and handling. LD Systems managed all installation
phases, ensuring a seamless transition.
LD Systems oversaw the project from initial planning through final execution, ensuring the project stayed on time and within budget. This management approach minimized disruptions and allowed Thomson to quickly integrate the new system.
LD Systems implemented advanced equipment and customized workflows
across Thomson’s 125,000-square-foot facility. Key components included storage and picking solutions designed to handle legal documents and inserts efficiently while supporting high throughput.
LD Systems introduced specialized storage and picking configurations:
VNA Rack: Maximizes vertical space, allowing dense storage and access in narrow aisles.
Flow Rack: Gravity-fed racks streamline picking processes, reducing time for item selection.
Pack Stations: Ergonomic design supports fast, accurate packing for high-volume orders.
The integrated conveyor system improved productivity and accuracy:
Belt and Gravity Conveyors: Enabled efficient movement of orders across the facility.
Accumulation Zones: Temporarily hold items to maintain smooth flow.
MDR Transfers: Motorized rollers for precise and energy-efficient sorting.
Host Interface Controls and PLCs: Supported system-wide coordination, ensuring seamless operations.
With LD Systems’ integrated solution, Thomson Legal and Regulatory’s distribution center now meets high e-commerce demands with streamlined accuracy and speed. The advanced layout and system support high-volume throughput while maintaining superior order precision, positioning Thomson to continue its service with efficiency and reliability.
