1. Quorate goes underground to uncover logistics improvements
Milton Sandford Wines had a taste of Quorate’s logistics expertise when a review of their operations
resulted in an immediate customer service improvement and more food for thought.
Milton Sandford Wines (MSW) is a Berkshire based wine merchant distributing high quality boutique
wines, to the majority of customers directly with their own fleet. MSW source wine from around the
world, then store at an ideal 120
C before picking to order for next day delivery. Their warehouse
operation definitely demands an out of the box philosophy , as this and other activities are all
located underground in a former chalk mine and later nuclear bunker. With plans to expand their
customer base and introduce a new distribution channel, MSW put Quorate’s new business process
review service to the test.
Quorate’s assessment included a review of the logistics operation, systems and processes. The main
sales process was mapped and a full ABC analysis of inventory was completed to assess the impact
of the profile on the operation. A quick win was promptly identified within the order picking
process. MSW tested the change and immediately benefited a logistics improvement as customer
service levels increased.
Completing the review, Quorate made a number of recommendations to increase throughput
capacity, including organisation of the warehouse operation and introduction of more versatile
materials handling methods. A key performance report utilising a cost to serve model was also
developed.
Quorate Consultant Rob Boreham noted “for this review the short term objective was to identify if
early improvements could be made and implemented. Then to assist MSW with their development
plans for the medium to longer term , lean principles were applied to highlight where MSW add
most value to their supply chain. One of these areas is from the kerbside to their customers own
cellar.”
Debbie Kerr, Milton Sandford Wines General Manager said “We’ve operated our business and
serviced our customers from our chalk cellars for over 20 years now, aside from a strong portfolio,
the success of MSW is due largely to the personal and high level of customer service we offer, we

2. therefore had to ensure this area was fully considered in our expansion plans for the future, which
led us to seeking independent professional logistical advice.
Rob of Quorate wasn’t at all fazed by by our less than traditional storage / warehouse operation; in
fact he completely embraced it, quickly meeting the challenges with tangible solutions.
The evaluation was thorough and Rob’s practical approach and interaction with our team led to an
initial improvement in our process: which promptly delivered financial savings by reducing
operational losses and importantly, raised the customer service level by minimising picking and
delivery errors.
Quorate highlighted functionality issues with our computer system, in particular the need to
complete a number of activities and reports off-line. We are now working with our programmers to
see if this additional administration is necessary or if some elements can be covered within the
business operating system.
Rob compiled and delivered a very comprehensive process mapping and ABC analysis, this provided
a better understanding of the logistical activities, and also proved to be useful to us from a sales and
marketing perspective.
This process has been incredibly valuable to our business and will continue to be as we expand and
implement the various elements along the way, I would strongly recommend the professional
services of Quorate consulting for any business looking to maximise their full potential in this area”.