Strategies_Fall2025

DEPARTMENT UPDATE

Revolutionary Receiving Process Eliminates Blind Acceptance The new receiving system represents a fundamental shift from traditional warehouse operations. Previously, Blish-Mize would accept entire purchase orders from vendors and only discover missing items during the picking process. Now, every item is individually scanned and verified using Zebra MC 3300 handheld devices before being entered into inventory. “This helps keep that inventory gap in place, because once we system-wise say we received it into the building, then it becomes available to sell on the website,” Clark explains. “It’s shown on the website as available inventory so customers can order.” The scanning technology extends throughout warehouse operations, including returns processing and put-away locations. Every handheld device can perform multiple functions, maximizing equipment utilization and maintaining inventory accuracy. These improvements have resulted in increased performance metrics, including a 97% fill rate on product availability and 99.8% accuracy on picked and shipped orders. This accuracy is particularly crucial given that most retail partners receive deliveries once weekly. “That’s one advantage the scan technology has driven in the warehouse—it keeps inventory numbers and accuracy at their best level so the customer knows exactly what we have available for them to order each week,” Clark says. “That’s one advantage the scan technology has driven in the warehouse—it keeps inventory numbers and accuracy at their best level so the customer knows exactly what we have available for them to order each week.”

—Brady Clark, Blish-Mize

With the inclusion of voice-picking and handheld scanners, pickers can fulfill orders faster.

Hardlines Strategies • Fall 2025 3