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Custom Engineering: The Key to Optimizing Your Supply Chain Process

Katherine Wroth • November 11, 2024

What were your supply chain processes, goals and challenges in 2025? What has worked in the past and what's falling short now?

Custom-engineered solutions deliver exactly what your automation process requires. 91¹ú²ú implemented by Barrett's engineering team are tailored to meet your company's unique needs and designed for your long-term objectives. Major benefits of custom engineering include:


  • Quality control
  • Expert advice and guidance
  • Enhanced user experience
  • Resource management
  • Cost reduction
  • Reduced engineering overhead


How Barrett's custom-engineered solutions enhance efficiency and productivity for clients


Every solution we design at Barrett is unique and personalized to meet each client's specific needs. How do we achieve this? We begin by deeply analyzing your data to understand SKU counts, product sizes, movement speed, goals, and peak periods. This insight allows us to create designs tailored to maximize efficiency while keeping costs low. We compare various models, considering options like robotics, pick-and-pass, cluster picking and ASRS (Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems). Each model is assessed for its ability to meet service and quality standards, aiming for optimal cost-effectiveness without compromising timely order fulfillment.


Incorporating the latest technologies to stay competitive in the 3PL industry


With labor costs rising and peak seasons demanding more, our team stays at the forefront of technology by attending trade shows and collaborating with industry integrators. These efforts keep us up to date with emerging tools that lower costs and improve fulfillment quality. Many clients face high retail peaks, especially during the holiday season, so having flexible, scalable solutions is essential. By leveraging the latest technologies, we offer clients solutions that meet operational demands and reduce costs, ensuring a competitive edge in the dynamic 3PL landscape.


A tailored design process to meet each client's specific needs


Our design process is data-driven. We start by understanding the client's needs and goals, followed by an in-depth analysis of their outbound orders, item master, dimensions, weights and inbound data. Whether a client has a high SKU variety with shallow stock or a deeper inventory of fewer items, we identify the best-fit solution based on these metrics. Sometimes, multiple solutions are possible, allowing the client to choose the best option with their objectives. Focusing on data and consistent communication ensures each solution is finely tuned to the client's operations.


How Barrett overcomes common challenges in creating custom solutions


Cost is a significant hurdle in custom solution design. Clients seek the best solution at the lowest cost while maintaining high standards and meeting SLAs. With expenses rising, finding ways to reduce costs without sacrificing quality is essential. We work creatively to cut costs in areas like space and asset usage, aiming to provide sustainable, budget-friendly solutions that meet clients' operational needs. Balancing quality, functionality and budget is challenging but vital to delivering value.


The importance of collaboration between the engineering team and other departments


Collaboration is central to Barrett's approach. The solutions team sits at the intersection of sales and operations. Sales aims to secure new business, while operations needs to run these deals efficiently and profitably. 91¹ú²ú must balance both interests, creating designs that win clients while being viable for operations to execute. Close cooperation with these teams helps us develop realistic, effective solutions that meet business and operational goals. This collaboration ensures that Barrett's solutions are not only effective but also sustainable for the long term.


Ensuring scalability and flexibility of engineered solutions to accommodate client growth


Scalability is built into our solutions from day one. Many of our clients are rapidly growing startups or e-commerce businesses or have varying demands over time. Our solutions are designed to adapt, with year-one solutions flexible enough to evolve into year-two or year-three solutions, depending on the client's growth and any shifts in business focus, like introducing omnichannel capabilities. By avoiding rigid structures, we provide the flexibility clients need, whether in a multi-client environment or a dedicated setup, to support them as they expand and change.


Delivering sustainable success through customized engineering


Barrett's approach to custom-engineered solutions empowers clients with logistics processes built specifically for their needs. By focusing on data-driven insights, cutting-edge technology, and collaborative design, we create solutions that are effective today and scalable. With a commitment to cost efficiency, quality, and operational flexibility, Barrett partners with clients to optimize their supply chains, address key challenges, and support sustainable success. Through tailored engineering, we're proud to specialize in a competitive advantage for each client we serve.


Facing supply chain challenges? Get in touch with us now to explore solutions designed for long-term success.

Recent Blog Posts

By Katherine Wroth January 29, 2025
Franklin, Mass., Jan. 23, 2025 — Barrett Distribution Centers , a leader in third-party logistics (3PL) leader for over 82 years, is proud to announce its partnership with MISSION , a performance lifestyle brand. “Following a thorough search and review process, we selected Barrett based on their ability to provide a scalable, dependable and competitive Omni-Channel Warehouse and Managed Transportation Services solution,” said Lisa Lehan , COO of MISSION. “Their strategic location offers the foundation necessary to support our forecasted growth through D2C and B2B channels, making them the ideal partner for our next growth phase.” MISSION is dedicated to prioritizing comfort by providing a high level of cool in every environment, whether indoors or outdoors. As a performance lifestyle brand, MISSION focuses on innovative design to ensure that extreme heat and discomfort do not interfere with work, play, or daily experiences. The brand integrates heat health™, comfort, and performance into its offerings to facilitate peak performance during a variety of physical activities. MISSION’s journey is defined by action and a strong commitment to comfort and success. The brand prioritizes innovative cooling products that can be utilized across various activities. MISSION strives to achieve health and wellness goals through continual innovation, creating solutions that empower individuals to enhance their performance without allowing heat to hinder their efforts. “It’s a pleasure to reconnect with a fun, innovative and growing brand like MISSION,” said Mark Healy , VP of Customer 91¹ú²ú at Barrett. “I’m proud to call Lisa Lehan, MISSION’s COO, a friend, and the entire Barrett team is excited and honored to support the next phase of MISSION’s growth.” Barrett is set to launch the MISSION operation from the Memphis region , home to its robust network of high-growth apparel brands and robotics-driven pick solutions. About MISSION Founded in 2009 by a group of world-class athletes and heat safety experts, MISSION is the leader in head-to-toe cooling and heat-relief product innovations that enhance performance and safety for anyone who works, plays, or lives in the heat. MISSION's goals extend far beyond providing comfort; they aim to revolutionize health, wellness, productivity, and performance in the face of heat challenges. MISSION is distributed nationwide in over 25,000 retail stores and online, leading the market with patented and proprietary technologies. MISSION is the founding partner of the National Heat Safety Coalition, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving safety and performance in high-temperature environments for workers in the United States. Along with scientists, researchers, and industry leaders, the Coalition collaborates with public and private partners to set guidelines and raise awareness about heat safety standards. For more information, visit mission.com and follow us on Instagram @mission. About Barrett Distribution Centers Since 1941, Barrett has provided customized third-party logistics (3PL), direct-to-consumer (DTC) eCommerce fulfillment, omnichannel distribution, managed transportation solutions, and retail compliance for clients across all industries, with a focus on apparel & footwear, health & beauty, consumer packaged goods (CPG) and education. Barrett continues to be a leading 3rd party logistics provider in North America, known for superior execution, customer engagement, and direct access to senior leadership decision-makers. As a member of Inc.'s fastest-growing companies list 15 times, Barrett is big enough to do the job and still small enough to care about your business deeply. eCommerce brands interested in a new 3PL partnership may contact Barrett directly here . Official Release Here
By Katherine Wroth January 24, 2025
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By Katherine Wroth January 23, 2025
FRANKLIN, Mass., Jan. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lubify , a startup revolutionizing the sexual wellness industry, has selected Barrett Distribution Centers as its third-party logistics (3PL) provider. This partnership represents a pivotal step in Lubify's mission to redefine intimate wellness with its flagship product, Luxe Lube—a luxury intimate lubricant designed to elevate women's experiences. "It was important to find a long-term 3PL partner who shared our passion for innovation and growth," said Orla Maguire , founder of Lubify. "Barrett stood out with its strong distribution network, scalability and proven success with direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands. Their professionalism and impressive onsite team made this decision easy." Luxe Lube is a silicone-based lubricant crafted with vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, silicone, and squalene, chosen for its hydrating, nourishing and long-lasting properties. The formula is enriched with delicate notes of neroli and cedarwood oils, creating a sensorial experience that redefines intimacy. Lubify has elevated the category with Luxe Lube's gold airless pump tube. Inspired by Hermès elegance, this packaging reflects Lubify's commitment to sophistication and functionality. "We're proud to welcome Lubify to the Barrett family," said Harrison Smith , Director of Pricing at Barrett. "Our expertise in scaling startups aligns perfectly with their goals. We're excited to help bring Luxe Lube to women nationwide." Luxe Lube will launch on Feb. 1, 2025, from Barrett's New Jersey region , a hub for high-growth D2C brands. Lubify also plans to expand its product line with additional premium offerings, continuing its mission to blend indulgence with self-care. About Lubify Founded by Orla Maguire, Lubify is the first luxury sexual wellness brand for women. Its debut product, Luxe Lube, is a high-quality feminine lubricant designed to provide a sophisticated, indulgent experience. Made in the USA, Lubify products are vegan, cruelty-free, and Sephora Clean List-compliant. Orla brings her expertise as a beauty industry leader and certified intimacy coach to revolutionize sexual wellness. Through Lubify, she empowers women to elevate their intimacy and self-care routines with premium products tailored to their needs. About Barrett Distribution Centers Since 1941, Barrett has provided customized third-party logistics (3PL), direct-to-consumer (DTC) eCommerce fulfillment, omnichannel distribution, managed transportation solutions, and retail compliance for clients across all industries, with a focus on apparel & footwear, health & beauty, consumer packaged goods (CPG) and education. Barrett continues to be a leading 3rd party logistics provider in North America, known for superior execution, customer engagement, and direct access to senior leadership decision-makers. As a member of Inc.'s fastest-growing companies list 15 times, Barrett is big enough to do the job and still small enough to care about your business deeply. eCommerce brands interested in a new 3PL partnership may contact Barrett directly here . Official PR Newswire Release Here
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