Learn how Kenco uses Cycle's Configuration Migration Solution (CMS) to migrate WMS data across 4 instances to decrease time and labor costs by 80%.
ABOUT KENCO
Kenco supplies integrated logistics solutions that include distribution, eCommerce fulfillment, comprehensive transportation management and material handling equipment services, and customized supply chain solutions – all designed for Operational Excellence. Kenco continues to be a leading third-party logistics (3PL) provider in North America, building lasting customer relationships for over 70 years. Kenco’s focus is to support customers’ business needs through connected solutions and to redefine 3PLs by offering innovative solutions.
KENCO'S CHALLENGES
Kenco encountered a recurring issue. They were consistently in the process of establishing new warehouses and required a more efficient method for migrating configuration data from one Blue Yonder warehouse management system (WMS) environment to another.
The migration process posed several difficulties, primarily stemming from the complexity of the WMS data model. This data model consists of interrelated database tables and data. Often a single application setting will be supported by data across 3 or more tables and many of the key values are system generated and not visible from the WMS application. Up to that point, Kenco had only identified two known approaches for executing this configuration migration:
- Recreate all the configurations in the target environment using the Web User Interface (UI).
- Rely on an experienced Blue Yonder expert to manually generate CSV files containing the necessary data and subsequently compile all these CSV files into a comprehensive Blue Yonder rollout. A Blue Yonder rollout comprises a collection of files containing data and instruction files for loading that data.
Given the considerable scale of the challenge, involving more than 100 database tables and up to 30 screens, both options presented significant drawbacks. Each option carried the potential for substantial resource time investment and the inherent risk of human error.
CYCLE LABS' SOLUTION
Cycle Labs, through the utilization of CycleScripts, successfully devised a solution to address Kenco's configuration migration challenges. They introduced a specialized feature known as the Configuration Migration Solution (CMS), designed to expedite the transfer of Blue Yonder configuration data between different WMS environments.
The CMS offers a comprehensive set of functionalities, enabling users to streamline the migration process. It begins by facilitating the extraction of data from the source system. Subsequently, it transforms this data in a manner that facilitates its smooth transition from the source system to the target system. Importantly, this transformation process is executed without overwriting or deleting any existing data within the target system.
Finally, the CMS generates a collection of files that contain both data and instructive guidelines for seamless loading or rollout into the target system. While the export and rollout procedures are relatively straightforward, the data transformation component proves to be highly intricate. This complexity arises from the WMS application’s use of system generated keys and the intricate interrelationships between the data that necessitates relocation.
KENCO'S RESULTS
The implementation of the CMS has yielded significant benefits for Kenco. They have achieved remarkable savings in both time and resources that were previously dedicated to manual setup processes. What used to demand a labor-intensive three-day effort from their operations team can now be accomplished swiftly, typically within 2-4 hours, thanks to the CMS. This newfound efficiency has not only reclaimed valuable time but also positioned Kenco to innovate and establish a repeatable, scalable process.
Furthermore, Kenco anticipates substantial cost savings over the course of several years through the utilization of the Cycle® CMS. These anticipated savings are estimated to reach approximately $440,600 over 3 years, showcasing the remarkable financial benefits derived from this innovative tool.
“Anticipated savings are estimated to reach approximately $440,600 over 3 years”
"Great company, great people, great product!"
Brett Peterson
Director of Information Technology | Kenco