Tompkins International
Distribution and Transportation Networks for Tomorrow’s Need

"Technological trends in the logistics space are evolving and diminishing so fast that it is difficult to call them as trends,” starts Jim Tompkins, CEO, Tompkins International. In saying that, Tompkins points out that, few big trends have captured the interest of CIOs, and are continuously influencing the market. A lot of progressive work is being done around visibility software across the supply chain operation, bringing in the best in class tools for transportation management system (TMS) and warehouse management system (WMS). Cloud based applications are also being largely implemented to easily capture, share, and act on real-time logistics data. The other side of the story presents customers, who are increasingly using omni-channel and mobile devices for most applications to track and manage their logistics activity. “This pressure is pushing companies to implement the buzzing technologies to perform enhanced integration,” adds Tompkins. This is where Tompkins International steps in to assist firms in developing improved operations strategies, planning, and execution across various processes of a supply chain.

Tompkins International’s roots stem from the university environment, where they worked with companies to improve their distribution center operations. After the inception of the company, Tompkins International started delivering distribution operations lessons, and over the years evolved, learned and expanded its service and practice line to accommodate the ever-changing needs of companies’ supply chains. Today, the company stands firm with immense capabilities to provide consulting services across various aspects of the global supply chain, and have pioneered in fields of network design and technology application.

The escalating consumers’ expectation as they increasingly get involved in purchasing process through online and retail channels is forcing the consumer products companies to rethink their distribution operation to fulfill customer’s needs. “The distribution center of the past is now a fulfillment center capable of next day and possibly same day delivery of goods to consumers,” asserts Tompkins. Tompkins International’s distribution operations services ensure that the client’s facilities deliver the right product to the right place at the right time, and at the lowest possible cost.

Whether it is a technology solution or operational need, we spend considerable time upfront identifying and documenting the specific requirements of each client

Applying the latest operations improvement techniques, the company empowers its clients to augment facilities needed for layout, material handling, and levels of automation. Further, to develop transportation solution that meets the consumers’ demand of next day and same day delivery, as well as allows retailers to sell more products, the company assists firms in evaluating and significantly adjusting transportation network with localized fulfillment facilities.

Firms after determining the alterations required in their distribution and transportation networks approach Tompkins International for assistance in identifying alternatives. The company subsequently evaluates the best solution for the client and participates in the implementation of the network through automated systems and technology applications. “The areas of the supply chain that we are often asked to assist companies are in network design and technology selection and implementation among others,” cites Tompkins.

“Whether it is a technology solution or operational need, we spend considerable time upfront identifying and documenting the specific requirements of each client,” says Tompkins. This is necessary to ensure the project ultimately meets the needs of the client and eliminates unpredictable hindrances as the company progresses through a project assignment. “This is absolutely critical for a technology solution and we use a gated approach of reviews and sign offs to accomplish the client’s goals,” says the CEO. Over the past 35 years, the company has worked across all the Mega Processes of supply chains (PLAN-BUY-MAKE-MOVE-DISTRIBUTE-SELL).