Delivering a service perfectly matched to the client’s business requirements.

Gem Logistics  provides logistics services to the Toy, Video Games and DVD markets. An independent logistics and distribution company within the entertainment industry, Gem Logistics has grown considerably, especially through its strong partnership programme.

In addition to continuing to partner with several high-profile blue-chip companies, Gem Logistics has also confirmed its presence within the DVD and toy markets by partnering with independent companies. Gem currently works within the video games, toy and DVD markets with companies including; Ubisoft, Capcom, 505 Games, IMC Toys and HiT Entertainment.

Gem Logistics strives to become the logistics provider of choice, not only for the European video games market but also for other key business sectors including music, books and mobile entertainment.

The entertainment market continues to expand and sales of DVDs, music albums and toys remain vibrant and present a very strong growth opportunity for Gem. There is high expectation for the entertainment sector as new technology enters the market and goes through its next evolution with the next generation of High Definition movies and video games now being released.

Gem’s relationship with OBS Logistics commenced in late2004 when the business decided that the combination of leading technologies, comprehensive functionality and compelling value backed by an extensive track record matched their own profile as a progressive visionary business. This decision to implement OBS Logistics’ CALIDUS WMS solution was celebrated when the system went live just 11 weeks after the first project meeting.

CALIDUS’ flexibility and ease of implementation was amply demonstrated when, within 9 months of system go-live, the Buncefield oil disaster struck forcing an emergency Sunday night business relocation to Hitchin to maintain customer service. The next morning, whilst fire fighters in Hemel Hempstead battled the raging inferno which threatened to engulf inventory, premises and systems, OBS Logistics’ support joined a philosophical and determined Gem management in Hitchin. The OBS Logistics team arrived with one of their own servers, to act as stand-in for the unreachable production machine. By early afternoon all systems were go.

The loan configuration continued in service for nearly three months whilst Gem prepared and moved into a temporary base in Radlett that required only changes to parameter settings to facilitate the move and continue operations. When Gem were ready a brand new CALIDUS server quietly replaced the loan machine without fuss or drama, and business continued unabated. Since then Gem Logistics has purchased another business called CM Lane and in May 2008 moved the whole of the business into CM Lane’s premises at the Brackmills Industrial Estate in Northampton.

The Northampton site comprises a 110,000 square feet facility, with 11,000 pallet storage locations, 5,000 square feet of office space, a large mezzanine floor for store-front and home delivery, with a further 12,000 picking locations alongside returns and production departments. Complete radio frequency tracking operates throughout the company and all inventory is barcode checked in and out of the building to ensure 100% accuracy. Gem cites integrated technology as one of their unique selling points within their fast moving industry.

Lasse Hammer, IT Director of Gem Logistics says,

“CALIDUS has a proven track record as a leading warehousing and distribution system. It has fully supported the growth and development of our expanding business during recent years. The service and support provided by the OBS Logistics consultants is excellent and they share my vision for the future of Gem.”

Tight integration between their ERP system and CALIDUS eradicates keying errors, cuts out administrative tasks and provides real-time data 24/7 to partners and customers via their web portal. This access to purchase orders, stock levels, drill down on inventory movements, sales orders, return authorisations and downloadable reports helps minimise the time partners and customers spend managing their processes, so improving their business efficiency. Key benefits achieved by Gem Logistics following the installation of CALIDUS include: -

• Improved customer services levels
• Ease of interfacing to host systems
• Activity billing – enabling Gem to invoice specific
• Clients for costs incurred on warehouse activities
• Storage and transportation
• A scaleable solution which has enabled complete flexibility
• Modular design for simple and rapid implementation
• The use of the Oracle database has enabled the solution to grow as the business dictates

CALIDUS is providing true control and visibility throughout the supply chain, offering rapid implementation to meet today’s business needs with the flexibility to face tomorrow’s challenges. Speed of delivery, exceptional affordability and enhanced functionality has ensured that Calidus has supported Gem Logistics to overcome challenges and maximise opportunities as they have added customers in the fast-growing toy, DVD and video games market place.

Eugene Levy of OBS Logistics who has worked closely with Gem throughout the relationship commented,

“This has been an excellent and highly successful partnership. In common with the Gem business, everyone within OBS Logistics is committed to our ‘customer-first’ philosophy. Throughout the Buncefield oil disaster and the move to Radlett and Northampton, our intent as always was to provide unwavering service to allow Gem management to focus on their core business. I think that the Gem Management Team was pleasantly surprised at our commitment and we were determined to show that OBS Logistics can always be relied upon to deliver the solution! We aim to serve all of our customers in this way at all times.”