Hitachi Data Systems (HDS) recently opened the doors of its Asia Pacific Distribution Center (ADC) to members of the regional IT media who were in Singapore for the launch of the company?s new integrated software and hardware offerings.
The ADC, a 8,978-square meter facility located inside the Changi airport freetrade zone, was opened in 2010. HDS has so far invested SG$6.6 million in the last three years in the center.
The ADC is the third of four HDS distribution centers located around the world (Singapore, Brazil, US, and The Netherlands). Brazil is the newest addition.
Luke Teo, director of ADC operations, said the facility has posted an average growth of 15-percent year-on-year to 130 tons every month.
The ADC, according to Teo, is equipped with a unique combination of state-of-the-art hardware and software technology. It also uses ergonomic tools which allow for the unpacking and assembly of heavy storage equipment.
Lastly, the facility has a standby UPS (uninterrupted power supply) and power back-up generator technology in case of power outage.
The following is the stage-by-stage distribution process being observed by the ADC:
Station 1: Inbound staging entrance (receiving)
? HDS has two factories (US and Japan) and four distribution centers (DC) across the world.
? Inbound area — products are received from Japan.
? More efficient and less hazardous vacuum elevators are used to safely unpack products. Safety in the work place for employees contributed to the ISO 18001 certification.
? Wireless infrastructure of the distribution center creates a more efficient work space.
? Package recycling as part of the green initiatives has contributed to the ISO 14001 certification.
Station 2: Spares
? Spares are received, evaluated, and supplied to strategic locations.
? Damaged spares are evaluated. Salvaged spares are sent to Japan factory for repair and send back as a spare.
? High Quality management for customers contributed to the ISO 9001 certification.
Station 3: Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) laboratory
? Where testing, troubleshooting, and quality control for return products take place.
? To keep systems cool, the laboratory is set at a low temperature.
? When demand gets too overwhelming in Singapore, APAC DC can tap into external resources and fly in additional support to Singapore. This mobile workforce is made possible with the standardization of staff skill and system operational procedure.
? Effective global distribution network for optimized service to customers across the globe 24/7.
Station 4: Assembly
? HDS has a global standard operating procedure for assembly. A configuration mock up can only be pulled from a shared internal data base. This standardization led to the ISO 9001 certification for quality management.
? Same time zone and close proximity to regional customers has resulted in a shortened order to delivery duration. (i.e. Faster go-to-market for solutions)
? HDS enjoys higher volume exports due to availability of bulk licensing – the reason why Singapore was chosen as an optimal location.
Station 5: Configuration
? A power generator containing 5,000 liters of diesel is tested every month as part of ISO 9001 report.
? ISO 9001, ISO 14001 & ISO 18001 certifications have been awarded to all HDS DC worldwide.
Station 6: Outbound staging (Packaging)
? Standardized packaging
? Packaging is labeled for safety and precaution ? The Shock and Drop Watch labels will indicate if the product has been dropped or over-tilted. This is to ensure that products arrive to the customer in good condition and quality is maintained. This is an initiative which adheres to the ISO 9001 certification.
