Behind the scenes of a large beer distributor’s improved warehouse performance

LDF Distribution Center from Tulsa World on Vimeo.

As craft beer grows, so, obviously, does beer distribution. There is so much craft brewing distribution news these days, that it’s a running joke in the Craft Brewing Business offices (Hey guys, breaking news, a craft brewer expanded distribution – someone get on this story!) Being immersed in craft beer news all day, every day can lead to such hilarious banter, but, kidding aside, the importance of each of those distribution stories is not lost on any of us, and neither is the importance of the beer distributor.

We wanted to point you to this interesting video from Tulsa World, which took a behind-the-scenes tour of an LDF Sales & Distributing distribution center. The video is that of an imposing inventory — what seems like miles of pallets of beer, wine and spirits in all directions — but the audio is of Warehouse Manager Chris Sefcik, telling the story of new efficiency within the warehouse. Employees are now able to pull orders hands free, which has increased their accuracy and speed. Before, they averaged 100 cases an hour, now that’s more than 200 cases an hour. The system also includes much better tracking. There seems to be much more Big Beer inventory on hand than craft, but still a cool video/story. Take a few minutes to watch the video, and/or head to Tulsa World for the story.