WERC certifies 17 facilities in first year of best practices program

One year after the launch of the warehousing and logistics industry’s first and only best-practice certification program, 17 facilities have earned the right to be called “WERC Certified.” The Warehousing Education and Research Council’s (WERC) Facility Certification Program rolled out just 12 months ago and continues to win support as 1PL and 3PL companies pursue certification status.

“The results of the first year have exceeded our expectations,” said WERC CEO, Michael Mikitka. “Seeking to influence an entire industry, even going so far as to establish an industry standard isn’t without challenges. But as we have seen from these early adopters, there is a demand for and value in attaining this certification.”

Mikitka noted that the testimonies and feedback from those certified have been “overwhelmingly positive”, validating WERC’s decision to create such a program, and has prompted the release of several case studies available on WERC’s website. Mikitka also said, “Four more audits are scheduled and we’ve included a session at WERC’s 2012 Annual Conference in May of next year as means of sharing these testimonies.”

Most recently, Nexus Distribution, OHL, and Scholastic National Service Organization joined 14 other certified facilities. Nexus Distribution’s facility located in Bedford Park, IL is a 3PL for Wausau Paper. In preparation for a 2012 WMS rollout with their client, Nexus validated 114 processes and with the Gap Analysis in the final report, ensured no gaps were present before making such an investment. 3PL provider OHL collaborated with their client (Starbucks) to ensure their LaVergne, TN warehouse met the program’s standard and validated both client and vendor commitments to industry best practices. And Scholastic Inc., known for their educational materials, children’s books, school book clubs and book fairs, is using certification to support their recent and ongoing Six-Sigma process-improvement initiatives in their Jefferson City, MO warehouse.

WERC’s Facility Certification is a voluntary program that requires each company to undergo an independent audit of 114 processes in eight core areas of warehouse operations. Only facilities that achieve a minimum score are certified and recognized by WERC.