Top logistics management spanning warehousing, inventory replenishment, order processing and marketing support functions such as bar-coding, repackaging, merchandising and bilingual re-programming has propelled MMI Logistics into the highest ranks of companies of its kind in the region.

MMI Logistics' services are supported by an extensive, well-established network across the Middle East, a highly customer-focussed team, and ISO 9001: 2000, ISO14001 and OHSAS 18000 certification across all operations.

The company has gained recognition for providing reliable and cost-effective supply-chain management solutions to several companies operating in the Middle East region.

"We deliver high value solutions to customers who recognise that investment in an efficient logistics network is a pre-requisite for sustainable business development in their chosen markets," a company spokesman says.

"We are considered the leading provider of supply chain management services in the Middle East not merely for our advanced facilities and systems, but also for the standards we set in service and reliability, our committed and professional team, and our vantage geographic location in the Jebel Ali Free Zone in Dubai."

About the quality system, MMI Logistics stresses that it forms an integral part of the way it operates, and is fundamental to its drive towards continuous business process improvement.

"Detailed work instructions are tailored to meet the requirements of each of our clients, and the efficiency of our entire operations is benchmarked against Key Performance Measures, which track performance of all our activities on a regular basis. Where appropriate, specific KPIs are agreed with our clients and these then form a part of our Service Agreement with them," it says.

Key Performance Measures cover inbound and outbound lead times, accuracy in packing and inventory, and number of cases shipped out per warehouse hour

A major investment programme in MMI Logistics' warehousing and distribution facilities and information systems has resulted in one the largest and most up-to-date facilities in the region. With a floor area of 18,000sq m and up to 28,000 pallet locations, the company is able to handle a wide range of products and facilitate international service standards 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The entire facility is temperature-controlled between 15C and 25C and humidity is managed by pressurised air ejection. Ideal storage conditions can also be provided for climate-sensitive goods.

Located in Jebel Ali, at the heart of the re-distribution point of the Gulf, MMI Logistics has unparalleled access to excellent local, regional and international communication links. Its vehicle fleet, which ranges from 40 feet tractor trailer units to 1-tonne delivery vans, has an extensive network across Dubai and the Northern Emirates, enabling it to manage product movement from the factory gate to anywhere in the world, and directly to supermarket shelves.

A well-established agent network is in place to manage regional distribution overland or by sea, whilst air transport is handled through Dubai, or nearby Sharjah, both of which form hubs for many of the world's major carriers.

"MMI Logistics has invested heavily in information systems and we have designed our own strategy around a combination of leading-edge warehouse management applications and maximum flexibility of the remote connectivity solutions that are available to our clients," the spokesman says.

"We deploy the EXceed Warehouse Management System, one of the world's leading WMS applications, which facilitates extremely efficient warehouse operations while permitting a wide range of client connectivity options.

"Radio Frequency terminals are used to maximise the efficiency of the warehouse operations and advanced scanning technology allows client-specific bar codes to be captured onto the system, eliminating the need for dual product codes. Remote data capture can be achieved on-line through EDI links, or the Internet, allowing clients to make use of the most up-to-date information in their decision-making processes.

"Customised reports can be designed to meet a wide range of client requirements, though screen access via MS Windows. Whenever clients have specific service criteria, we employ a performance measurement tool to ensure routine reporting and continuous improvement."

The company's account services team prides itself in having an in-depth knowledge of each of the clients that team members handle. Where appropriate, they are assigned to a single account. The account services team serves as a single point of contact between the client, the operations team, and external parties such as shipping lines, clearing agents and government authorities acting as a one-stop-shop for all enquiries relating to the movement of goods in the MMI Logistics Distribution Centre, across the Gulf region, or further afield.

MMI Logistics provides a range of value-added services to clients in addition to managing their supply-chain process and providing high levels of product care.

A large number of customer-specific activities can be carried out in high volumes and at short notice at the company's Jebel Ali Distribution Centre - postponing the configuration of electronic consumer goods, reprogramming user displays into English or Arabic, promotional packaging, co-packing, shrink-wrapping, labelling, insertion of free items.

A number of countries in the region require inspection and testing to be carried out on specific items prior to import. MMI Logistics is able to arrange for certification in the minimum time, and with a minimum of administrative inconvenience.

MMI Logistics is able to perform sophisticated system configuration activities for organisations involved in retailing hanging garments, allowing selective size, composition, colour and design tracking at piece level. Its superior product care philosophy and dedicated and trained operators guarantee specialised material handling.

Whether goods are to be transhipped through Dubai or distributed in pallet, case or unit quantities, MMI Logistics' handling and delivery capabilities can be configured to meet the needs of the most demanding supply chain solutions, the company says. With a range of temperature-control alternatives for storage and fully air-conditioned distribution fleet consumers are guaranteed the highest standards of product care and freshness.

MMI Logistics is facilitating new standards of IT availability to both domestic and business users in more than 20 markets.

"We have the capability to perform sophisticated system configuration activities to enable principals to minimise the product variants held in stock, as well as arranging for the rigorous product testing required by some of the Gulf markets," it says.

"Our clients recognise the value of benefiting from MMI Logistics' expertise in handling IT products, and in turn we are able to assist them all in developing their businesses across the region."