Call for Warehousing and operations consultant - Food System Challenge

Context & Background

Berytech is a leading organization in the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Lebanon, that aims to provide a conducive environment for the creation and development of startups, through incubation, business support, counseling, funding, networking, and company hosting, hence taking part in the economic revival of the country, participating in wealth and job creation, and retaining graduates and high-level skills in Lebanon.

About FSC PROJECT

The Food System Challenge supports businesses to solve core challenges of the food system in Lebanon, and more specifically in the sectors of dairy and meat production (cow, goat, sheep), cereals and pulses (and its by-products), protected horticulture (Classical green houses, hydroponics, and aquaponics), and domesticated edible herbs and plants.

The Food System Challenge is implemented by the World Food Programme (WFP) and Berytech through support from the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

Throughout FSC’s previous and current cycles, the program supported over 40 SMEs to fortify the Lebanese food system to create a more sustainable ecosystem.

Beneficiary background

Alfacotrade is a dynamic and innovative company specializing in the production and distribution of high-quality animal feed. Committed to supporting local farmers and promoting sustainable practices, the company leverages advanced technology to optimize production efficiency and reduce food waste by utilizing agricultural sub-products in its feed manufacturing processes. With a focus on import substitution and improving the local agricultural value chain, Alfacotrade plays a pivotal role in enhancing Lebanon's agricultural sector. Through its dedication to quality, sustainability, and customer satisfaction, Alfacotrade continues to expand its market presence and strengthen its impact on the farming community.

As part of the FSC project, Alfacotrade aims to introduce a new grass pelletizer line that will highly reduce the size and logistics of animal feed. Due to the reduced size of the finished product, new warehousing practices, sorting, picking, and dispatching protocols must be set to meet operational requirements, efficiency, and effectiveness.

Objective

The objective of this consultancy is to:

1. Oversee the installation and integration of a Warehouse Management System (WMS), operational optimization, and routing systems.
2. Optimize operational workflows across warehousing, logistics, and routing functions.
3. Provide on-site technical assistance and deliver hands-on training programs to ensure the smooth adoption and execution of new systems by Alfacotrade’s staff.
4. Ensure seamless linkage between the WMS and the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system to facilitate real-time data synchronization and operational alignment.
5. Implement traceability systems to enhance product tracking, inventory accuracy, and compliance with regulatory standards.

Scope of work:The consultant will be required to deliver the following services:

1. On-Site Support:
   • Spend designated days on-site to evaluate current warehousing and logistics operations and identify bottlenecks or inefficiencies.
   • Work closely with Alfacotrade’s management and operations team to tailor solutions to specific needs.
2. System Implementation:
   • Assist in the installation, configuration, and integration of the WMS and routing systems.
   • Ensure that all systems are aligned with operational requirements and scalable for future growth.
3. Operational Optimization:
   • Develop and implement standardized operational procedures (SOPs) for warehousing, operations, and logistics.
   • Optimize inventory management, picking, and dispatching processes.
   • Design efficient routing models to reduce fuel consumption, minimize delivery times, and enhance logistics efficiency.
4. Training:
   • Prepare and deliver comprehensive training programs for staff on WMS, operational protocols, new SOPs, routing systems, and revised operational workflows.
   • Conduct hands-on workshops and provide training materials (manuals, guidelines, and FAQs) to ensure staff are confident and capable of operating the new systems.
5. Monitoring and Evaluation:
   • Test the functionality and reliability of the implemented systems.
   • Provide recommendations for further refinement and adjustments based on real-world performance.

Duration:

The consultancy is expected to span 5 months, with specific on-site days to be agreed upon based on project milestones and progress.

Key Deliverables

• Comprehensive assessment report of all existing supply chain activities.
• Fully implemented and operational WMS and routing systems.
• Developed and documented SOPs for warehousing, operations, and logistics processes.
• Completed staff training sessions with attendance and feedback records.
• Final consultancy report summarizing work performed, results achieved, and recommendations for ongoing improvements.

Qualifications:

The selected consultant should:

• Have proven expertise in implementing Warehouse Management Systems, routing systems, and operational optimization in manufacturing or distribution sectors.
• Possess experience in delivering on-site technical assistance and staff training programs.
• Demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to adapt solutions to client-specific needs.