School Specialty Levels Up Its Supply Chain—Faster, Smarter, and Built for Growth

A multi-year modernization initiative streamlines operations through network optimization, technology upgrades, and facility enhancements for long-term success.

NAPLES, FL, UNITED STATES, March 10, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Alpine Supply Chain Solutions, a boutique Supply Chain consulting firm focused on maximizing supply chain investments, today announced that School Specialty, a leading provider of comprehensive learning environment solutions, has successfully completed a comprehensive supply chain transformation initiative. This multi-year modernization project has enhanced operational efficiency, improved service levels, and positioned the company for future growth.

The initiative tackled critical business challenges through strategic facility optimization and technology upgrades. As part of the network optimization strategy, School Specialty consolidated its operations into a two-distribution center model, allowing for improved geographical coverage and faster delivery times. This consolidation also led to better inventory management and reduced overall operating costs.

A key component of the transformation involved the implementation of new technologies to streamline operations. School Specialty deployed a new warehouse management system (WMS) and installed an advanced warehouse control system (WCS), ensuring greater control and efficiency in its distribution processes.

Facility modernization was another crucial aspect of the initiative. The company undertook a comprehensive facility redesign, integrating automation solutions to enhance workflow and efficiency. A strategic storage type analysis was conducted to maximize space utilization, while optimized slotting configurations improved overall operational performance. By adopting a phased "crawl, walk, run" approach, School Specialty minimized operational risks while ensuring a smooth transition to the new systems and processes.


"This transformation represents a pivotal investment in our future," said Jason Belsito, Executive Vice President, Business Operations at School Specialty. "The new infrastructure allows us to process orders more efficiently, reduce delivery times, and maintain our position as a trusted partner to America's educational institutions. Most importantly, it gives us the scalability to grow while maintaining exceptional service levels."

Developed in collaboration with Alpine Supply Chain Solutions and Systems in Motion, this modernization initiative was driven by extensive analysis and planning to ensure maximum return on investment. As a result, School Specialty has significantly increased its order processing capacity, improved inventory accuracy, enhanced labor efficiency, and reduced transportation costs. The newly optimized supply chain infrastructure also provides the scalability needed to support future growth.

"The project's success stems from solid teamwork and a methodical, data-driven approach," added Michael Wohlwend, Managing Principal at Alpine. "By carefully analyzing the network, implementing new technologies, and optimizing facilities, School Specialty has taken all the right steps to build a supply chain that can adapt to changing market demands."

School Specialty will join Alpine and Systems in Motion at ProMat to share their experience replacing their WCS/WES. The session will take place on Monday, March 17 at 2:15 PM in Theater A. More information can be found on the ProMat website. Schedule a meeting with Alpine here.

About School Specialty, LLC
With a 60-year legacy, School Specialty is a leading provider of comprehensive learning environment solutions for the pre-K–12 education marketplace in the U.S. and Canada. This includes essential classroom supplies, furniture and design services, educational technology, sensory spaces featuring Snoezelen^®, science curriculum, learning resources, professional development, and more. School Specialty believes every student can flourish in an environment where they are engaged and inspired to learn and grow. In support of this vision to transform more than classrooms, the company applies its unmatched team of subject-matter experts and designs, manufactures, and distributes a broad assortment of name-brand and proprietary products. For more information, go to SchoolSpecialty.com.

About Alpine Supply Chain Solutions
Alpine Supply Chain Solutions, based in Naples, FL, is a supply chain consulting company driven to ensure their clients get the most value from their investments. Their approach to every project starts with the data and ends with a cost justifiable solution. With deep roots in industrial engineering, Alpine’s approach is unique. For more information, please visit: AlpineSupplyChain.com.

Noelle Abarelli
Alpine Supply Chain Solutions
+1 630-886-4762
email us here