Challenges And Triumphs: Warehousing And Logistics Connectix

When it comes to innovative warehousing and logistics, we’ve got our eye on the ball. This rings especially true when core partnerships and creative problem-solving join forces to turn challenges into triumphs.

To give you a better idea of what that looks like, we’ve dissected a particular challenge turned triumph that we are especially proud of - our collaboration with Connectix to store and distribute fiber optic cables and equipment to facilitate city-wide fiber networks across the US.

Fiber Pioneers From Across The Pond

Contracted by SIFI Networks to deliver fiber networks to cities across the US, Connectix are UK-based telecommunications trailblazers with a unique approach to the market. Their objective was clear: make high-speed internet more accessible by putting it into the hands of municipalities rather than other telecommunications companies. The positive knock-on effect of this is direct fiber connections to every household, not just main streets and affluent areas. We love a feel-good story, don’t you?

Storage Challenges: Taming The Outdoors

From the get-go, Connectix were faced with an unavoidable dilemma that required an out-of-the-box solution. Their existing outdoor environment left the reels prone to damage. Made from wood components that disintegrate and rot when exposed to the elements, these delicate fiber optic reels and microducts needed a newly appointed indoor distribution model for safe storage.

Without wasting a moment, we engineered exactly that, as well as durable storage in the form of flat-packed, custom metal reels that were sourced from a Korean supplier. If you know “flat pack”, you know that every part of it needs to be built. After months of meticulous assembly, which we took on ourselves, day by day, bit by bit, the reels were built to weather any storm.

Warehousing And Distribution: Time To Strategize

With the urgency of timely equipment delivery looming, we put our heads together to establish a network of warehouses near all of Connectix’s active, nation-wide construction sites, clearing a path for streamlined operations. While Connectix nurtured new connections with diverse contracts across the board, we mirrored that growth by expanding their warehouse network.

Facing Challenges: A Sting Operation

If we weren’t on our toes already, there’s nothing like a wasp infestation to shake things up. Unbeknownst to us (and anyone for that matter), a swarm of stingers had made their way into a shipping container of microducts that was sent to California. These angry insects unleashed their wrath on all who deigned to come near, forcing us to close up that particular dock and halt all incoming deliveries at a cost. Needless to say, there were some other angry characters around due to this situation, but these were of the human variety.

We scrambled to find the support to safely extract the wasps from the container and relocate them somewhere more appropriate. Safe to say, our prayers were answered in the form of a local lady with a hobby for beekeeping (and the floral bee suit to match), eradicating the threat as if it were no big deal.

Next Up: To Texas And Beyond

While we work hard and fast on the trials of today with Connectix, we have keen eyes on the future alongside them. Locked in on sustainably expanding into new markets like Texas, we’re dipping our toes into more eco-friendly practices to repurpose metal reels post-construction.

We aren’t your run-of-the-mill warehousing and logistics company, we’re professionals with a purpose. No matter the task, be it battling wasps or orchestrating a complex supply chain that works for you, we take your business matter seriously.

So, how can we help you today? Get in touch with us to discuss your warehousing or logistics needs, we’d love to chat.