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1. Can you start by telling us a bit about your consulting practice, the industries you focus on, and the types of retail/distribution clients you serve?
North Highland’s supply chain practice transforms vision into lasting value for leading retailers and consumer products companies. We are a leading change management firm that specializes in distribution strategy and performance improvement, serving Fortune 500 clients across department stores, specialty retail, and e-commerce. Our data-driven approach combines strategic expertise with practical implementation, ensuring sustainable results that support strategic goals.
Within Performance Improvement, We Focus on:
Labor Management
Developing robust performance programs and performance culture through engineered labor standards using UMT Plus. We support the deployment of engineered labor standards by partnering with local operations teams to implement effective management routines and elevate them with equitable pay-for-performance programs that deliver meaningful financial results for both the company and employees.
Real-Time KPI Visibility
Creating custom KPI dashboards that transform performance data from engineered labor standards into actionable insights, enabling front-line leaders to make informed decisions that improve operational efficiency
Automation & WMS Selection
Supporting clients through RFP development, business requirements definition, impact estimation, project management, and implementation support to ensure technology investments deliver maximum ROI
Network Rollout & Standardization
We turn successful performance improvement pilots into network-wide wins. By combining standardized processes with hands-on, on-site support, we bridge the gap between “proven concept” and “operational reality” across your distribution network
As client programs mature, North Highland also provides standards governance and longterm maintenance support to sustain performance improvement programs. Our comprehensive approach typically delivers 15–30% productivity improvements while supporting both operational efficiency and workforce engagement.
2. What are some of the key challenges your retail distribution clients are facing around workforce productivity or process efficiency?
Our clients face several workforce and process challenges, namely labor cost and availability, higher turnover, and growing complexity in how they meet customer service level expectations. These challenges create persistent productivity gaps that are difficult to address with outdated labor management programs. Many struggle with inconsistent processes across distribution centers, making solutions or best practices difficult to scale across a network.
North Highland addresses these challenges through our comprehensive approach:
• Standardizing processes across the network
• Developing engineered standards that accurately reflect varying workmix
• Implementing management routines that build accountability and engagement, from
front-line leadership to the executive level
• Creating real-time dashboards that transform data into actionable insights
Our expertise in change management ensures these improvements become embedded in organizational culture. One Fortune 200 retailer achieved a 35% labor efficiency gain through our labor management program, delivering $20M in annual savings while improving employee retention—demonstrating how our solutions support both operational and strategic executive priorities.
“North Highland’s approach to partnership made them an incredible asset to our team. Their team brought objectivity,
expertise, and structure that allowed us to focus and accelerate our path to impact. Without a doubt, the North Highland team helped implement a labor management program that has surpassed our expectations.”
– CHIEF LOGISTICS OFFICER, LUXURY LIFESTYLE BRAND
