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Case Study: National Drug Store Chain

Pandemic-Era Productivity: How Eclipse Advantage Helped a Drugstore Chain Thrive

 

The Challenge

A leading drugstore chain turned to Eclipse Advantage as a staffing-solutions partner to manage a team of 70-90 experienced supply chain employees. As part of a cost savings initiative, the retailer also tasked Eclipse Advantage with overseeing its deconsolidation process. Given a successful, long-term partnership at five other sites, Eclipse Advantage was the natural choice for this new initiative.

The chain outlined four key objectives:

  1. Replace the existing supplier without an interruption in productivity
  2. Retain as many of the current workers as possible
  3. Provide unique ancillary services
  4. Take over the deconsolidation services from the existing third-party provider

Hybrid Productivity Pay / Hourly Staffing

Even though COVID-19 had suspended day-to-day operations at DCs all over the world in March 2020, Eclipse Advantage jumped in to ensure a smooth startup and successful transition, while abiding to the constantly evolving pandemic guidelines. 

Because the distribution center had distinct hourly functions and operational needs, Eclipse Advantage launched the startup using a hybrid model that combined hourly staffing with a team-based productivity pay (CPU) system. This approach maintained continuity while introducing the performance advantages of the team-based model.

Eclipse Advantage provided a team of 70–90 workers, supported by a site manager, two assistant site managers, and an on-site Recruiting Operations Manager (ROM) who oversaw all aspects of the transition and hiring process. Hourly staff were assigned to more than 10 specialized ancillary functions, including battery replacement, conveyor monitoring, mod support, housekeeping, cardboard collection and baling, trailer stripping, and special projects.

In addition, Eclipse Advantage assumed full responsibility for deconsolidation logistics, breaking down large shipments from the local port into smaller loads. The team handled unloading, staging, and reloading freight onto outbound trailers bound for their respective distribution centers.

 

The Impact

Successful Retention at Startup and Significant Operational Efficiencies

Following the launch, Eclipse Advantage delivered measurable results across multiple fronts, despite the challenges of a pandemic-era startup. The partnership drove both workforce stability and improved operational performance:

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Seamless startup and strong retention

 Deployed an experienced team that achieved a 90% retention rate, allowing for a smooth transition and strong productivity from day one.

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Stronger on-site management

Client reported complete satisfaction with the management team, noting significant improvements over the previous supplier.

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Cost savings through in-house deconsolidation

Took over deconsolidation logistics, eliminating the need for an expensive third-party port service and leveraging the transload building to drive efficiencies.

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Workforce stability:

Half of the temporary workforce transitioned into permanent roles.

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Boosted productivity through Team-Based Pay (TBP):

  • Increased worker pay rates without additional cost to the client
  • Higher productivity on the inbound dock
  • Improved retention rates
 

“People want to be a part of what’s going on here. Our culture is strong and our pay is strategic and that goes a long way in retention.”

- Sean Crane, Eclipse Advantage General Manager

 

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