Measurement Tools Manufacturing
Portland, Oregon
Founded 1984
Building Better Flow: How CDN Measurement Tools Strengthened Its Warehouse and Team
Growth had changed the way work moved through CDN Measurement Tools’ warehouse. As products moved from picking to shipping, employees traveled repeatedly between inventory locations, a shared computer workstation, the shipping scale, and pallet staging areas. CDN saw an opportunity to create a clearer flow of work and build systems that could support the company’s continued growth.
Working with OMEP, CDN redesigned its warehouse flow, documented key shipping processes, and strengthened the workforce practices surrounding training, onboarding, and leadership.
5
Jobs Created/Jobs Retained
$45K
Cost Savings
Background
Founded in 1984, CDN Measurement Tools is a family-owned and operated manufacturer of precision thermometers, timers, and scales for foodservice, retail, and industrial markets. Recognized as a global category leader, CDN supplies measurement tools used in thousands of commercial locations worldwide, including restaurants, schools, healthcare facilities, and industrial sites. The company’s measurement tools also serve home cooks who depend on accurate, reliable kitchen equipment.
The Situation
As CDN Measurement Tools grew, its warehouse operations evolved without standardized processes or an optimized layout. Employees moved frequently among picking locations, the computer workstation, shipping scale, and pallet staging areas. Each additional trip added movement and waiting to the shipping process.
The movement of information presented another challenge. Critical shipping activities depended on knowledge held by experienced employees rather than documented procedures. Training varied depending on who was available, and employees had fewer opportunities to develop the skills needed to work across different areas.
These operational issues connected directly to CDN’s workforce goals. Leadership wanted to improve communication and create a more collaborative workplace culture that could support continued growth.
The Solution
OMEP and CDN began by examining how products and information moved through the warehouse. A Value Stream Mapping event helped the team identify waste and develop a future-state layout designed around a more efficient flow of work.
The proposed layout moved high-volume inventory closer to where it was needed, opened the staging-area aisles, and reorganized workstations. The team reviewed workstation capacity and identified opportunities to provide additional computer access, reducing the time employees spent waiting to complete shipping activities.
CDN then turned key shipping practices into documented processes. The company developed Standard Work for UPS shipments, truck shipments, and other warehouse activities. A training matrix provided a clearer view of employee capabilities, while a more structured onboarding process made essential knowledge easier to share with new and existing employees.
The work extended into the organizational systems supporting daily operations. OMEP assisted CDN as the company hired a warehouse supervisor, updated its employee handbook and compliance policies, and reviewed compensation and pay equity. CDN developed a three-to-five-year internal workforce plan to align employee development with its long-term strategy. OMEP continued providing guidance on employee relations and compliance as the company put these changes into practice.
The Results
The redesigned layout reduced unnecessary travel and improved the movement of products through the warehouse. Better workstation access addressed sources of waiting, while documented shipping procedures gave employees a more consistent way to complete and learn the work.
The training matrix and structured onboarding process made essential knowledge easier to share across the team. With a warehouse supervisor in place and clearer systems supporting daily operations, company leaders gained more time to focus on improving the business.
CDN Measurement Tools reported $45,000 in cost savings and $52,000 associated with training. The engagement supported the creation of one new job and the retention of five jobs. During a flat sales year, the company maintained its existing sales revenue.
“Working with OMEP has transformed the way we operate. The warehouse layout improvements and standardized processes have reduced our travel time and shortened lead times, but the biggest change has been our people. We now have stronger communication, better teamwork, and leaders who have the time to focus on improving the business instead of constantly reacting to problems. The systems OMEP helped us put in place will continue to benefit our company for years to come.”
Jan Murtagh
President