CAT’s Expanding Capabilities: New Partnerships, Territories

New technology and partnerships allow CAT and their customers to operate seamlessly across North America as new WMS enables rapid growth. 

“We’re really going to help our customers expand their reach across North America,” says Canadian Alliance President William McKinnon proudly. “Typically our customers have been Canadian-based, but we’re now able to represent them effectively across Canada and the U.S.”

These expanded capabilities are made possible by the adoption of a warehouse management system (WMS) from software developer Extensiv. Since CAT began utilizing the system, we’ve greatly enhanced our abilities to integrate with countless other warehouses and 3PL companies throughout North America. As a result, new partnerships are in place that open up opportunities for both CAT and our clients.

Enabling U.S. Expansion for Clients

McKinnon speaks of a client that needs distribution out of Los Angeles. As a result of increased integration, CAT is able to confidently recommend a partner that operates on the same WMS platform.

“We’re able to receive an order from the customer and effectively send that order to the warehouse in Los Angeles as if it was our own facility,” says McKinnon. “The order comes to us and we process it. We don’t have to do any more special connections.”

Another customer is expanding to the U.S for the first time, which will be facilitated much more easily with these new partnerships in place.

“We have a strong connection with them in Canada, so they’re already in our system,” notes McKinnon.

For CAT clients, the expanded footprint is a welcome development. After all, it’s a results-based business.

“Our customers want certainty that things will be delivered on time, without undue complication,” explains McKinnon. “Ultimately, they don’t really care whose box it comes out of. We connect with customers and they trust us. In turn, we build relationships with partners in the industry. Everybody wins.”

Building Scale and Reach for 3PLs

“There are organizations out there with their own closed networks in place, and others with many tightly controlled buildings across North America,” says McKinnon. “These new partnerships give us the ability to replicate those networks, working with companies that share our vision for growth.”

It typically requires an incredible amount of investment and infrastructure for any one company to grow an international footprint. The Extensiv WMS and the partnerships it enables allow 3PL companies like Canadian Alliance to size up very quickly without the brick and mortar.

“It really helps bring scale to the businesses without the capital investment that’s required to move into new markets” says McKinnon. “Being able to build a network that’s not based on our own assets is desirable to us. Putting together these executable processes is very exciting.”

Potential Canadian Alliance Partnerships 

McKinnon has been in talks with several 3PL companies that he sees as a good fit for partnerships.

“One is based in L.A., another in Salt Lake City, and another is in Toronto,” says McKinnon. “We all speak the same language, based on the same warehouse management system, which is fantastic. Everybody’s keen to build partnerships.”

A recent trip to Ontario left McKinnon with a favorable impression of a 3PL company he visited.

“We checked out their facility, talked to their employees, and sat in their boardroom,” he says. “You can tell by the customers they have that they’re a solid business.”  

The advantages go both ways, with Canadian Alliance leveraging the infrastructure that partnering companies have in place in different locations and, in turn, providing those partners with capabilities on Canada’s West Coast.

Extensiv Moving Quickly and Aggressively 

McKinnon is impressed not only by the quality of the Extensiv  WMS but also by the company’s team approach to a rapid pace of growth.

“They have over 1000 customers across North America on their platform now,” says McKinnon. “They’re installing their software at a rapid pace, while also buying other companies in order to expand their own capabilities. They’re moving quickly and aggressively. We saw a real advantage with that company.” 

Technological Upgrades at Canadian Alliance 

The new WMS and the advantages it provides are just part of a wider initiative to upgrade technology and processes for Canadian Alliance and our customers. Management portals, transport management systems, labour management systems, and even self-service driver check-in kiosks are improving convenience, clarity, and control throughout the process.

As we modernize, CAT is committed to strong customer support, minimizing friction and simplifying the process for our clients.

As logistics and supply chain management continue to meet and overcome new challenges, Canadian Alliance’s resolve to provide our customers with enhanced capabilities will give them confidence and strength. Our new WMS system, and the expanded network it enables, is a key part of this initiative to support both business to business and ecommerce.