When a major distribution center prepared for rapid growth, they sought to replace their cumbersome, paper-based performance management system with a modern, data-driven solution. By implementing the Smart Access platform, leadership shifted to proactive, real-time coaching – achieving a 18% increase in productivity within four weeks and uncovering potential for millions in annual savings. Smart Access empowered leaders to drive individual performance and quality while simplifying execution for frontline supervisors.
Largest grocery chain in the US, operating 42 distribution centers nationwide. Initial focus was preparing a Western DC for expanded fresh and frozen operations and doubling of staff.
The customer’s Las Vegas DC recognized that to successfully scale its operations and bring on hundreds of new employees, it needed to replace its cumbersome, high-friction system for managing standards and performance.
Training, certifications, and new-hire tracking were entirely manual and paper-based, creating administrative bottlenecks and slowing down performance visibility.
Existing observation methods relied on pen and paper and supervisors lacked the detail needed for effective productivity tracking.
Performance observations took place only when an associate was already underperforming. The system lacked the detailed, proactive coaching data necessary to drive improvement.
Keeping SOPs updated in Sharepoint and ensuring consistent compliance across different roles was a major pain point.
The customer implemented the Smart Access platform to digitize its operational standards and provide supervisors with a real-time tool for driving associate consistency and performance.
Existing SOPs were used to create graded process observations, safety engagement checks, and Lift Truck Operator (LTO) audits, all accessible on a mobile device.
Supervisors now use the mobile app to conduct detailed audits, deliver immediate, prescriptive coaching, and digitally track performance.
The system enabled a shift from reactive to proactive engagement. Supervisors achieved 100% compliance among required observers and executed hundreds of detailed observations in the initial weeks of implementation. Associates appreciated the detailed and structured feedback and attention.
Overall staff productivity increase
Order Selection Productivity
Double the gain of non-observed staff (8%) improvement across observed roles (Selection, LTO, and Loading)
Compliance Engaged supervisors completed all required observations
SOP Deviation Execution
Consistency Identified compliance gap improvement opportunities
The Smart Access implementation immediately proved its ability to drive associate performance and management engagement, delivering the consistency the DC needed for its expansion, delivering measurable results in just 4 weeks:
Significant Performance Lift: Observed associates demonstrated an average 7 percentage point higher performance increase compared to non-observed staff.
Targeted Visibility: The data immediately revealed a 27% deviation from SOPs during order selection, giving leaders clear, targeted visibility into specific execution gaps that needed correction.
Eliminating Paper Friction: Moving away from paper-based SOPs and tracking was hailed as a “game changer” by management. An Operations Manager confirmed: “It went a lot better with digital. Because this gives me a lot more data than having to do it all manually.“
Estimated Financial Impact: Based on these results, a conservative, company-wide deployment could translate to an estimated $13 million+ in annual savings based on a 6% performance improvement across the network.
Whether you’re in retail, 3PL, or food distribution, the challenges of frontline performance are universal—and so are the gains. Smart Access turns your SOPs into action, your supervisors into coaches, and your frontline into a consistent, high-performing team.
See what’s possible when every shift runs to standard.
April 14, 2026 @ 6:30PM | Ray’s In The City – Atlanta
An invite-only gathering of operation leaders during Modex 2026
March 5, 2026, at 6:30 PM | New York Prime | Steak House, Atlanta
Complimentary dinner for invited guests, hosted by Smart Access.
