Episode 357: Ouster brings lidar to warehousing
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Joining this episode of The New Warehouse is Angus Pacala, Co-founder and CEO of Ouster, a company that provides lidar technology for automation and sensing. Angus discusses the warehouse use cases for lidar and how it aids in navigation, delivery of goods, and mapping warehouses. He also discusses the age-old question of the camera versus lidar sensing and which one you can trust with your life. Key Takeaways LIDAR stands for light detection and ranging, which emits light pulses to measure distances between objects. AGVs can use this data to detect obstacles safely as they move through warehouses or manufacturing environments. Angus adds, there is over 2 billion worth of industrial lidar sensors sold each year. A significant portion of those sensors is for automated vehicles operating in warehouses, manufacturing centers, and other mixed-use environments. Angus shares a new type of more affordable and performant lidar sensor developed by Ouster called digital lidar. Digital Lidar replaces the analog technology used for years by integrating complex analog systems onto one silicon chip, resulting in improved performance, size, form factor, power draw reliability, and affordability. With Digital Lidar, customers of Ouster can have better resolution with no blind spots allowing them to sense humans further out more reliably and build great maps of warehouses. Digital Lidar also enables mixed-use warehouses where machines can operate closer to humans due to their better sensing capabilities while maintaining safety standards. Regarding autonomous equipment in warehousing, Angus noted two approaches – human assistance driver technology (similar to cars) or complete automation when scoped correctly – both are becoming more flexible, faster to deploy, and affordable for diverse use cases. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 357: Ouster Brings Lidar to Warehousing
Episode 356: ProGlove
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Ilhan Kolko, Chief Product Officer and President of North America at ProGlove, joins the latest episode of The New Warehouse. ProGlove is a human-centered industrial technology company that connects IoT with humans through wearable solutions. Kevin and Ilhan discuss their recent round of funding, product development, and why Ilhan believes ProGlove has developed the best wearable scanner ever. Key Takeaways ProGlove’s flagship product, Mark 3, is a multi-range variable barcode scanner the size of a matchbox that allows for hands-free scanning and eliminates distractions from putting devices down to pick up products. Ilhan shares how they continue to improve their products while ensuring integration into the ecosystem is entirely zero-touch. ProGlove’s wearable scanners, akin to ‘Fitbits,’ are designed to collect valuable data and apply it to different areas of the working process. This information allows Proglove’s team of data engineers and scientists to do deep dives into the collected data to find patterns that can improve efficiency on the shop floor. Customer reaction has been positive overall due to Proglove’s end-to-end approach toward collecting homogeneous datasets that are trustworthy enough for complex pattern analysis. When discussing trends in wearable technology, Ilhan shares that according to a recent survey by ProGlove, worker safety, and well-being are becoming higher priorities for wearable tech development moving forward. To further develop its products for the future, ProGlove will continue partnerships with robotics companies and other SaaS solutions providers who focus on collaborative technologies. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 356: ProGlove
Episode 355: StreetDrone
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The New Warehouse welcomes Mark Preston, Co-Founder, and Chief Strategy Officer at StreetDrone, to discuss autonomous driving in logistics. Mark has a background in mechanical engineering, Formula 1, and designing dangerous goods containers. Mark leverages this unique background to solve the complex challenges of autonomous driving. Be sure to tune in to learn about StreetDrone’s autonomous solutions and to hear Mark’s thoughts on when we will see self-driving technology at scale. Key Takeaways Initially, StreetDrone used a combination of autonomy and teleoperation for integration with a pilot site for Nissan. Mark adds there is still a need for interaction between operators who can help vehicles move around mixed-mode traffic sites like ports or public roads. However, these technologies will continue to develop over time, allowing us to travel alongside them one day soon. StreetDrone focuses primarily on first-mile logistics – feeding into factories, ports & regional distribution centers. These routes are often well-known, defined, and controlled, making them ideal for SmartDrone’s Smart 1 Terminal Tractor. Truck drivers from Nissan involved throughout the process are now evangelists for this technology as it increases safety measures onsite and alleviates the lack of available workers globally. StreetDrone’s last-mile solution is the golf cart-sized Pix-E. The Pix-E is a low-speed vehicle designed to perform last-mile deliveries in densely populated areas. Mark explains that they are always learning in development, and as they learn and improve, they can navigate to less-controlled environments. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 355: StreetDrone
Episode 354: ICPMobile
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Jeff Scott, CEO of ICPMobile, joins The New Warehouse Podcast this week to discuss wearable devices for warehousing and fulfillment. Infinite Peripherals provides hardware and software solutions for healthcare, retail, supply chain, logistics, and more. In this episode, Jeff gives a sneak peek of their new HaloRing Scanner that just recently released. Key Takeaways The NexusConnect device from ICPMobile uses the Otterbox uniVERSE rail system allowing it to work with Android and IOS devices. With the IP65 rating, long and short-range scanning, and wireless charging, NexusConnect transforms familiar mobile devices into powerful, ergonomically friendly warehouse scanning devices. The HaloRing Scanner is the first wearable device from ICPMobile and has recently just become available. The all-in-one Android device weighs only three ounces, has an OLED display, and allows the user to scan and take action instead of requiring an additional device. Jeff discusses how this scanner is a more natural motion ergonomically for users and frees up both hands to perform tasks. Jeff shares how ICPMobile began performing point-of-sale receipt printers nearly thirty years ago, which evolved into capturing signatures, collecting mobile payments, and eventually inventory management. In 2009, Infinite Peripherals developed a device for Apple that could scan barcodes, read card payments, and had a protective case and battery backup for extended use. Interestingly, Apple found that stores using the easy devices from Infinite sold more accessories and Apple Care through the easy payment solution. Jeff and Kevin discuss the benefits of leveraging existing technology, such as smartphones, to reduce training and simplify everyday tasks. Jeff shares a story of replacing an antiquated hole punch system with staff having an average tenure of thirty-five years. Replacing a one-hundred-year-old process came with resistance, but at the end of the pilot, none of the participants wanted to return the devices that made their jobs easier. Jeff explains how the relationships with ICPMobile and its customers provide valuable insights regarding what the customer wants. These insights lead Infinite to take on creating software in addition to hardware devices. He adds that customers want one device for multiple capabilities, such as collecting payments, performing cycle counts, or inventory management. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 354: ICPMobile
Episode 354: ICPMobile
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Jeff Scott, CEO of ICPMobile, joins The New Warehouse Podcast this week to discuss wearable devices for warehousing and fulfillment. Infinite Peripherals provides hardware and software solutions for healthcare, retail, supply chain, logistics, and more. In this episode, Jeff gives a sneak peek of their new HaloRing Scanner that just recently released. Key Takeaways The NexusConnect device from ICPMobile uses the Otterbox uniVERSE rail system allowing it to work with Android and IOS devices. With the IP65 rating, long and short-range scanning, and wireless charging, NexusConnect transforms familiar mobile devices into powerful, ergonomically friendly warehouse scanning devices. The HaloRing Scanner is the first wearable device from ICPMobile and has recently just become available. The all-in-one Android device weighs only three ounces, has an OLED display, and allows the user to scan and take action instead of requiring an additional device. Jeff discusses how this scanner is a more natural motion ergonomically for users and frees up both hands to perform tasks. Jeff shares how ICPMobile began performing point-of-sale receipt printers nearly thirty years ago, which evolved into capturing signatures, collecting mobile payments, and eventually inventory management. In 2009, Infinite Peripherals developed a device for Apple that could scan barcodes, read card payments, had a protective case and battery backup for extended use. Interestingly, Apple found that stores using the easy devices from Infinite sold more accessories and Apple Care through the easy payment solution. Jeff and Kevin discuss the benefits of leveraging existing technology, such as smartphones, to reduce training and simplify everyday tasks. Jeff shares a story of replacing an antiquated hole punch system with staff having an average tenure of thirty-five years. Replacing a one-hundred-year-old process came with resistance, but at the end of the pilot, none of the participants wanted to return the devices that made their jobs easier. Jeff explains how the relationships with ICPMobile and its customers provide valuable insights regarding what the customer wants. These insights lead Infinite to take on creating software in addition to hardware devices. He adds that customers want one device for multiple capabilities, such as collecting payments, performing cycle counts, or inventory management. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 354: ICPMobile
Episode 353: Spot AI
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SPOT AI is a camera system that helps businesses leverage video footage to improve safety, security, and efficiency. By detecting areas of improvement early on, companies can save time and resources and reduce operational costs – ultimately leading to increased profits and customer satisfaction. In this episode of The New Warehouse, Sud Bhatija, co-founder of SPOT AI, discusses how intelligence dashboards can identify potential bottlenecks, provide training opportunities and improve collaboration. Key Takeaways SPOT AI works with any existing camera system customers have and provides them with an intuitive dashboard containing modern tools powered by AI. These tools make it easier for users to search through hours of footage quickly, collaborate on the footage securely, set alerts triggered by certain activities or people in specific areas, and receive notifications when those alerts are activated. Companies are using video technology to monitor specific areas, such as forklift or equipment usage in unauthorized areas. This technology can be used proactively to train new employees and prevent incidents. Customers have used this technology to improve their operations’ efficiency by instrumenting how long trucks idle in yards and how quickly loading/unloading takes place. Spot AI’s intelligent dashboard allows customers to get a real-time understanding of their business operations. The dashboard lets customers visualize and track all the different metrics they need to know about their business performance in one single, easy-to-access location. This enables customers to quickly analyze and identify areas performing below target or exhibiting any bottlenecks. Sud believes that to ensure privacy is respected; companies should use video not just for surveillance but also shift towards allowing multiple people to access the footage instead of having it centralized with one person looking at what everyone’s doing. He believes in moving from the traditional use of video surveillance to one where everyone in an organization can access it and collaborate. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 353: Spot AI
Episode 352: Hopstack
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The New Warehouse welcomes Vivek Singh, Co-Founder of Hopstack, a software platform that automates and optimizes warehouse operations. Vivek founded Hopsack to bridge the gap between legacy systems and new software for modern e-commerce businesses by creating an open digital operating system that is agile enough to accommodate omnichannel strategies. Hopstack ensures its software meets the complexity introduced via automation in fulfillment operations, such as pre-built integration capabilities for robotic hardware devices like pick-to-light devices or picking robots. Be sure to tune in to learn about software in the fulfillment space, how it’s been changing over the recent years, and how some gaps between legacy systems and new software are being closed. Key Takeaways Vivek refers to Hopstack’s software as a warehouse operating system. He explains that larger companies may employ five to six different types of software, such as a warehouse management system (WMS), Warehouse Execution System (WES), Inventory Management System (IMS), order fulfillment software, etc. This isn’t practical for small and medium-sized businesses (SMB), making a system like Hopstack that can perform all those functions in one package is ideal for SMBs. Vivek shares that companies transitioning from legacy systems into modern cloud-based solutions like Hopstack have seen 30-40% benefits in terms of efficiency, order lead times, and the number of orders fulfilled daily. Hopstack’s system allows for native connectivity with picking robots and requires less implementation time than traditional systems, taking as little as 8-10 weeks on average. Many companies are reluctant to abandon their legacy systems because they cannot afford to have their operations negatively impacted by a lengthy implementation process. Vivek believes that having a software system to run fulfillment is no longer a “nice-to-have” but a necessity to operate in today’s environment. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 352: Hopstack
Episode 351: Powerfleet
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Scott Walker, VP of Supply Chain Product Management at Powerfleet, joins The New Warehouse podcast to discuss their people-powered IoT solutions for multiple industries. They provide businesses with actionable insights that can increase safety and sustainability while making team members happier. With real-time asset visibility, route optimization, predictive service scheduling, condition monitoring, enhanced training opportunities, and more, Powerfleet makes it easier to take complete control of your material movements. Be sure to tune in to learn about people-powered IoT solutions and how you can make your warehouse safer, more efficient, and a more enjoyable place to work. Key Takeaways Scott believes that due to the combination of retirements and new job growth in the manufacturing sector, a significant gap in employment will rise over the next decade. Nearly 4 million job openings will remain unfilled unless businesses find new and innovative ways to fill these roles. With only half of those positions likely to be filled by qualified personnel, companies urgently need to adopt technology-driven solutions that can reduce time spent on tedious tasks while increasing value-added roles. The industrial environment is one of the most dangerous places besides car accidents. Powerfleet provides a much-needed element of control, aiming to increase safety practices in the workplace and giving workers more opportunities that bring personal fulfillment and optimism for the future. All these factors combined create a more positive and less stressful environment for those on the job. Powerfleet implements devices that give them immediate feedback to acknowledge material handling equipment like forklifts are safe to operate. If something is wrong, it triggers an alert to notify maintenance to come and make sure it’s safe. The latest technologies integrate a pedestrian warning system to enhance their ability to predict whether or not there’s about to be an incident. If employees operate the equipment unsafely, like going too fast around this corner or bumping into something, it seems too rough for what we expect. Powerfleet’s technologies use artificial intelligence via a video panel that scans areas in the direction of travel 30 to 50 times a second. The AI-based system also allows companies to identify unsafe areas or drivers who may need extra coaching, making it easier for managers to take corrective action before an incident occurs. Scott believes Powerfleet’s success lies in its ability to create scalable solutions across a wide range of equipment. They’ve been able to install their technology on all types and models, regardless of the make or model year. They also have custom mounting solutions to fit each vehicle type and make installation easier. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 351: Powerfleet
Episode 350: A2Z Drone Delivery
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The New Warehouse welcomes Evan Hertafeld, Co-Founder of A2Z Drone Delivery. A2Z Drone Delivery develops cutting-edge technology to provide tailored solutions for their customers, allowing them to extend beyond what was previously thought possible in this space. They recently collaborated on humanitarian efforts to deliver food and supplies to otherwise unreachable areas impacted by catastrophic storms. Be sure to tune in to find out when we will see drones delivering packages on a large scale and how that changes the warehouse environment. Key Takeaways Evan shares that A2Z’s state-of-the-art delivery winch technology was the first of its kind to enter the commercial market. He adds that while this product opened many doors for the company, they’ve also stayed keenly in tune with the customer to refine their technology for optimal use in various industries. He also notes that pilot projects are underway where consumers can order items via an app and have the items delivered by drone. However, regulation remains a significant hurdle as it takes a lot of expertise and paperwork for companies or individuals to fly beyond line-of-sight. Additionally, the cost is another prohibitive factor preventing widespread adoption. Evan explains what is needed to overcome these hurdles. Recently, A2Z deployed its drones in Florida following natural disasters and partnered with local operators Zing Drones to provide much-needed humanitarian relief. The mission aimed to deliver meals and other essentials to those affected by the disasters quickly, efficiently, and safely. Local regulators supported the program and waived some legal requirements to make the process faster and smoother. As more companies use drones for humanitarian purposes, it is clear that this technology can be an essential tool for providing aid during natural disasters. Evan believes the warehouse space is the perfect place to investigate and develop drone delivery technology in terms of hardware and automation. Any drone testing can be conducted freely and safely without adhering to external regulations. As a warehouse manager, you have complete control over the environment inside the building. Additionally, an operator can closely monitor the drone’s activities. Since the area is enclosed, there is no risk of outside interference or disruption, allowing for even more controlled conditions and increased reliability. Evan finds these characteristics within the warehouse space provide an ideal environment for researching and incubating drone delivery technology. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 350: A2Z Drone Delivery
Episode 349: Fulfillment IQ
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The New Warehouse welcomes fellow podcasters Dan Coll and Ninaad Acharya to the show to discuss their backgrounds and how they came together to start Fulfillment IQ. Ninaad is the co-founder and CEO, and Dan is a Partner at Fulfillment IQ, a global organization with teammates in India, Canada, and the US dedicated to helping solve unique problems within the field of fulfillment logistics. In addition to development, implementation, and advisory services, they provide marketing services such as website building, SEO optimization, and social media strategy. Be sure to tune in to this incredibly insightful episode, where they discuss everything from the next disruption, emerging technology, the secret sauce, and their eCom Logistics Podcast. Key Takeaways Dan jokes that clients either bring them in to assist with strategic initiatives or because the warehouse is on fire (not literally). He adds Fulfillment IQ provides consulting services to help identify the root causes of problems, bespoke product development, and implementation of existing solutions. They also offer Fulfillment IQ in a Box, a SaaS-based product offering that helps brands solve fulfillment-related problems. Ninaad shares that if businesses aren’t thinking about implementing automation, they should at least be educating themselves about it. Ninaad’s statement emphasizes the advantages of robotic automation, particularly in North America, where labor is challenging. Automation offers enormous savings potential, with returns on investment for transitioning from manual to automated warehouses sometimes being less than one year. This technology has gone through a maturity cycle and is now entering a period of enlightenment, wherein it becomes increasingly stable and accessible. With all these factors combined, this is an exciting time for businesses to explore and invest in robotic automation. They both heard the same problems in the industry and felt they could help warehouses and distribution centers achieve quick wins. They noticed the warehouse ecosystem was changing due to e-commerce, with automation and robotics becoming popular. Ninaad points out there was also an underlying gap in the industry around operational excellence within distribution and fulfillment centers. Fulfillment IQ’s niche lies within the e-commerce space, where they specialize in helping small to mid-sized businesses grow through every phase of their company’s lifecycle with tailored solutions for each problem presented. Dan and Ninaad started the eCom Logistics Podcast last year with a mission to talk to leaders, innovators, and disruptors in the fulfillment space. Listeners can expect conversations that go deep into topics related to warehouse operations and industry trends, as well as interviews with individuals within the field of fulfillment logistics. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 349: Fulfillment IQ
Episode 348: Fernish and Supply Chain Circularity
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The New Warehouse podcast is excited to welcome Kristin Toth, the president and COO of Fernish. Fernish is a unique furniture rental service redefining the industry’s sustainability standards. They offer fast delivery and high-touch service, like putting everything together for customers and flexibility to swap things out or buy them outright if they fall in love with pieces. By leveraging a circular supply chain, they provide value for their customers with quality, convenience, and affordability. Kristin and Kevin discuss how Fernish came to be and how they are capitalizing on the opportunities in the business of furniture and home decor. You won’t want to miss this episode and Kristen’s career advice for anyone interested in pursuing a career in operations. Key Takeaways Like many of us, Kristin didn’t plan on a career in supply chain and logistics. After being interested in multiple fields, such as music, math, writing, etc., while studying at university, she developed a passion for e-commerce and technology. She felt the field opened up a world of opportunities to improve decision-making processes, such as creating more efficient, faster, more consistent, and more optimal solutions. This passion motivated her to build innovative solutions that could change how we process decisions. Throughout this journey, she found great joy in exploring and utilizing technology to discover new ways to solve complex problems. Kristin shares how they need to consider durability and the availability of parts for refurbishment when selecting what products they add to the Fernish catalog. Refurbishment requires skilled labor who understand materials and processes for restoring items like new again. The operations process is more complex than traditional companies due to used products coming back from customers that need inspection and quarantine before being restored. When researching other WMS solutions, the team at Fernish found they could only get them 20% of where they needed to be. Kristin explains how they never planned on building everything on their own, but this type of business’s complexities led them to develop their own WMS. She adds that creating a home-grown solution has unlocked valuable insights and data they wouldn’t have been able to find in other systems. Kristin discusses how Fernish plans the purchasing of new products with the uncertainty that goes along with utilizing customer returns. She jokes, like most forecasts, they are wrong, but as they learn, they are getting better and better at managing supply and demand. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 348: Fernish and Supply Chain Circularity
Episode 347: Caja Robotics
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Dr. Ilan Cohen, the Chairman, and CEO at Caja Robotics, returns to The New Warehouse to discuss robotics solutions for the logistics and material handling space. Caja Robotics is an Israeli-based company with a presence in the US and coming soon to Europe. Kevin and Ilan discuss the company’s product roadmap and how software can help increase flexibility. Be sure to listen to Dr. Ilan Cohen’s ideas on improving efficiency at picking stations and working with customers to customize solutions for omnichannel fulfillment. Key Takeaways Ilan shares the challenge 3PLs face when managing e-commerce and retail activities in one warehouse, as they cannot afford to split the work into different warehouses. Caja developed a flexible system that can adapt to changes between e-commerce and retail orders to address this need. This system combines two picking stations: a sync picking station for handling individual orders with small robots and a parallel picking station for handling multiple orders using robots at pick walls. Ilan discusses one vendor that employs two hundred people daily to handle product returns manually. He adds Caja’s software also allows multi-SKU per bin returns, which can be processed quickly, so items don’t become off-season or outdated too soon before being sold again. The lack of automation in the warehouse and material handling industry is estimated to be around 80%. Ilan further states that automation is now necessary for businesses as there aren’t enough people to do this work. To address this need, Caja focuses on flexibility and three main areas: order management, location management, and task management. Order Management optimizes robot movement by reducing back-and-forth trips when fulfilling multiple orders simultaneously. Location management increases the number of locations without adding more shelf space. Task management assigns tasks to people or robots depending on the daily activity instead of an hour. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 347: Caja Robotics
Episode 346: Orchestrating Warehouses with Fulfilld
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The New Warehouse welcomes Tony Ingham, Product Owner at Fulfilld, for our first podcast of 2023. Fulfilld is a leading warehouse management services provider for mid-level, $200 million, and above markets. Their software as a service platform provides customers with an efficient and cost-effective way to manage their warehouse operations. Tune in to hear all about how Fulfilld is looking at the entire warehouse ecosystem to help employees and the overall orchestration of warehouse operations. Key Takeaways Tony explains how Fulfilld focuses on ease of use, ease of adoption, speed of deployment, and agile methodologies in everything they do. They utilize machine learning models and artificial intelligence to apply to everyday business needs within a warehouse to bring the best of both worlds from execution and management. As Warehouse Management Systems get more complex over time, the more you ask them to do, the more it increases implementation time. Fulfilld is trying to provide the ability for warehouses to scale up and scale down machine learning and AI to speed up adoption and allow them to tackle easier processes. This flexibility is critical for warehouses as it breaks down the barrier of lengthy implementations and enables users to grow with the system. Fulfilld can sit on top of an existing ERP or warehouse solution. Tony feels this provides a better user experience by either operating as the front end of an ERP or as a mobile solution for warehouse operations. The varying levels of vendor evaluation required when adopting a warehouse management system is one of the reasons Fulfilld developed handheld devices. Fulfilld shows that by providing a “one-stop shop,” the customer is up and running quickly. The handheld device uses digital twin technology to give employees real-time location awareness and turn-by-turn directions. Data from handheld devices to optimize various tasks in the warehouse, including pick paths, putaway paths, and travel time. That real-time location data becomes invaluable for providing data points ingested by machine learning and AI models to develop the optimal pick path. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 346: Fulfilld
Episode 345: eThium at MODEX 2022
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In addition to being generous booth neighbors with snacks and coffee, eThium offers a wide range of lithium-ion technology solutions specifically designed for material handling operations. Arvind Kolhar is the program manager for eThium, and he sat down with The New Warehouse to discuss lithium-ion in warehousing and the benefits in the material handling industry. Key Takeaways Arvind explains how eThium is relatively new to the market. Their parent company, EControls, has been around for 25-30 years, working primarily in the area of internal combustion engines. eThium focuses on lithium-ion batteries instead of lead-acid because they are less maintenance than lead-acid batteries and work well in hot and cold conditions The iron phosphate chemistry used in eThium’s batteries helps them operate in warm and cold environments instead of picking one of the two options. Arvind adds how the software with their batteries allows them to track performance in real time. These capabilities help warehouses and other material handlers achieve optimum performance from their batteries and material handling equipment. Arvind lists opportunity charging, little or no maintenance, and reducing downtime as three of the most significant advantages of lithium-ion when you compare them to lead acid. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 345: eThium at MODEX 2022
Episode 344: Universal Robots at MODEX 2022
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Universal Robots joins this week’s episode of The New Warehouse podcast to discuss how their robotic solutions improve the world one cobot at a time. Joe Campbell is the Senior Manager of Applications Development and Strategic Marketing at Universal Robots. Joe shares insights on the industry and how simplifying the adoption of automation is helping smaller and medium-sized businesses. Key Takeaways Universal Robots delivered the first collaborative robot, or “cobots,” to market successfully. Cobots allow skilled human workers to collaborate with robots without needing the typical safety protocols for traditional automation, such as guarding and interlocks. These capabilities have opened up many new opportunities in various industries, from electronics manufacturing to food production. The flexibility and simplicity of new automation systems facilitate deeper adoption of automation technologies for smaller and medium-sized operations. Universal Robots showcased two products at MODEX 2022 at opposite ends of the spectrum, a palletizer, and an advanced mixed SKU de-palletizing system. The do-it-yourself programming of the palletizer is straightforward and easy to use, making it ideal for small shops or lean integration. The mixed-SKU system from OEM partner Newgen is more complex and may require deeper integration when installing sensors or peripherals. The physically demanding job of trailer unloading is one task many companies wish to automate. Joe and Kevin discuss all the energy going into unloading trailers robotics-wise, something that has been difficult to achieve in the past. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 344: Universal Robots at MODEX 2022
Episode 343: Newcastle Systems
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This week’s episode of The New Warehouse brings you John O’Kelly, President and Founder of Newcastle Systems. Newcastle Systems provides innovative solutions for efficiency improvement in warehouse and distribution environments through mobile power, which enables people to move their computers, printers, scanners, and tablets around the warehouse. The New Warehouse uses the carts in our micro fulfillment center, and we love them. So be sure to tune in to learn about Newcastle Systems, including a recent award they won. Key Takeaways John founded Newcastle Systems in 2005 after taking an entrepreneurship class at Harvard Extension and saw a need for mobility solutions in warehouses and distribution centers. Newcastle has grown significantly since its inception, expanding from one product series to six different products catering to various applications, such as cold storage facilities or quality control carts. John and Kevin discuss how mobile workstations for warehouse workers can dramatically reduce a tremendous amount of unnecessary walking. With larger storage capacity than an individual worker could otherwise carry, these carts can significantly reduce the trips needed to bring products from one place to another. By providing efficient and ergonomic support to transport items with speed, such solutions help cut down the time spent fetching goods from one area to another. Lean is a continuous journey that requires constant effort and improvement; it is one of Newcastle’s core values. Newcastle has adopted lean principles across the entire company, which John believes has profoundly affected operations. John shares some of the more creative ways customers have modified Newcastle Systems carts to improve upon the base product, such as adding an extension. Many of Newcastle’s new products come from customer ideas which help Newcastle achieve its goal of introducing two new products each year. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 343: Newcastle Systems
Episode 342: Product labeling with Loftware
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Loftware is a software company that has been around for 35 years and specializes in label operations. Josh Roffman, SVP of Marketing and Product Management at Loftware, joins this episode of The New Warehouse to tell us about the importance of label operations in the supply chain. Josh discusses the evolution of labels and how businesses of all sizes can leverage Loftware’s software to drive consistent labeling throughout their supply chains. Key Takeaways Kevin and Josh discuss some challenges companies face as they expand globally from a labeling perspective. Josh believes the integration of the data and the control over the templatization of the actual labels themselves to ensure that the output is consistent across the supply chain are some of the most significant challenges businesses face. At Loftware, they spend a lot of time working with customers on integrating into their ERP or WMS systems to ensure the data is flowing correctly. Errors can result in massive losses in terms of production time and can be particularly costly if applied to food, medical or pharmaceutical goods. Josh shares that one of Loftware’s surveys found that 77% of respondents had to pause their production lines multiple times in the past year due to labeling issues. He adds that CDC research shows 8-10 large enterprises experienced at least one significant labeling error per year, costing them up to $ 2 million. Those costs serve as a reminder of how crucial it is to ensure accuracy and efficiency when it comes to labeling processes across different industries and the potential cost of not doing so. Josh explains why labels are such a critical part of the supply chain process, as they help identify goods from the point of manufacture to their final destination: the consumer. Labeling is essential because its content is dynamic and tailored to fit customer needs, regional requirements, and other factors like language or hazardous warnings. Thanks to sophisticated technology solutions, labels can now contain even more data than ever, giving companies more flexibility in tracking goods and responding to customer demands. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 342: Product Labeling with Loftware
Episode 341: Berkshire Grey at MODEX 2022
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Live from the booth at MODEX, Berkshire Grey joins this episode of The New Warehouse to discuss some of their new products. Berkshire Gray provides robotic automation for supply chain and warehouse applications, including e-commerce fulfillment, store replenishment, and back-of-store tasks. The company designs solutions to help customers solve labor challenges by increasing efficiency and reducing the need for manual labor. Key Takeaways Berkshire Grey works primarily with labor-intensive eCommerce fulfillment centers and warehouses. Their mobile robotic sortation technology can basically turn any floor space into a flexible unit sorting station. Peter shares how Berkshire Grey’s solutions fit into existing processes so customers can easily replace outdated technology so the customers can quickly gain efficiencies. Berkshire Grey also announced its autonomous robotic picking solution on display at the show. The system is designed to identify, orient, and pack items into an auto-bagging machine. The technology uses vision and software to identify items in real-time and figure out how to manipulate them so they can be correctly placed into a bag. This allows for increased productivity and fewer errors in the warehouse. One of the products Berkshire Grey showcased at MODEX 2022 was their automated put wall. The operator at this put wall doesn’t leave. They just take items, scan them and place them into the machine. Inside the put wall, items are sorted, picked, and shipped out as orders. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 341: Berkshire Grey at MODEX 2022
Episode 340: ROEQ at MODEX 2022
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In this bite-size episode of The New Warehouse, Michael Hansen, Co-founder and Managing Director at ROEQ, joins Kevin to discuss how ROEQ enhances Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR). ROEQ is an innovative leader in the standard mobile robotic equipment industry, dedicated to creating well-engineered solutions for a wide range of autonomous mobile robotics applications. They specialize in offering carts and roller and lift modules that maximize the productivity and flexibility of AMRs. Key Takeaways ROEQ kick-started its journey by designing mobile robotic accessories for MiR’s AMRs. Michael explains the conveyor solutions came from the problems AMRs have engaging with stationary locations. Further developing accessories and attachments for AMRs has helped them to expand. They now offer solutions for the Omron LD-250 and are currently developing solutions for Continental. Michael and Kevin discuss how the pandemic and changes in consumer behavior have increased the interest in robotics at this year’s MODEX show. As warehouses and fulfillment centers struggle with labor availability, expect the same interest and excitement at upcoming shows like ProMat 2023. Michael details the evolution of ROEQ and its products over the years. In particular, he explains how they have gained a lot of knowledge which has enabled them to increase the payload of their products. He also emphasizes the importance of fitting in tight spaces, enhancing mobility and flexibility. ROEQ hopes to further integrate with products like barcode scanners, RFID, and other devices. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 340: ROEQ at MODEX 2022
Episode 339: HomeRoots
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CEO and founder of HomeRoots, Gil Bar-Lev joins this week’s episode of The New Warehouse to discuss offering a business-to-business (B2B) shopping and fulfillment experience that matches business-to-consumer (B2C).HomeRoots is a B2B selling platform for furniture, lighting, and home decor manufacturers interested in selling in the North American market. HomeRoots strives to provide an informative, simple, and secure way to make the B2B online shopping experience as convenient and easy as B2C. Key Takeaways While Gil was good at coding, his passion for shipping and logistics shaped his career path and ultimately led him to founding HomeRoots. A former software engineer passionate about shipping and logistics, Gil always felt the need to improve b2b shipping solutions. While Gil was pretty good at coding, he was more interested in implementing the code and seeing it in the real world. This curiosity and his experience in software development put him on a different career path, with him operating as a translator between developers and the business. After working with customers throughout the years, Gil learned about many challenges of managing inventory and moving products. HomeRoots offers access to available products. Second, their system knows how to generate quality descriptions and enhance the content to generate as many views as possible. Lastly, HomeRoots provides domestic storage and fulfillment services. These three services are ideal for furniture manufacturers typically offering heavy or bulky items. The ability to provide a B2B shopping and fulfillment experience that is on par with B2C differentiates HomeRoots. Many times, B2B shopping requires a follow-up phone call, an email, or even a fax. Gil felt this experience didn’t need to be so different and inefficient. HomeRoots strives to provide a much more convenient and efficient shopping experience at the same level as B2C that consumers know and enjoy. Episode 339: HomeRoots