Episode 377: Brother Mobile Solutions at ProMat 2023
For this episode of The New Warehouse, Nick D’Alessio, Senior Business Development Manager at Brother Mobile Solutions, joins Kevin live at ProMat 2023. Brother Mobile Solutions provides a range of solutions to help optimize warehouse operations, including barcode printing software, labels, and mobile devices. Be sure to tune in to discover how important mobility is in the warehouse environment and learn about the future of modernization in this industry. How Brother Mobile Solutions Helps Challenges Faced By Warehouses Today Warehouses face the challenge of transitioning from traditional, paper-based methods and outdated software to modern, digital solutions. Nick shares that many businesses still use manual processes such as Excel spreadsheets and Sharpies to manage their warehouses. These outdated processes make it difficult to track inventory efficiently and accurately. Nick adds that Brother can help in this transition by providing tools to democratize technology. Barcoding is the most basic digital representation of physical items, enabling them to be tracked and traced more easily. Brother can also provide mobile printing solutions that allow faster workflows so staff can independently complete tasks such as labeling, packing, and picking. In addition, Brother can assist businesses in moving warehouse management into the cloud for added efficiency. Brother Mobile Solutions Products Brother Mobile Solutions has a range of products designed specifically for warehouse environments. One of the essential products is the mobile four-inch printer, which can be mounted on forklifts to enable workers to print four-by-six, four-by-two, or four-by-eight labels. Brother also has full-page mobile 8.5” x 11” capabilities for packing and picking lists and labels. No more walking back to a stationary printer! In their Tennessee warehouse, Brother has implemented mobile printing with cobots and following robots, with mobile printers bolted to enable labels to print out as workers complete their tasks. This feature allows the workflow to move along swiftly with the worker at the point. For more significant industrial printing needs, Brother has high-velocity barcode label printers that handle many labels. These products are extensively tested for ruggedness and durability, with Brother’s experience in designing products for use in trucks and other challenging environments coming into play. Brother’s motor division provides automation to the underbellies of the robots in their warehouse, highlighting the full range of solutions that Brother can provide for warehouse management. Flexible Connectivity Options from Brother Mobile Solutions Brother Mobile Solutions understands that warehouse workflows can vary greatly, depending on whether work occurs at the dock or outside the four walls. As such, connectivity options are a crucial factor to consider when implementing warehouse management technology. Brother offers the flexibility of Bluetooth connectivity to enable users to print labels in environments where WiFi may not be possible. When work occurs inside the four walls, dual radio models are available to connect securely to an enterprise-level network. This connectivity ensures that workers can print labels securely and that the system will be reliable and responsive. They also support Android and iOS operating systems and comply with iOS MFI standards. With flexible connectivity options, Brother has ensured its products can adapt to various warehouse workflows. Brother Mobile Solutions has also ensured that their radios perform well, even when users need to roam from one access point to another. This performance is critical from both the implementation standpoint and for users who need to press print and know that their label will come out quickly and accurately. Key Takeaways Hundred million-dollar businesses still use Excel spreadsheets and Sharpies to manage their warehouse. Nick believes providing a system that’s easy to maintain is one way to help make the employees happy and the workers more efficient. Brother offers a demo option to interested parties, allowing them to try their printers before committing to a purchase. Their team is happy to send out printers to get a demo or pilot test going. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 377: Brother Mobile Solutions at ProMat 2023
Episode 376: Meter delivers fast, secure, and reliable Wi-Fi for warehouses
Anil Varanasi, CEO and Co-Founder at Meter, joins The New Warehouse to discuss fast, secure, and reliable wireless connectivity for industrial spaces. Meter makes it easy for warehouses, 3PLs, and distribution centers to come online with internet networking Wi-Fi. With Meter, warehouses can be up and running in weeks, all while saving CapEx and Opex in the process. If you need to get your warehouse connected or improve your existing services, this is an episode you do not want to miss. Meter: Making Internet Networking for Warehouses Easy and Cost-Effective Setting up an internet network can be challenging and expensive when opening a new fulfillment center, distribution center, or warehouse. Companies must choose an ISP, decide on the hardware, and determine who will install and maintain it. This process can take months and cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Meter offers a complete package for internet networking in warehouses. With their expertise in hardware operating systems, Meter ensures fast, secure, and reliable connections for bandwidth-intensive operations that demand low-latency connections. Their unique pricing model charges only a fixed monthly fee for ISPs, hardware installation & maintenance, cabling, and testing without any upfront costs. With Meter, warehouse companies can easily manage their internet networking, Wi-Fi, and other systems in new locations without the headache of building out a networking team everywhere. Their approach to internet networking follows the same concept as cloud services like AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud – pay for what you use without building a big team. All companies need to do is provide Meter with an address and a floor plan, and they will handle everything from there. Meter’s software and teams manage everything for the companies, ensuring minimal downtime and maximum uptime for all their networking needs. They partner with all major ISPs and ensure the proper connections come in from primary and backup pipes. They build all the racks for routing and switching and install all the hardware needed for great Wi-Fi throughout the space. Moreover, Meter’s approach to redundancy is unique in the industry. With additional redundancy built into the system and leveraging insights from data centers, proactively preventing hardware failure and total capacity usage is accounted for from day one. Save Time and Remove Burden from IT Teams with Meter’s Expertise Setting up internet networking for a new warehouse or distribution center traditionally takes months and requires considerable time and resources from IT teams. With companies asking more of IT teams and the complexity increasing in multi-location warehouse companies, this burden on IT departments is becoming significant. Meter solves this problem by offering quick and hassle-free installations, saving companies valuable time and resources. For Meter, speed is critical, and they can install the hardware and software in weeks instead of months, allowing their clients to be productive and profitable as soon as possible. The primary reason for their fast installation is their software and hardware operating systems expertise. With their software, they can design networks, deploy networks, and procure ISP connections faster, taking the burden off the IT departments. Secondly, Meter operates at scale. They have deployed millions of square feet with millions of customers, allowing them to do this repeatedly every day, week, and month. Their installations are repeatable, and they have built-out processes and repeatable runbooks to get out any edge cases, allowing for a smoother installation process. Lastly, Meter’s relationships with ISPs are essential to its success. They purchase extensive connections, enabling them to have the right relationships when push comes to shove. This ability to craft the right relationships ensures they can deliver on their promise of fast and reliable installations. Connectivity in Warehouses Today: How Meter Ensures Redundancy, ROI, and Uptime Connectivity is crucial in today’s warehouses, particularly with the growing adoption of automation and robotics. Investing in new technologies such as WMS systems, pick-and-place robotics, sensors, printers, and drones can improve productivity and ultimately lead to a better warehouse ROI. However, these services require reliable, secure, and fast connectivity to work correctly. Meter understands the critical role connectivity plays in warehouse operations and takes an approach that prioritizes redundancy to ensure maximum uptime and optimal connectivity. The company installs more hardware than is typically required to plan for full capacity from day one. Their hardware has LTE built-in, which means there is redundancy within the system even if the primary or secondary connections fail. Meter also designs its systems to prevent hardware failure, drawing insights from data centers and implementing redundancy to ensure that one piece of hardware doesn’t bring down the entire network or cause disruptions. Moreover, they make choices based on their customers’ best interests by ensuring that even if the internet goes down, their production does not stop. Key Takeaways Meter offers solutions for warehousing, logistics, and distribution centers to reduce CapEx and Opex related to networking with cost-effective solutions. Customers benefit from reduced costs and minimal downtime due to Meter’s unique pricing model that charges based on the size of the space. As the warehouse industry progresses, robotics, automation, logistics, and fully automated companies are investing in Wi-Fi over other connectivity options. They understand that Wi-Fi connectivity within the warehouse provides greater reliability and efficiency than bringing signals from the outside. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 376: Meter Delivers Fast, Secure, and Reliable Wi-Fi for Warehouses
Episode 375: Pop.Capacity – The future of procuring warehouse space
In this episode of The New Warehouse, Kevin sat down with Matt Fain, CEO of Pop.Capacity. Pop.Capacity is a digital marketplace for warehousing and fulfillment space. Fain founded Pop.Capacity out of frustration with the slow and inefficient process of searching for warehouses with Google, which can take up to two weeks or more. Pop.Capacity leverages AI data, a robust network of providers, and virtual tours to create a faster and more efficient experience for shippers and suppliers. The platform allows direct connections between potential customers and suppliers, cutting out the middleman and providing a more streamlined process. Pop.Capacity Simplifies Finding Warehouse Space Pop.Capacity provides various warehouse solutions, from traditional 3PLs to “dark stores,” allowing users to access non-traditional options like CPG brands with overflow space or event coordinators with available space based on inventory flows. Matt shares how this is great for short-term capacity, providing a more flexible and customizable solution for companies needing space. Pop.Capacity’s platform provides a more efficient and streamlined process for shippers and suppliers while bringing flexibility and customization to the table through non-traditional warehouse solutions. By leveraging AI data and virtual tours, Pop.Capacity is shaping the future of the procurement of warehouse space. Operators benefit from using the platform to showcase themselves through virtual tours of their buildings. This allows them to understand better the types of projects they are looking at and make quick decisions without wasting time. Pop.Capacity also personally captures 3D images and tours of spaces, with relationships built as a priority. Operators can highlight their technology stacks, robotics, automation capabilities, and exterior solutions like trucks tied to the building. Digitizing Procurement of Warehouse Space Pop.Capacity is a platform that helps digitize procurement in logistics, focusing on warehouses and distribution centers. The team uses data to aggregate insights and reports for shippers and suppliers to make better critical decisions within the marketplace dashboard. This data includes the square footage cost in different regions, allowing for intelligent decision-making. Matt discussed how the market is softening, and it’s a reset, where people understand who is good at what. While people won’t necessarily be closing warehouses, he believes they will consolidate to create an infrastructure that works across all verticals. Offloading Automation Solutions Matt is excited to see some offloading automation solutions at Promat, as they can help ease the manual job of unloading containers. This speaks to Pop.Capacity’s overall mission of leveraging technology to enhance the buying experience and create a more efficient and effective process for procuring warehouse space. Key Takeaways Pop.Capacity is a platform that helps digitize procurement in logistics, focusing on warehouses and distribution centers. By creating a digital platform, Pop. Capacity provides a faster and more efficient solution for procuring warehouse space. The Pop.Capacity platform provides shippers and suppliers access to the best fit for them, allowing them to make quick decisions without wasting time. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 375: Pop.Capacity – The Future of Procuring Warehouse Space
Episode 374: Sustainable Power Solutions – EnerSys
In this episode of The New Warehouse, Harold Vanasse, Senior Director of Marketing at EnerSys, joins Kevin at ProMat 2023. Harold talks about the new EnerSys products and how they are helping warehouses with efficiency and sustainability. He also discusses some of the challenges warehouse managers face today and how they provide solutions to them. Be sure to tune in for this episode and learn about EnerSys and its innovative approach to powering the warehouse! ProMat 2023 – Trends and Challenges Harold and Kevin discuss their perspectives on ProMat 2023 and what they are hearing from attendees. Labor shortage continues to be an issue in the industry, and it remains a pressing challenge for companies to overcome. Equipment procurement also presents a challenge since it takes a lot of time, which affects productivity and operations. Sustainable power solutions have also been a big topic this year, with many companies looking for innovative solutions to minimize their carbon footprint and boost energy efficiency. At EnerSys, they have been receiving a lot of inquiries about how to achieve the goal of reducing emissions while improving operational efficiency. One way to reduce labor costs is through automation, with many companies looking for ways to automate some jobs and critical processes. This approach results from the difficulty in finding workers to fill roles, which is only getting more urgent. To stay competitive, companies are also prioritizing investment in the latest technology solutions and getting up-to-date on the total cost of ownership. Companies are looking for cost-effective strategies to maintain and operate their equipment. Overview of Automation, Electrification, and No Maintenance Some exciting trends in the industry include automation, electrification, and reduced maintenance. Electrification is a driving force for many industries in general, and with automation, this is becoming increasingly necessary, as reflected in power needs. The desire to minimize maintenance is another crucial factor contributing to this trend. At the EnerSys booth this year, they showcased a live wireless charger with an AGV from JBT. The highlight of this demonstration is using maintenance-free lithium batteries. This approach reflects the growing importance of automation, and you can see how automated-powered vehicles like the AGV lend themselves well to using maintenance-free products. For EnerSys, thin plate pure lead and lithium-ion batteries are ideal options since they have rapid recharge, high power, and require no maintenance. This is cost-effective and reduces downtime in the long run since a wireless charger has no wear and tear. These trends are exciting to watch as they point towards a future where automation, electrification, and no maintenance will become the norm in many industries, including material handling and logistics. Sustainable Power Solutions Lithium batteries’ reliability, longevity, and versatility make them particularly attractive for this market. EnerSys has just introduced a new 80-volt lithium-ion product in response to the growing demand in Europe and North America. By analyzing each customer’s power requirements and usage carefully, EnerSys can recommend a lithium, lead, or hybrid solution that will deliver the best results for the customer. Harold shares that EnerSys always considers the complete picture to ensure they can offer the most sustainable options while achieving optimal performance. Enersys believes in assisting customers with a comprehensive system approach, where the battery and charger work together seamlessly, monitoring the system’s performance to maximize its efficiency. This approach ensures the customer experiences a maintenance-free experience while delivering savings and sustainability across the vehicle’s lifecycle. Key Takeaways At ProMat 2023, automation was a major topic, with over 45% of seminars focusing on it. Going to a maintenance-free battery option can improve water conservation goals due to not needing to water the batteries. Only ~20% of S&P 500 companies issued sustainability reports a decade ago. Today, that number stands at an impressive ~95%. Similarly, ~80% of the Russell 1000 publicly traded companies now publish sustainability reports. It’s clear that this is not just a fad but an integral part of doing business in today’s world. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 374: Sustainable Power Solutions – EnerSys
Episode 373: SnapFulfil at ProMat 2023
Brian Kirst, Chief Customer Officer, and Smitha Raphael, Chief Product and Delivery Officer at SnapFulfil join The New Warehouse to discuss their product and an exciting new solution called SnapControl. SnapFulfil is a cloud-based warehouse management system (WMS) that provides an all-in-one package for customers worldwide. The service caters to three main categories of clients— third-party logistics providers (3PLs), business-to-business (B2B) clients, and e-commerce clients—across various industries. Be sure to tune in to this episode to learn more about SnapFulfil’s innovative technology, their efforts in the ProMat conference this year, and how they are helping customers save time and money with their software. SnapFulfil Provides Flexible and Scalable Warehouse Management Smitha and Brian believe SnapFulfil’s speed, flexibility, and scalability make it a standout platform for businesses looking to improve their warehouse management capabilities. The platform can be configured and implemented in just 45 to 70 days. This is particularly valuable for businesses with multiple sites, as they can roll out the system at their own pace. Brian adds the systems can accommodate small warehouses with just a few users and large multi-site implementations with hundreds of users. From SnapFulfil Customer to Chief Customer Officer Brian brings a unique perspective to SnapFulfil, as he was a customer for eight years before joining the team. As a customer, he co-founded two successful third-party logistics providers (3PLs) and relied heavily on SnapFulfil to scale their operations efficiently. He shares some impressive results using the product, and his experience as a customer reinforces SnapFulfil’s value proposition and capacity to drive growth for businesses across various industries. SnapControl Provides Speed and Control for Automation Resources Brian and Smitha share an exciting new product from SnapFulfil called SnapControl. SnapControl is a multi-agent orchestration layer embedded within SnapFulfil to control all the automation resources within the warehouse environment. This automation-agnostic solution can integrate with AMRs, sortation, carton-making machines, and more. SnapControl has enabled smaller and mid-size companies to automate their operations on a shorter timeline. Key Takeaways SnapControl by SnapFulfil removes a barrier of entry for smaller or mid-sized companies looking to automate their warehouse management systems by integrating with automation resources. Smitha recommends before adopting automation, companies should understand their operation and associated pain points; implement automation in stages rather than all at once; be aware of vendor & WMS flexibility and customizability; and consider how automation might affect product sizes/profiles. One differentiator for Snapfulfil is speed to value, with implementation in 45-70 days. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 373: SnapFulfil at ProMat 2023
Episode 372: The Toyota Forklift Learning Studio
Brett Wood, CEO of Toyota Material Handling North America, joins The New Warehouse to discuss his impressions at ProMat 2023 and share details about a special project in collaboration with Cornell University. Be sure to tune in to find out how The Forklift Learning Studio at Cornell provides students at the university with exposure to innovative technology and robotics. This is helping to bring more attention to the warehouse industry by making it more attractive for younger generations. Semi-Automated Forklifts Growing labor shortages are pushing the industry to discover new solutions, such as semi-autonomous forklifts that can be used for multiple tasks. One potential solution on display at this year’s ProMat show was a hybrid semi-automated forklift. Kevin and Brett discuss how these machines allow for operation with the help of laborers during the day and then automation for the night shift. With such a system, companies can continue operations without needing more labor and remain effective even in times of shortage. Forklift Learning Studio Toyota Material Handling donated forklifts that enable students to learn more about thermodynamics, hydraulics, electronics, and battery-operated systems while exploring the physics behind combustion engines. The Forklift Learning Studio, spearheaded by Cornell University’s professors Brian Kirby and David Erickson, allows students to apply engineering principles they learn in the classroom. The studio enables students to gain hands-on learning experience as they build their knowledge of engineering principles related to forklift operations. Developing Future Engineers Through the Forklift Learning Studio As the stats below show, forklifts play a critical role in the global supply chain. Introducing young students to alternative industries, such as forklifts, conveyors, robots, and autonomous vehicles, is an opportunity to help develop future engineers and foster a spirit of continuous improvement. Cornell and Forklift Learning Studio provide students with hands-on experiences that many missed out on. Toyota Material Handling builds a forklift every three minutes. Over 330,000 forklifts were sold in North America last year, and over 2 million worldwide. The forklift industry is now 65% electric and will become 80% electric in five to ten years. Roughly 5,000 Toyota and Raymond employees work on forklifts daily. Four million people drive a forklift daily. Key Takeaways Cornell’s forklift learning studio exposes students to engineering principles related to the product and industry of a forklift. The studio is open to classes of sophomores, juniors, and seniors who can use tools a mechanic would use to learn about different parts of truck systems. The ProMat show broke a record for exhibitors and attendees, boosting the industry’s interest in robotics and automation. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 372: The Toyota Forklift Learning Studio
Episode 371: E-Commerce shipping with Aaron Hodes
In this episode of The New Warehouse, Kevin interviews Aaron Hodes, an enterprise account executive at ShipBob. ShipBob is a tech-enabled third-party logistics provider specializing in logistics and fulfillment services to small and medium-sized e-commerce brands. The company’s proprietary technology stack powers its network of warehouses worldwide, allowing them to offer fast and cost-effective fulfillment services. Aaron and Kevin discuss what to look for in a 3PL, upcoming challenges, and the importance of inventory accuracy for e-commerce brands. What’s Happening in E-Commerce? Aaron says the pandemic has highlighted the importance of supply chain visibility, an area of business previously overlooked. He notes that the macroeconomic environment and issues related to advertising and marketing have made for difficult times for third-party logistics (3PL) providers. Aaron acknowledges the challenge of providing transparency within 3PL relationships but believes expectation setting is essential to such a relationship. What Should E-Commerce Brands Look for in a 3PL? According to Aaron, e-commerce brands should look for a 3PL partner that provides visibility and transparency regarding inventory and order accuracy. Establishing a relationship with a 3PL that allows for accurate two-way communication can help ensure the fulfillment process runs smoothly and reduce problems in the long run. Brands should also assess their customer’s needs when choosing shipping services, as this will help them maximize their long-term vision for the brand. Finally, Aaron suggests that brands have weekly conversations with their 3PL to stay updated on industry changes and continue improving. Why Inventory Control is so Important to E-Commerce Brands? Aaron stresses the importance of live inventory syncs between e-commerce stores and the 3PL provider regarding inventory control. He also recommends establishing a routine for quarterly or annual cycle counts to ensure accuracy and avoid any implications for the accounting and finance team. Finally, Aaron suggests pressuring the 3PL on order and inventory management details, as accurate numbers are essential for running a successful brand. Key Takeaways E-Commerce brands should assess their current or potential 3PLs by looking at their inventory control practices, such as live inventory syncs, quarterly cycle counts, and annual physical counts. As e-commerce brands move towards other sales channels, such as wholesale and brick-and-mortar retailers, they should look for a 3PL with core competencies in both areas. Consumers care more about the accuracy of delivery dates than speed, and shipping options are becoming increasingly popular. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 371: E-Commerce Shipping with Aaron Hodes
Episode 370: Intralogistics Solutions from Addverb
Mark Messina, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer for Addverb Americas join Kevin live from Manifest 2023. Adverb Technologies is a multinational company based in Delhi, India, with offices in Singapore, Australia, Germany, Netherlands, and the US. Kevin and Mark discuss the wide array of intralogistics solutions manufactured by Addverb to support their vision to enhance how material flows. A Complete Intralogistics Solution Addverb boasts a diverse range of hardware and software offerings, including a warehouse management system (WMS), warehouse control system (WCS), and more. On the hardware side, Addverb offers automated guided vehicles (AGVs), autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), sorting robots, and conveyor systems. Their latest offering is the SortIe (Sort Intelligently and Efficiently), a rail-mounted system that enables efficient sorting and movement of materials. Mark highlights the benefits of working with Addverb, such as one unified suite of software and hardware and seamless interoperability. Simplifying the Adoption of Automation Addverb Technologies offers a broad range of automation solutions for Brownfield and Greenfield applications. The company provides customers with an in-depth visualization and an emulation platform, demonstrating how the system works and showing any potential bottlenecks. Mark adds, fast and very controlled in the deployment, which also provides them a lot more confidence in our schedules. Enhancing the Intralogistics Ecosystem Addverb manufactures its vertical integrated factory conveyor systems using its proprietary controller software and hardware. Their cloud-based platform utilizes a microservices architecture that provides maximum flexibility and fast deployment. No matter the customer’s needs, they have solutions, ranging from automated sorting robots that relieve manual labor to collaborative robots designed to tackle complex challenges like bin picking. Moreover, Addverb utilizes an IoT platform to ensure efficient operations throughout their customers’ networks – bringing everything together in one unified suite. Key Takeaways Addverb offers a complete intralogistics solution with various hardware and software products, such as automated guided vehicles (AGVs), autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), sorting robots, and conveyor systems. Addverb simplifies the adoption of automation through an in-depth visualization and emulation platform. Addverb provides customers with solutions ranging from automated sorting robots to collaborative robots, all connected through an IoT platform. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 370: Intralogistics Solutions from Addverb
Episode 369: Sustainable packaging with Arka
Phillip Akhzar, Founder of Arka, joins The New Warehouse to discuss customizable sustainable packaging. Arka is an e-commerce platform and automated package replenishment solution that helps businesses streamline the supply chain process by providing efficient and eco-friendly packaging. Kevin and Phillip’s discussion delves into the unique atmosphere at Manifest, which encourages individuals to connect in meaningful ways. They also discuss the many challenges businesses face regarding packaging and the potential to drive cost savings and reduce environmental impact. Custom Sustainable Packaging Solutions for eCommerce Brands and 3PLs Inspired by the challenge of innovating within warehouse management, Arka aims to make ordering and shipping products more efficient by eliminating manual processes. Counting boxes and relying on antiquated methods is inefficient and time-consuming for warehouses. Arka has developed technology for eCommerce brands and 3PLs with custom sustainable packaging solutions to automate this process. Automating Replenishment of Packaging Materials Arka was started as a platform for businesses to design and order sustainable packaging online but saw an opportunity for automation and efficiency within the supply chain industry. Companies often purchase the wrong size or run out of proper packaging materials and aren’t able to ship their products efficiently. They help businesses track and replenish packaging materials accurately and assess their efficiency by leveraging AI and machine learning algorithms. They can also identify incorrect package sizes to keep them from being shipped out. This helps businesses save money on cube space in trucks and decrease their environmental impact. Certified Sustainable Packaging Arka is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), meaning they use FSC-certified paper to produce all their packaging. Phillip shares that throughout his career, he has worked with every type of eco-friendly packaging material, including compostable packaging. He shares that the combination of eco-friendly packaging materials and their ticketing system sets them apart. Key Takeaways The Arka workflow involves connecting the WMS system, pairing packages based on usage data, and automating the process through rules associated with SKUs. Arka just closed their 2 million seed round. Poorly-sized packages can create ripple effects on the supply chain, such as increased costs and environmental concerns. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 369: Sustainable Packaging with Arka
Episode 368: Heft IQ helps brands solve logistics
Heft IQ is a supply chain optimization and visibility platform developed by Learie Hercules, founder and CEO. Heft IQ aims to do the heavy lifting on the backend logistics to allow brands to focus on growing their demand. In this episode, Herc and Kevin discuss how brands often hit an inflection point where they need faster delivery and how Heft IQ can help them through its optimization and visibility platform. How Heft IQ Helps Business Grow Through Advanced Analytical Tools Heft IQ provides brands with the tools to navigate logistics, grow their business, and optimize their operations. Herc adds that brands have great products but often find the logistics piece tough to manage, and this can take up to three months until they decide where to open warehousing or fulfillment space. Herc says they solve this by providing advanced analytical tools on their platform and integrating with the Shopify marketplace and AI-powered order management to make automated decisions about where products should be stored and fulfilled for maximum efficiency. Heft IQ Leverages the API Economy for Increased Efficiency The API economy, connectivity economy, and integration play significant roles in modern businesses. Platforms are slowly losing some of their power due to the increased visibility into data exchange operations. Heft IQ aims to increase efficiency and visibility by open-sourcing a standard for industry players to follow so that data sharing becomes more accessible and the logistics industry can be held accountable for its operations. Accessing and streaming data will bring real-time analytics within reach of brands that don’t have the resources or competencies to build their own data platforms. By removing the burden of back-end operations, companies can focus on multichannel strategies, social media marketing, and demand generation. Their expertise in both industries allows them to bridge this gap. Improve Customer Experiences with Real-Time Visibility of 3PL Performance Herc shares that when a customer expects their shipment in one to two days and receives it in three, that is a bad brand experience, even if the late delivery is the fault of the 3PL. They offer transparency and visibility into the performance of 3PLs in real time, allowing brands to hold them more accountable. Key Takeaways Heft IQ provides brands with the tools to navigate logistics, grow their business, and optimize their operations. The API economy, connectivity economy, and integration play significant roles in modern businesses. With better transparency and visibility of 3PL performance in real-time, brands can hold them accountable for late deliveries that could impact customer experiences. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 368: Heft IQ Helps Brands Solve Logistics
Episode 367: Siemens on Warehouse Automation
Craig Henry, US Industry Manager at Siemens, Intralogistics, joins The New Warehouse to discuss some takeaways from 2023 and what we can expect the rest of the year in terms of trends in warehouse technology. Siemens is a US-based engineering company that has invested in operational and informational technologies to create an automation ecosystem. Siemens is a leader in warehouse automation, having built out a team of business developers and control systems for conveyors, ASRS systems, and cybersecurity, among others. Be sure to tune in to hear insights from Craig and a fantastic story about reaping the benefits of automation. Key Takeaways Craig describes Siemens as the best-kept secret in automation, and for a good reason. With decades of operational and informational technology investment, they are well-positioned to serve this market. Craig adds Siemens adds a layer to the ecosystem of warehouse automation technology, so manufacturers don’t have to worry about safety, security, and communication protocols. These systems connect through Siemens Totally Automated Integration (TIA) Portal, making it easy to automate any warehouse. Craig shares that venture capital is down 53% yearly, and layoffs from tech giants are considered a cautionary financial move. He feels the supply chain space will see an increase in automation and AI technologies, with tech workers who were laid off migrating into the space to create further innovation. He encourages companies to strategize before digitizing, developing a thorough strategy for their organization, and pinpointing areas of improvement before turning to technology for solutions. This will allow them to harvest the benefits of this exciting technology. Craig expects the major players to continue investing heavily in 2023 in technology like automated storage retrieval systems (ASRS) driven by the labor problem in warehousing. Companies investing now will benefit in the next few years, using robotics and supply chain efficiencies to gain market share. Those with cash in 2023 have the potential for high returns, as logistics have an estimated 12-20% compound annual growth rate. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 367: Siemens on Warehouse Automation
366: Wireless Charging with Resonant Link
Resonant Link is a provider of wireless charging solutions for medical devices, industrial and material handling equipment, electric vehicles, and consumer electronics. CEO and co-founder at Resonant Link, Grayson Zulauf, joins The New Warehouse Podcast to discuss wireless charging solutions for Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR), forklifts, and other material handling equipment (MHE) commonly found in a warehouse environment. This technology promises to improve safety and reliability compared to other charging options. Key Takeaways Resonant Link recently announced their new 19.2 kW, 400 A wireless lift truck charger. The technology offers an efficient and fast way of wireless charging with a greater tolerance in terms of location accuracy and enhanced safety – automatically turning off if any metal is detected or operators are nearby. Next week, you can see the new charger at ProMat 2023 by visiting them at booth #N9428. Resonant Link is driving innovation in the material handling industry by lowering operating costs, lowering capital expenses, and driving revenue. Grayson adds wireless charging can decrease the number of vehicles, batteries, and energy required to produce and find materials. Wireless charging is compatible with lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries, does not require any changes to existing battery architecture, and only requires four screws on the vehicle and install a transmitter for installation. This simplifies implementation and increases productivity, as forklift operators can focus more on their work without worrying about plugging in/charging at the end of their shift. Fleet managers can look to adopt the technology for their fleet vehicles, so operators no longer have to worry about plugging in the vehicles during their breaks – this also reduces battery size and cost. Grayson envisions the future warehouse as an entire power ecosystem with intelligent routing based on charging needs and opportunities. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 366: Wireless Charging with Resonant Link
365: Seamless Parcel Shipping by ShipX
ShipX is an innovative platform that brings together a variety of assets across the United States to provide fast and reliable final-mile delivery for retailers, brands, and other companies. It streamlines the process of transporting products from stores to customers’ doorsteps, making it easier for businesses to get their goods to their customers quickly and efficiently. ShipX CEO Solomon Zakinov joins this episode of The New Warehouse to discuss the parcel shipping market and how the ShipX technology works to provide a seamless shipping experience. Tune in to learn more about ShipX and the parcel shipping landscape. Key Takeaways Solomon shares that retailers are looking for a balanced approach to delivery services that offer both a competitive price and reliable customer service. This includes providing faster delivery times, better tracking information, and a higher level of customer service than the post office. Companies are also beginning to realize that they need to create flexible pricing models that reflect their customers’ needs to stay competitive. Solomon explains how retailers utilize a blend of national shipping companies, postal delivery, and alternate delivery companies for the best coverage. ShipX acquired a middle-mile trucking and transportation company for better control over the truck part of delivery. This acquisition allows them to separate from other final mile solutions due to greater coverage (70% of US) and seamless processing. As the delivery services industry evolves, companies must pay close attention to the changing landscape. Solomon believes staying ahead of the competition means finding the right mix of traditional regional carriers and more modern players. Procurement managers should aim for a diversified selection of delivery services that accommodate national or postal solutions and larger packages that cannot ship via LTL. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 365: Seamless Parcel Shipping by ShipX
364: Auto-FC and the automation journey
The New Warehouse Podcast recently welcomed Ryan Chesterfield, the founder of Auto-FC, an automation consulting venture promising to bring its clients something different than the competition. Auto-FC seeks to differentiate itself with data analytics, simulation tools, and industry knowledge, helping companies adopt automation more effectively with access to robotic & automated technologies consultation. In this episode, Ryan and Kevin explore automation projects and the potential issues they can face. With his insider knowledge of both successes and failures in automation projects, Ryan shares invaluable advice on avoiding common pitfalls and making the most of these new technologies. Key Takeaways With labor shortages, companies are looking for ways to stay ahead of the competition. Ryan shares that only a small percentage of warehouses have some form of mechanization or automation to make the most of their operations. Ryan explains how Auto-FC leverages data analytics and simulation to identify the ideal automation solution. The solutions range from software that organizes workflows to automated packaging machines and robots. Large companies like Amazon typically self-develop their robotics solutions, while small or medium-sized businesses (SMBs) must source them from specialized providers. It can be daunting for companies to decide which is right for them without thoroughly researching solutions that they find both feasible and sensible. Ryan believes Auto-FC can improve the communications between solutions providers and the customer. Ryan shares some reasons why implementations fail. For example, not considering skill levels and existing infrastructure when deciding which solutions to deploy is recommended. Adopting a specific automation project may fail due to the personal influences of a particular personality type on the other side of the vendor. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 364: Auto-FC
363: Swisslog – Cold Storage Solutions
Grant Beringer, Vice President – of Integrated Systems – Americas at Swisslog, joins The New Warehouse podcast to discuss cold-chain fulfillment and warehouse automation. Swisslog Logistics provides innovative automation technologies to facilitate efficient warehouse operations. They specialize in designing, developing, and implementing customized solutions for handling pallets, cases, and other units with the help of storage and retrieval machines, conveyors, autonomous mobile robots, and automated picking robots. Key Takeaways Automation investment has seen significant growth in the last few years. Still, Grant expects that to continue. The pandemic’s effects have caused companies to modernize their supply chains, and there is still an increased demand for automation and labor scarcity in menial jobs. Swisslog is investing in automation for its cold storage solutions to ensure efficient and reliable operations while reducing labor and energy costs. Grant estimates over 70% of cold storage warehouses in the US are over 20 years old. There is a focus on upgrading outdated freezer warehouses with automation and increasing the automation level across the warehouse to maximize efficiency. Swisslog ensures its systems account for temperatures by using materials rated for cold storage environments and ensuring that maintenance can be done as quickly as possible. They are now beginning to explore automated case picking in these extreme temperatures, which poses a unique challenge due to product rigidity and the delicate nature of equipment needed in such conditions. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 363: Swisslog – Cold Storage Solutions
362: Everything 3PL with Fulfill.com
Joe Spisak, CEO of Fulfill.com, joins The New Warehouse to share the inspiring and amusing journey that led him to start Fulfill.com. Fulfill.com provides businesses with an easy and cost-effective way to outsource their fulfillment needs by connecting them with ideal fulfillment centers through a global 3PL directory and personalized advisors. If you think you can’t start a 3PL, try going from your parent’s garage to an abandoned morgue and eventually leap to a 140,000-square-foot behemoth of a warehouse. Be sure to tune in to learn everything you need to know about choosing, starting, and matching with a 3PL to grow your business. Key Takeaways Joe jokes that his expertise in playing drinking games gave him his start in entrepreneurship. He began making drinking and board games like OK Boomer and soon found himself navigating the third-party logistics world. Joe explains how he went through three different third-party logistics companies over a year and a half. The nightmare issues of lack of pricing and transparency, poor customer support, and delayed shipments made him wonder: Is this the best 3PLs can do? He decided to bring everything back in-house and started ShipDaddy. ShipDaddy became a success due to Joe’s understanding of e-commerce and ability to offer transparent pricing and customer communication. Fulfill.com was created due to the success of fulfilling e-commerce needs across different sales channels. Joe shares his secrets on growth in e-commerce, leveraging your network, and how to select the ideal 3PL for your business. For even more warehousing insights, check out the Warehousing and Fulfillment Growth Community, including the new course “Beginner’s Guide To Starting A Warehousing & Fulfillment Company.” In 2023, Joe predicts increased growth for boutique-level fulfillment centers specializing in complex tasks outside traditional packing and shipping services. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 362: Everything 3PL with Fulfill.com
361: Flytrex at Manifest 2023
Joining The New Warehouse from Manifest 2023 is Yariv Bosch, the Co-founder, and CEO of Flytrex, a company focused on on-demand commercial drone delivery. They have five stations in North Carolina and Texas, with between 20 to 40 different restaurants available per station. Be sure to tune in to find out how drone delivery works, how it fits into the logistics space, and what Yariv thinks is the future of drone delivery. Key Takeaways Flytrex delivers hot food from restaurants to the backyards of hungry customers in North Carolina and Texas. They also have partnerships with Walmart and other retailers for groceries and retail, but their primary focus is food delivery. Delivery involves runners picking up orders at the restaurant and placing them into the drone, which hovers approximately 80 feet before dropping them off in a customer’s backyard or public spot. Yariv shares the success Flytrex has had in Holly Springs, North Carolina. After a year within the area, sixty percent of households have downloaded the app and made at least one order. Flytrex has been working with the FAA and other Civil Aviation Authorities for five years to certify their drones commercially. EP 361: Flytrex at Manifest 2023
360: Logistics Innovation with Pitney Bowes
Live from Manifest 2023 in the Pitney Bowes booth, The New warehouse was pleased to interview Stephanie Cannon, Senior Vice President of Operations Excellence and Collaborative Innovation. Pitney Bowes is a global technology company that provides innovative solutions to businesses worldwide. Their services include shipping, mailing, data management, e-commerce, and financial services. Stephanie discusses Robots as a Service (RaaS), autonomous transportation, and the collaborative innovation program with robotics companies like Plus One Robotics and Ambi Robotics. Key Takeaways The Collaborative Innovation Program from Pitney Bowes works with emerging tech companies to create solutions for eCommerce problems such as monotonous jobs, high turnover, and lack of data. The collaborative approach versus integrator works together to solve the problem, build the product roadmap, and deploy technology rapidly when needed. This approach allows for the rapid deployment of technology when needed while preserving cash and capital. Stephanie believes Collaboration with hourly employees to develop solutions has been critical in adopting new technology. Gaining feedback from employees on the floor allows them to feel their opinions are taken into account and creates a career path for robot operators. Regarding autonomous vehicles for logistics, Stephanie believes the middle mile is the most attractive due to only going a specific mileage per day and the repeatable route. She adds that Pitney Bowes is investing a lot of time and energy in efforts to automate transportation. EP 360: Logistics Innovation with Pitney Bowes
359: Simplifying Sortation with CloudSort
Derek Szopa, Founder and CEO of CloudSort, joins The New Warehouse podcast to provide insight into how the company is redefining the middle mile for shippers and carriers with its cloud-based sortation technology. CloudSort redefines the middle mile by eliminating unnecessary steps and adding value touches, ultimately reducing costs and creating a better customer experience. Key Takeaways Derek shares that his background in the middle mile fueled his passion for educating and delivering solutions in this segment. One of the challenges is alleviating some of the tension between supply and demand. CloudSort’s cloud-based sortation technology allows virtually anyone to group and route to get shipments delivered innovatively and seamlessly. CloudSort simplifies the sortation process—eliminating steps, reducing defects, lowering costs, and allowing flexibility to curate delivery experiences. The proprietary technology requires limited automation and is easy to use, enabling packages to be sorted quickly at origin fulfillment centers or docks. Derek believes that leveraging technology for sorting increases accuracy and reduces defects, enabling precise package allocation to carriers. CloudSort allows shippers to sort earlier, potentially at their dock, to gain more shipping time. He explains how the system is flexible and dynamic, enabling shippers to make changes quickly and curate a delivery experience according to their needs. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 359: Simplifying Sortation with CloudSort
Episode 358: Ware2Go at Manifest 2023
Don’t miss out on this episode of The New Warehouse, where our guest is Stephen Denton, CEO at Ware2Go. Steve discussed how Ware2Go threads together a network of 45 warehouses across the country on one standard technology platform that allows merchants to access an enterprise-grade supply chain with a sustainable pay-as-you-go model. Be sure to tune in to hear some great insights on the competitive advantages of a robust supply chain. Key Takeaways Ware2Go recently partnered with Gap to offer other retailers access to Gap’s automated and modernized supply chain network. Stephen explains how this partnership enables small and mid-sized apparel merchants to take advantage of this technology integration without having to invest in warehouses or capital, allowing them access at scale while still providing personalized services for each customer. Steve discusses the changing landscape of enterprise fulfillment, emphasizing mid-market and SMB businesses. He noted that it is becoming increasingly important to have access to better technology and rates to succeed. Ware2Go believes in enabling these SMBs to compete and win. Kevin and Stephen discuss the great diversity of companies at the Manifest show this year. Companies offering robotics automation services, same-day delivery, business analytics, WMS, orchestration, carriers, trucks, etc., show how complex this industry can be. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 358: Ware2Go at Manifest 2023