Zion and FF Solutions Group join forces
Zion Solutions Group, LLC, a provider of material handling automation technology and systems integration, and FF Solutions Group, LLC, a systems integration company specializing in high-end solutions and implementations of material handling and robotics technologies have combined to form a multi-million-dollar organization. Together, they will provide automated and robotic solutions assisting their customers with state-of-the-art fulfillment and distribution centers. The combined organization will maintain the Zion Solutions Group, LLC name. With the ongoing opportunity to do more for their customers and the advancement of technology and automation, Zion and FF Solutions are excited to continue building their team to support accelerated growth. Zion is on track to meet its 5-year business plan by the end of 2023, less than two years from its launch.
Patti Engineering team excels in Siemens SINAMICS S120 Motion Control
Committed to excellence in the delivery of Siemens system integration services, Patti Engineering celebrates the success of four team members earning certification in Siemens SINAMICS S120 Motion Control, reinforcing the company’s position as a leading Siemens Solution Partner Patti Engineering, Inc., a control system integration company with offices in Michigan, Texas, and Indiana, has announced that four engineers have achieved Siemens SINAMICS S120 Motion Control Partner Academy Certification. Patti Engineering’s Director of Michigan Operations, Terrance Brinkley, Director of Indiana Operations John Shipley, P.E., CAP, Sr. Electrical Engineer, John Jowski and Senior Controls Engineer, Dan Ragozzino, have completed training and testing required for the Siemens certification. “At Siemens, we take great pride in establishing a robust standard for our partners to certify to. This is crucial because our Siemens Solution Partners serve as an extension of Siemens’ technical and commercial support for our valued customers. When our customers engage with a Siemens certified partner, such as Patti Engineering, they can have complete confidence in working with professionals who possess the same skillset, knowledge, and experience as our own esteemed Siemens technical resources,” said Andrew Miller, Partner Manager for Drives & Motion, at Siemens. “Patti Engineering is an excellent partner for Siemens and a proven leader in digital transformation. The recent certifications achieved by Patti Engineering are a testament to their deep partnership with Siemens. By investing in certifying not just one or two individuals, but an impressive count of four experts in the drives and motion module, Patti Engineering has showcased the remarkable depth of their commitment to staying at the forefront of the latest automation and drive technologies, development tools, and digitalization practices. Such dedication provides our customers with extensive coverage and unwavering support as they embark on their digital enterprise journey and strive to achieve a successful digital transformation.” Through their successful completion of the Siemens SINAMICS S120 Motion Control class, these Patti Engineering team members have acquired a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies and nuances of Siemens’ advanced motion control systems. Their expertise empowers them to tackle complex challenges and implement innovative solutions with unparalleled efficiency and precision. “We commend our engineers who have achieved these certifications,” commented Patti Engineering CEO Sam Hoff. “Their commitment to training and best practices is the reason Patti Engineering is a leader in Siemens technology at the forefront of improving OEE across manufacturing.” As a Certified Siemens Solution Partner, Patti Engineering has demonstrated an expertise in Siemens system integration and digitalization projects for a wide variety of industries. In addition to the four team members holding Siemens SINAMICS S120 Motion Control Partner Academy Certifications, an additional four engineers hold certifications in Siemens CPIID Industrial Identification RFID-UHF Technology and Practice, and Siemens Partner TIA Technical Certification.
Platinum Tooling names new Regional Sales Manager
Platinum Tooling, the exclusive importer of Heimatec live tools and angle heads plus other global brands of precision machine tool accessories, has announced the appointment of Frank Twomey as the company’s Regional Sales Manager. In his new role, he will oversee all activities in eighteen states located in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Southeast Regions of the United States. Company President, Preben Hansen, made the announcement at the company’s headquarters in Prospect Heights, Illinois. Twomey graduated from Piedmont Technical Institute in 1991. His first job was as a machinist at Ross Industries. He then took on the role of Applications/Service/Quality Engineer at Walter Grinders and SCM Group as an Applications and Service Engineer. Between working as an Applications and Service Engineer, he became the CNC Manager of Euro-Composites Corporation and later Plant Manager at MTEQ. In 2015, Twomey took on the role of District Sales Manager for OSG USA. Frank brings a vast amount of experience in aerospace, medical, machine tool, cutting tool, metal and composite industries. His technical expertise includes programming CNC machines using Mastercam and Alphacam CAD/CAM software and is well versed in PLC programming. During his career, Frank studied and trained in lean manufacturing, value stream mapping, ISO processes/audits, OSHA compliance, cost reduction, facility/line set-up and operator training. Continuing his education in 2020, Twomey obtained his CPSP (Certified Professional Salesperson) certification and in 2021 obtained his CPSL (Certified Professional Sales Leader) certification through NASP (National Association of Sales Professionals). Commenting on this new hire Hansen said, “It is great to have Frank on the team as his expertise will benefit clients across industries. I am excited to see all that he will achieve.”
Generix Group named in Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) for the fifth consecutive year
Generix Group, a global provider of collaborative SaaS Software solutions for the Supply Chain, industrial, and retail ecosystems, has been named for the 5th consecutive year in the 2023 Gartner® Magic QuadrantTM for its Warehouse Management Systems. The hyper-flexibility of the SOLOCHAIN solution and the functional wealth of Generix WMS meet the needs of a wide range of industries worldwide. In a market where forecasting is no longer enough and immediacy is the new norm, Generix Group is stepping up investment in its solutions to maintain its leadership in the supply chain and serve its 400 or so WMS customers worldwide. Every day, some 2,000 warehouses operate with a Generix Group WMS. The company’s investment in innovation is one of the cornerstones of its strategic transformation, and has recently resulted in the launch of RMS, Resource Management System, for the planning and optimization of warehouse resources. This latest solution addresses two key issues for warehouses: optimizing resource planning while preserving human resources and meeting the customer promise at all times thanks to analytical and predictive work processed with AI. This solution helps to attract and retain talent in a profession where resources are under pressure. Generix Group is a specialist in flow management, and its solutions are deployed in 60 countries, for players in omnichannel retail, FMCG, manufacturing, luxury goods, pharmaceuticals and 3PLs. Generix WMS and SOLOCHAIN are highly complementary solutions. Thanks to its exceptional functional scope and standard processes, Generix WMS covers the needs of customers in a large number of industries, often with complex challenges: stored, cross-dock, e-commerce, mix-flows, multi-trade and multi-customer flows on the same site, whatever the constraints linked to the products (ambient, fresh and frozen, etc.). This solution has also been enriched by recent requirements, such as customization of orders, value-added operations and large volume variations, while complying with all regulatory constraints, both in France and internationally. SOLOCHAIN is totally flexible and integrates a Manufacturing Execution system (MES) to supply manufacturers’ production lines. It also offers an integrated project management and documentation tool. In addition, Generix Group offers solutions such as TMS, OMS, YMS and now RMS and a scalable API catalog. “We believe, being named in the Magic Quadrant™ again this year, is a recognition of our R&D efforts to support our customers in their warehouse performance issues, whether they have one or dozens of sites, and whatever their industry. As part of the deployment of our Boost Together strategic transformation plan, this investment dynamic reached another major achievement this year with the announcement of Resource Management System (RMS). For the first time on the market, a solution combines performance analysis and planning services for combined resources (human & machine), for the benefit of day-to-day efficiency in the warehouse. We are continuing, and even stepping up, our investments so as to be more than ever the partner of choice for Supply Chain Leaders, through a “business” approach and by taking into account our customers’ future challenges. This is why we believe; we have been recognized by a reference organization”, comments Nicolas Picquerey, Chief Solutions & Services Officer, Generix Group. To access the full Gartner report, click here.
Episode 394: How Amware Fulfillment is driving success in the warehousing industry
Welcome to another exciting episode of The New Warehouse Podcast! In this episode, we had the privilege of speaking with Harry Drajpuch, the CEO of Amware Fulfillment. Amware Fulfillment is a third-party logistics (3PL) provider specializing in customized fulfillment services. With their customer-centric approach and commitment to long-term partnerships, they have become a trusted partner for brands in the warehousing industry. This blog post will delve into key conversation highlights and explore Amware Fulfillment’s unique value proposition, strategic pivot toward e-commerce, and partnership-driven mindset. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the fascinating warehousing world with insights from Amware Fulfillment’s CEO! Amware Fulfillment Believes in the Power of Customization and Personalization Amware Fulfillment stands out in the highly fragmented logistics industry by providing tailored solutions to its customers. Unlike more prominent players, they focus on being a fulfillment company and excel at understanding and meeting each customer’s unique needs. As Harry Drajpuch emphasizes, “We want to be an extension of our customers’ businesses, understanding their challenges and helping them grow.” This personalized approach enables brands to scale efficiently and deliver exceptional customer experiences. The Role of Partnership in Achieving Growth Harry and his company take pride in building long-term partnerships with their clients. They consider themselves a vendor and a strategic partner invested in their customers’ success. By fostering open communication, understanding the customers’ goals and challenges, and offering proactive solutions, Amware Fulfillment ensures that brands can navigate growth phases smoothly. Their commitment to being accessible, responsive, and accountable sets them apart in the industry. Navigating the E-commerce Landscape Amware Fulfillment shifted its focus to e-commerce fulfillment. With the exponential growth of online shopping, their expertise in e-commerce fulfillment became highly valuable. They understand that e-commerce brands require customized, agile solutions to meet customer demands. Harry believes their ability to adapt quickly, maintain same-day shipping, and handle specific packaging requirements positions them as a trusted partner for brands looking to succeed. Key Takeaways from Amware Fulfillment Partnership-driven approach: Amware Fulfillment’s dedication to building strong client partnerships ensures personalized and reliable service, enabling brands to grow sustainably. Customization for success: Amware Fulfillment’s focus on understanding each customer’s unique challenges and tailoring their solutions accordingly enables brands to thrive in the competitive market. E-commerce expertise: With a strategic pivot towards e-commerce, Amware Fulfillment has positioned itself as a leader in providing efficient and agile fulfillment services, empowering brands to capitalize on the booming e-commerce industry. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 394: How Amware Fulfillment is Driving Success in the Warehousing Industry
Episode 393: A conversation with Shaun Hagen from Carton Cloud
Carton Cloud is on a mission to improve people’s lives in logistics. In this episode of the New Warehouse Podcast, Shaun Hagen, the COO and Head of North America, joins Kevin. Shaun shares insights into the company’s founding story and how their software is revolutionizing the way logistics people work. Carton Cloud is a cloud-based Warehouse Management System (WMS) that focuses on providing flexibility and efficiency gains to small and medium-sized businesses in the warehousing industry. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the latest trends in the warehousing industry. Carton Cloud is Logistics Software Built by Logistics People Shaun discusses the founding story of Carton Cloud, emphasizing that the company’s DNA lies in being logistics software built by logistics people for logistics people. The idea originated from the operational challenges faced by their CEO when he owned and operated a refrigerated warehousing and transport business in Australia. Shaun highlights how the lack of software solutions tailored to the needs of small and medium-sized businesses in the logistics industry led them to develop their own application. How Carton Cloud is Empowering Small and Medium-Sized Businesses Carton Cloud’s focus on small and medium-sized businesses stems from their recognition of these enterprises’ crucial role in the logistics industry. With over 20,000 logistics businesses in the US, primarily small and medium-sized, Carton Cloud understands the significance of supporting and enabling these businesses to compete in the market. Shaun explains that by providing accessible technology and automation, they empower SMBs to meet the growing expectations of shippers and receivers in today’s fast-paced, digitally-driven world. Reducing Paper and Embracing Digital Transformation Shaun delves into Carton Cloud’s emphasis on reducing paper and promoting a paperless approach. While going paperless may seem cliché in 2023, Shaun emphasizes that it’s not just about eliminating paper but understanding the implications of paper-based processes. Carton Cloud aims to address the administrative burden, reduce errors, prevent revenue leakage, and enhance work enjoyment for warehouse staff by removing paper from the process. Shaun highlights the importance of wireless and digital operations in creating a seamless and efficient workflow while still recognizing the role of paper in supporting documentation. Key Takeaways Logistics software built by logistics people: Carton Cloud’s founding story underscores their commitment to developing solutions that address the unique challenges logistics professionals face. Empowering small and medium-sized businesses: Carton Cloud recognizes the essential role SMBs play in the logistics industry and aims to equip them with accessible technology and automation to compete effectively. Embracing digital transformation: By reducing paper and adopting digital processes, companies improve efficiency, minimize errors, and enhance work enjoyment for warehouse staff. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 393: A Conversation with Shaun Hagen from Carton Cloud
WERC releases 2023 Annual DC Measures Operational Benchmarking Report and online benchmarking tool
The Warehousing Education & Research Council (WERC) has published the 2023 DC Measures Annual Survey and Report and updated the findings in the Online Benchmarking Tool that helps companies measure and improve operational performance. The DC Measures report captures 37 key operational metrics that are meaningful for warehouse and distribution center operations. The metrics are grouped into five balanced sets – customer, operations, financial, capacity/quality, and employee – plus the additional sets related to cash-to-cash cycle measurement. For each metric, the report provides a definition and information about how to calculate it. Used from year to year and based on responses from a diverse network of warehousing, logistics, and distribution professionals, the metrics provide a strong base and consistent approach to reporting performance. Introduction of ESG Metrics For the first time, DC Measures surveyed the current application of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) frameworks in the warehousing and distribution industry. It has become clear that DC managers must begin to consider ESG in order to manage stakeholders. The report identifies simple steps companies can take to develop an ESG strategy. Online Benchmarking Tool In addition to the report, WERC has also updated the Online Benchmarking Tool. This digital resource hosts a compilation of all DC Measures data since 2013. It is designed to help practitioners, 3PLs, and consultants customize benchmarking data to meet internal evaluation needs at an unprecedented rate of speed. A subscription to the benchmarking tool allows a full year of unlimited access to the data, which includes the full DC Measures library, data breakdown functionality, and saved report comparisons. Visit werc.org/metrics to learn more about the Online Benchmarking Tool and the 2023 DC Measures Annual Survey and Report.
Christmas peak has not been cancelled
It is now the time of year when many retailers and their supply chain partners will be starting to plan and secure their warehousing space and resource requirements for the Big One – the ‘golden quarter’ and the Christmas peak. Predicting requirements seven or eight months ahead is always a nightmare, and this year looks particularly fraught. There is, of course, a ‘cost of living crisis’ but strangely, although full figures are not yet in, it looks as though consumer spending in the Easter peak held up much better than expected – indeed, anecdotally it appears that some retailers and suppliers were short of stock as demand exceeded their somewhat gloomy expectations. Price inflation remains painfully high but may decline rapidly over the course of the year. Or we may be trapped in a rerun of the high-inflation Seventies – both views are available, often from the same economic forecasters. One rather firmer prognostication is that e-retailing seems to have found its new natural level – around a quarter of retail trade. So omnichannel is the way forward for many retailers, with the additional complexity that this brings to warehouse space planning. Given the uncertainties, many firms will have held back on committing to space for the winter peak, and some, with pressure on margins and anticipating subdued trading, will have decided not to renew leases on some of their existing estates. That is no bad thing – in our experience it very rarely makes sense for a business to scale its ‘permanent’ warehousing facilities to accommodate the highest peaks in demand. This ties up capital, or drains cashflow, whilst making an inefficient use of scarce and increasingly expensive labor and other resources during the off-peaks – which for many firms is most of the year. And this year, particularly, is not a good time to be entering into long-term space commitments. Despite some big names, especially in e-commerce, rationalizing their warehousing estate, quality space is still in short supply, whilst landlords are facing eye-watering increases in the interest they are paying. Unsurprisingly this is reflected in rents: the agents Colliers report that in 2022 there was a year-on-year increase of 10.5% in rents for large (100,000 sq ft plus) units, and a huge 13.2% on smaller and multi-let facilities and, say the agents “these will continue to rise, albeit at a slower pace”. Meanwhile, the bills for rates, electricity and other utilities, insurance and all the other costs of operating even a half-empty warehouse continue to increase. The solution is to adopt strategies that embrace and make a virtue of short-term leasing. While the headline rates per square foot may look high, the business is only paying these for the time that the space is needed, and in practice rates are often highly competitive as the space provider is keen to see any return on what an underutilized or idle asset is otherwise. Nor is the renter paying throughout the year to heat, light, staff and otherwise maintain largely empty space. And often, if a business moves in to take up another company’s spare capacity (which may be because that company is overprovided, or because its peak requirements are at a different time of year) many of the operating costs, perhaps even including labor and IT, are already paid for, so the renting company is charged something closer to the marginal rate rather than the full cost. It can even be that facilities are available already equipped with levels of productivity-enhancing IT and automation that the business would struggle to resource or justify on its own account. However, the flexibility offered by a strategy that includes short-term lets isn’t just for Christmas. It can allow a supplier or retailer to experiment – with new product lines, with new regional markets or new customers, with new distribution chain architectures, with different blends and approaches to the physical store/e-commerce balance – at relatively little long-term risk. Such a strategy may even lead to semi-permanent arrangements: an understanding that the business is intended to take the same space for the same three months every year. Bis Henderson Space has many years of experience in helping companies ‘right size’ their peak space requirements, and then securing the right temporary space: right in terms of cost, location, and facilities, from bare sheds to space in fully manned and equipped distribution centers. We have built an extensive network of space partners who, sometimes occasionally, sometimes predictably year-on-year, have more warehousing than they need. They are often keen not only on the extra income but for the productivity and efficiency improvements – such as being able to maintain a fully employed permanent staff – that full occupation of their facility can yield. We help companies find and implement mutually beneficial deals surprisingly quickly – but be warned: an increasing number of companies are now actively seeking the benefits of including short-term accommodation as part of their warehousing strategy – and Christmas is closer than you think! About the Author: Steve Purvis, Managing Director at Bis Henderson Space has many years’ experience in this market. We can help convert your seasonal space requirements from a firefighting emergency to a considered tactical response as part of your wider warehousing/fulfilment strategy. If you’d like to learn more please contact Rob McWriter, Business Development Director at Bis Henderson Space on rob.mcwriter@bis-henderson.com or 7836 572500
Episode 392: Unlocking the potential of a circular supply chain in the warehousing Industry
In this episode of the New Warehouse Podcast, we’re delighted to have Sneha Kumari, Head of Industry Trends at Circular Supply Chain Network, as our special guest. The Circular Supply Chain Network is an international community of self-proclaimed “circular supply chain geeks” committed to expediting the shift toward a more sustainable future. Emphasizing environmental conservation, social accountability, business growth, and innovation, the Circular Supply Chain Network educates, builds connections, and encourages innovative solutions in circular supply chains. Sneha’s expertise in the field makes her the perfect guest to explore this emerging trend in the supply chain world. In addition to explaining the circular supply chain and its relevance to the warehousing industry, she shares the concept’s practical implications. What is the Circular Supply Chain Network and Its Objectives? Sneha explains that her company fosters a community that promotes circularity and sustainable supply chains. They strive to build a world where both nature and businesses thrive! Sneha’s passion for sustainability and supply chain aligned perfectly with the network’s mission. The network aims to bring industry leaders and startups together through events, blogs, and collaborations to share their efforts in creating a circular economy. They provide a platform for these changemakers to showcase their work and inspire others to adopt ciular practices. Differentiating Circularity from Sustainability Sneha highlights the importance of distinguishing circularity from sustainability. While sustainability encompasses a broader range of goals, circularity is a specific approach within the sustainability framework. She emphasizes that sustainability should not be reduced to recycling alone, as it encompasses social and environmental aspects beyond the supply chain. Sneha believes circularity falls under the sustainability umbrella but focuses on transforming linear supply chains into circular ones. Circular supply chains aim to maximize resource use, reduce waste, and leverage secondary and renewable inputs to generate value. It’s about re-imagining the entire supply chain and adopting a circular mindset. The Essence of Circular Supply Chain: Monetizing Waste and Maximizing Value Sneha dives into the core principles of circular supply chains. She presents a striking statistic: only 8.5% of materials used in supply chains are secondary or renewable. This alarming figure showcases the need to transition from a linear supply chain to a circular one. Sneha draws an analogy of the Earth as a warehouse, emphasizing that we must stop depleting its resources without replenishing them. Circularity aims to monetize waste and give materials a second life, creating a continuous flow of value. This approach requires collaboration, partnerships, and innovative technology to ensure materials and operations can serve as inputs for subsequent stages in the supply chain. Key Takeaways Circular supply chains offer a viable solution to the inefficient use of resources and the environmental challenges of linear supply chains. Creating secondary materials marketplaces can help procurement managers source more sustainable materials. Circularity should not be confused with sustainability, although it is a crucial component of the broader sustainability goals. Circular supply chains focus specifically on transforming the linear flow of materials into a circular and regenerative process. The warehousing industry has a significant role in embracing sustainability. By optimizing operations, minimizing waste, and seeking opportunities for collaboration and resource recovery, warehouses can contribute to the circular economy while reducing their environmental impact. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 392: Unlocking the Potential of a Circular Supply Chain in the Warehousing Industry
KPI Solutions appoints Jason Boehl as Vice President, Enterprise Solutions
Jason will provide strategic direction for client automation design and systems integration to transform distribution and fulfillment operations. KPI Solutions (KPI), a supply chain consulting, software, systems integration, and automation supplier has announced that Jason Boehl has joined the company as Vice President Enterprise Solutions. In this role, Jason will optimize clients’ distribution, warehousing, and fulfillment operations by uniting data-driven designs and innovative engineering with high-performance automation technologies, powered by KPI’s proprietary OPTO software platform. “I’m thrilled to join the accomplished professionals at KPI Solutions as we successfully address clients’ most complex labor, capacity, and efficiency challenges,” said Jason. “In this time of supply chain disruption, we are dedicated to creating and ensuring value through customized and cost-justified automation that increases throughput capacity and boosts operational efficiency across the distribution process.” “We are excited to leverage Jason’s experience as we continue to provide critical design recommendations, holistic operational optimization, and risk mitigation for our clients,” said Ron Adams, Chief Commercial Officer at KPI Solutions. “Jason’s extensive background with transformative warehousing and distribution projects will guide the delivery of customized and innovative automation solutions that increase productivity and build long-term client value.” Jason joins KPI after nearly a decade of increasing responsibility at Honeywell Intelligrated where he most recently served as Executive Director, Solution Consulting and Data Analytics. With his 25+ years of industry experience, he also holds expertise in warehouse and transportation software, engineered labor standards, warehouse operations, and Six Sigma lean practices. KPI Solutions was formed in 2021 with the combination of Kuecker Logistics Group, Pulse Integration, and QC Software. In 2022, the company acquired Precision Distribution Consultants, SIMCOM Solutions, and Commonwealth Supply Chain Advisors.
The future of Reverse Logistics
Managing returns has traditionally been treated as an afterthought. But with the rise in eCommerce sales, returns are sure to be substantial, which can lead to a poor customer experience and revenue losses. Many businesses are now placing more emphasis on handling returns, called the reverse logistics process. And some initiatives have come a long way. Here’s what those look like and what we might expect from the future of reverse logistics. What is Reverse Logistics? If logistics describes how products move through the supply chain from warehouses to consumers, reverse logistics details how things move in the opposite direction. In other words, it deals with products going from the customer back to the supplier for a number of reasons: Broken or damaged products Mistakes made in order fulfillment Customers changing their mind Product recalls Trade-in or recycling programs The reverse logistics process works by authorizing a product return, assessing product condition upon receipt, reclaiming any product value (adding it back to inventory, selling at a discount, etc.), and approving any customer refunds. Why Reverse Logistics Should Be a Priority With the rise of online sales, reverse logistics have become a major factor in doing business. In fact, the average eCommerce return rate ranges between 20-30%. According to Statista, returns of online merchandise in the U.S. alone amounted to nearly $213 billion in 2022. That’s a decrease of about 2% from the prior year, likely due to more businesses focusing on reverse logistics. It’s tough to discuss online sales without also addressing returns. eCommerce giants like Amazon have set the bar high by offering free, no-hassle returns to customers. This “Amazon Effect” means that many consumers are searching for similar experiences. In fact, over three-quarters of consumers will decline to do business with an online seller that doesn’t have a reasonable return policy. In addition to delivering a positive customer experience, making reverse logistics a priority just makes good business sense. When your company can efficiently repurpose returned goods, this can save what would otherwise be lost revenue. Also, a well-run reverse logistics process delivers valuable insights you can use to improve your business. The Future of Reverse Logistics According to Grandview Research, the reverse logistics market was worth about $840.7 billion in 2021. From 2022 to 2028, this figure is expected to expand by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 12.4%. The rising awareness among companies of the benefits of reverse logistics will continue to fuel growth and innovation in this area. And many of the innovations that are improving supply chain and warehouse efficiencies can also apply to reverse logistics. Here are a few of the things you can expect to see in reverse logistics in the coming years. Using RFID Solutions Without a robust reverse logistics plan in place, businesses would be unable to keep up with the volume of eCommerce returns. Fortunately, the same technology solutions that improve efficiency in the forward supply chain can help maximize processes and efficiency in reverse logistics. RFID, or radio frequency identification, is a technology that is beginning to replace traditional barcodes. Unlike barcodes, which must be read individually and only hold limited data, RFID tags can be read automatically as products move in either direction. They can also communicate more comprehensive data, such as product descriptions, dates, temperature, and more. Using RFID can simplify the reverse logistics process and save costs. It also provides a better customer experience as consumers want to be able to track their purchases and returns in real time. Leveraging Blockchain Technology Blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionize reverse logistics. It’s a decentralized digital ledger that records transactions without errors. It is a transparent and secure means of tracking the movement of returned products, better enabling businesses to manage their returns and recycling or disposal processes. Many businesses have yet to embrace blockchain. But that could change as the benefits of this technology become more clear. These include: Improved traceability — Using blockchain, businesses can create digital record histories for each product and show their movement through the supply chain. Increased efficiency — By using blockchain technology to automate certain parts of the reverse logistics process, you can reduce the time and cost of managing returns. Enhanced asset utilization — Blockchain technology can enable the reuse of returned products, which reduces waste and boosts asset utilization. Better transparency — Because blockchain technology creates a decentralized, transparent transaction record, it makes it easier to track the movement of products through the reverse logistics process. Focusing on Data-Driven Forecasting Making the most of things like RFID and blockchain requires embracing digital technology solutions throughout the supply chain. Things like a warehouse management system can help a business automate its processes and inject more visibility throughout the supply chain. Improved transparency allows businesses to adapt quickly to changes and optimize costs. If a large percentage of certain products are being returned due to defects or some other issue, this is something the business can address. Using an inventory management system to its full capabilities can save labor hours and reduce inventory carrying costs. Embracing Sustainability Today and in the future, more merchants will focus on sustainability as a way to differentiate their business and be better environmental stewards. Shoppers, particularly Gen Z, want to support these types of brands. When choosing which products to buy, 80% of customers will weigh sustainability in their decision, and one-third are willing to pay more for sustainable products. But, in addition to focusing on how products are made and fulfilled, your business should also take a look at sustainable reverse logistics. Analyze your returns process to see how it can be more environmentally friendly. Can you reuse packaging with returns? Instead of sending items to the landfill, can they be sold at a discount? If they are unusable, see if they can be recycled or repurposed. One of the main factors in supply chain management is logistics. But instead of simply focusing on getting products into customers’ hands, businesses must also figure out how to efficiently handle
Zion Solutions Group drives growth in material handling automation amidst economic changes
Zion Solutions Group is steering the growth of material handling automation amidst evolving economic conditions. With a proven track record in full-service supply chain integration, Zion Solutions Group redefines the landscape of material handling automation, guiding businesses toward resilience and prosperity. As the United States faces rising labor costs, businesses are increasingly turning to automation. The latest ITR Report projects a mild recession in 2024 but also predicts a five-year recovery and growth plan, avoiding a scenario akin to the Great Recession. Concurrently, the surge in onshoring and nearshoring manufacturing facilities creates fresh opportunities for domestic manufacturing. In this landscape, Zion Solutions Group’s transformative integration of automated material handling takes center stage. “Now, more than ever, it is crucial to partner with a systems integrator like Zion. We understand that the world evolves every day, and companies that proactively embrace these changes emerge stronger, more nimble, and built to last. Leveraging our team’s expertise, industry partnerships, and advanced technologies, we help businesses reduce costs, enhance efficiency, and expedite time to market through automation. We believe our customers can gain a competitive advantage and effectively prepare for the growth that lies ahead in the material handling industry,” emphasized Jim Shaw, President of Zion Solutions Group. Zion Solutions Group empowers businesses with optimal material handling automation by seamlessly orchestrating people, robotics, software, and material handling systems through a unified platform, eliminating the need for fragmented and complex technologies. Implementing automated solutions streamlines tasks enhances employee satisfaction, and improves efficiency—a crucial advantage during economic uncertainty. Automation also drives business expansion, fosters job growth, and ensures process efficiency. “At Zion Solutions Group, we utilize the Zion Life Cycle, an industry-leading best practice that guides customers through transformative changes. We encourage our clients to plan ahead, confront uncertainty, and proactively embrace the necessary changes. Waiting until the change becomes unavoidable is not the optimal approach,” added Shaw. With over 90 years of industry experience, Zion Solutions Group stands at the forefront of the trending growth in material handling automation. By equipping businesses with automation, Zion Solutions Group empowers them with resilience and agility to navigate economic downturns successfully.
Axis Communications optimizes production to conquer Supply Chain constraints
Video surveillance industry leader ships record level of products through May 31 and continues an aggressive growth trajectory Axis Communications, the industry provider in video surveillance, has announced that the company has reached key supply chain milestones, including over 45% year-over-year increase in Q1 deliveries, with continued growth through May 31, and record inventory levels in its Americas distribution channel to meet strong demand from integrators and end customers. This comes after a record-breaking 2022 yielding $1.6 billion in global revenue and 20% global year-over-year growth, as outlined in the Axis 2022 Sustainability Report. These achievements are a result of the company’s recent initiatives, along with its industry-leading sustainability program which has long focused on enhancing operational efficiency and strengthening supply chain. It’s that ongoing work—along with boosted efforts and innovative initiatives implemented during the global supply chain crisis—that has helped the company excel and solidly position themselves to meet future market needs. Prior to the pandemic, Axis Communications had already bolstered its supply chain by enacting a formal sustainability plan, which put an increased emphasis on environmental, ethical and social factors. It was during the pandemic and the resulting global supply chain crisis, coupled with record demand for Axis products, that Axis further stepped up its efforts by intensifying collaboration with its dedicated channel partners and end customers to improve planning, forecasting and inventory management. Axis also actively vets and introduces second-source suppliers, expands its use of some of the world’s largest Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) companies to boost production capacity, and drives digital transformation across the supply chain. Additional innovations included redesigning over 100 cameras — which are subject to the same stringent levels of testing and quality — to match available components and create flexibility in production, aggressively investing in high-demand components to increase buffer stock, expediting shipping methods in order to support customers and investing in over-capacity with its manufacturing partners. These new operational practices, streamlined processes and expanded partnerships will become mainstay and ultimately have a lasting effect on Axis’ ability to serve its customers now and into the future. “Continuous improvement is a part of our DNA, and adversity often sparks innovation, so the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting supply chain crisis really put us into overdrive,” said Jeanette Skjelmose, Vice President of Operations, Axis Communications. “Diversifying, and solidifying, our supply chain will have a lasting positive impact for our partners and customers—providing greater resiliency to navigate any future challenges. We are grateful to our partners and customers for not only standing by us through challenging times, but also for working with us to help identify ways to improve our approach toward customer service and supply chain management. Those relationships have played a crucial role in helping us craft a stronger, more sustainable vision for the future.” Despite the lingering effects of the supply chain, Axis’ initiatives helped the company to deliver more units in 2022 than ever before. With Axis carrying record unit shipments into the new year, the company is on pace to surpass 2022’s banner output. Now, aligning with record inventories in distribution, over 85% of Axis products are readily available at standard lead times, with a few remaining products available but with longer times to delivery. The company continues to boost production in effort to restore standard lead times to the remaining products in the next few months. “In the perfect storm of supply chain constraints and unprecedented demand for our products, we have at times over the past year failed to meet our customers’ expectations,” said Fredrik Nilsson, Vice President of the Americas, Axis Communications. “We take full responsibility, and we’ve been working hard to restore our ability to deliver the products and solutions our partners and customers need. We are thrilled to be stronger than ever with our team and supply chain, and we are just getting started.” As Axis continues to restore standard lead times for all products, the company will work closely with partners to set appropriate expectations. A combination of supply chain enhancements and effective communication has helped Axis lay a solid foundation for continued strong growth, and it indicates an end to the volatility that characterized manufacturing during the pandemic era.
Lucas Systems announces new warehouse technology to serve a Gen Z workforce
Distribution center technology provider Lucas Systems announced its rollout of new technologies promising productivity, comfort, and ease of use to a Gen Z warehouse workforce of the future. The technologies – built to serve the new “iGeneration” of workers born between 1997 and 2012 – promise a reduction of worker stress, a less physically-taxing work experience, and help for on-floor supervisors by providing the tools needed to be more agile. New technologies include: An all-new supervisor management console that provides leadership with a high degree of flexibility and agility to customize data, dashboards, and analytics specific to their operation and needs. Supervisors and managers can get actionable information in a way that’s easy to understand and use through fully-customizable consoles. Improvements in reducing worker travel. Lucas Systems’ new algorithms and machine learning smarts help workers take up to 50% fewer steps inside the warehouse by showing them the optimal path to navigate. This is a relief to physically stressed on-floor workers as they can often walk 5-10 miles in just one day. The ability for on-floor workers to use the smallest wearables for scanning. Lucas Systems certified its voice-enabled optimization suite, Jennifer, to run on a Zebra WS50, the world’s smallest all-in-one Android enterprise-class wearable mobile computer. These solutions and other insights around technology training, warehouse environments, and new methods for division of labor resulted from Lucas Systems in-depth interviews with warehouse workers as well as a commissioned study, polling 500 U.S. warehouse workers nationwide. The research examined workers’ relationships with technology as well as their fears, expectations, and perceptions about their daily jobs. Additional insights were released today in Lucas Systems guide, Competing for The Warehouse Workforce of the Future, along with recommendations for attracting and retaining a future workforce with unique attitudes around loyalty, work-life balance, and workplace satisfaction. One insight is that a majority of Gen Z workers (73%) say robots will help them achieve greater accuracy and speed in their jobs. “These are all signs that tomorrow’s warehouses will need to operate differently than they do today,” says Lucas Systems CMO Ken Ramoutar. “Gen Z workers expect to use modern technologies like they use at home. Handheld and personalized, the tech must be easy to use and must help them save time and mitigate exertion.” Ramoutar says Lucas Systems recent tech advancements and its research insights offer a warning shot to warehouse operators who aren’t willing to adapt and change.
AutoScheduler joins the SAP.iO Foundry New York Supply Chain Management Program
The program will help create a competitive edge for AutoScheduler AutoScheduler.AI, an innovative Warehouse Management System (WMS) accelerator, announces the company is a member of the SAP.iO Foundry New York startup program, focused on supply chain management from SAP SE. The startups in the program are using next-generation technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and Internet of Things (IoT) to help businesses become more sustainable by providing deeper insights into processes, greater transparency, and reducing waste in the supply chain. Over the next 16 weeks, the startups will have access to curated mentorship from SAP executives, exposure to SAP® technology and application programming interfaces (APIs), and opportunities to collaborate with SAP customers around the world. “Many of our targeted and current customers use SAP ERP solutions, so it is a natural fit for AutoScheduler to be involved in the SAP.iO Foundry program to gain connections to SAP executives and customers and to learn how we can work together and collaborate,” says Keith Moore, CEO of AutoScheduler.AI. “This is an invaluable resource for startups like AutoScheduler.” AutoScheduler takes data from ERP and WMS systems and uses capacity-constrained schedules to create plans, schedules, and optimize the warehouse. Optimizing warehouse efficiency is the best way to improve supply chain operations OTIF, and leveraging technologies such as prescriptive analytics and warehouse orchestration can help acquire what’s left on the table in supply chain operations. As a member of the SAP.iO startup community, AutoScheduler will forge a deep collaboration with SAP by co-creating joint use cases, integrating products, and unlocking business development opportunities with SAP customers. SAP.iO curates a relevant and diverse startup ecosystem that extends the value of SAP solutions and meets the continuously evolving needs of SAP customers. The programs provide dedicated support to the most promising startups as they launch and scale relationships with SAP and its global network of customers, partners, and employees. Since 2017, SAP.iO has connected thousands of SAP customers with innovative enterprise software startups, helping them find solutions to their unique needs.
Machinery Manufacturer Norwalt opens facility in Tampa expanding footprint and capacity
The new plant increases the company’s floorspace by 25%, with room for adjacent buildouts to accommodate growth in medical devices and other niches Norwalt, a specialist in custom-built automation and line integration machinery for complex manufacturing applications, has commenced operations at a new production facility in Tampa, FL. A satellite site to the company’s primary plant in Randolph, NJ, the new facility increases Norwalt’s overall production floor space by 25% and features buildout potential for adjacent areas moving forward. For Norwalt, the expansion is rooted both in current necessity and near-future opportunity. In recent years, the company has seen an unprecedented growth surge, prioritizing additional space to continue to meet expedited equipment delivery timeframes. With Norwalt anticipating future growth, the Tampa plant also provides ample elbow room to accommodate additional business. Mirroring the New Jersey facility, the Florida plant will be utilized for the full gamut of Norwalt’s concept-to-completion capabilities set. The company’s engineers design, construct, validate, and install premium production equipment whose functionalities include – but are by no means limited to – packaging and product assembly, post-mold automation, modular automation cells, and robotics systems. Norwalt serves customers in a wide array of sectors, from medical devices and food & beverage applications to personal care and household items. Among these sectors, Norwalt views medical devices and diagnostics as one particularly primed for growth. The industry depends upon pristine, tight-tolerance plastics components and products manufacturing, a niche that aligns well with Norwalt’s core engineering expertise. The company has ample experience designing solutions for pipette and vial inspection and assembly, medical valve and personal device assembly, and diagnostic test kit assembly. “While we’ve incrementally added floorspace to our New Jersey headquarters over our five decades in business, the Tampa plant marks our first dedicated secondary facility,” said Keith Harman, Director of Business Development for Norwalt. “In an ever-evolving manufacturing environment, demand continues to surge for automation and line integration machinery that minimizes downtime, maximizes efficiency, and tackles otherwise labor-intensive tasks.”
Episode 389: Investing in Warehouse Technology: Insights from Heartland Ventures Partner Connor McGuinness
Welcome to a new episode of The New Warehouse! In this episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Connor McGuinness, a partner at Heartland Ventures. Connor joins us to discuss Heartland’s unique approach as a venture capital fund and their involvement in the warehousing and fulfillment space. We delve into the current warehousing, logistics, and distribution climate and explore innovative solutions transforming the industry. Please tune in to listen to Connor as he shares his perspective and sheds light on the warehousing and fulfillment space. The Challenges of the Warehousing Industry McGuinness emphasizes the significance of understanding the pain points faced by logistics and manufacturing businesses. Heartland Ventures takes a hands-on approach by actively engaging with its investor base, which comprises industrial businesses across the Midwest region. This unique approach allows them to gain insights into the logistics value chain, including construction, manufacturing, and real estate. McGuinness highlights one major challenge in the industry: the high turnover rate of warehouse workers, reaching 40-50% compared to the average turnover rate of 12-15% in other industrial sectors. This turnover hinders growth, especially when tribal knowledge is crucial for warehouse operations. Additionally, the rising customer expectations, influenced by services like Amazon Prime, place even greater demands on logistics stakeholders. Innovative Technologies Addressing Labor Shortages Labor shortages in the warehousing industry have been a pressing concern. McGuinness highlights two promising technologies that are tackling this challenge. The first is Third Wave Automation, which enables warehouses to deploy autonomous forklifts by retrofitting existing equipment. This solution reduces the need for multiple forklift operators and streamlines operations. The second technology, Fulfilld, acts as a digital twin for the warehouse, providing real-time location data and as a guiding system for workers or warehouse robots. Fulfilld bridges the gap to automation and helps companies adopt robotics technology by serving as the brain behind warehouse operations. The State of VC Funding in the Warehousing Industry McGuinness acknowledges that there has been a correction in the venture capital markets, with a decrease in availability compared to the frothy period of 2019-2022. However, he sees this correction as a healthy development. Startups that raised funding during the frothy period may face challenges when seeking subsequent rounds of funding, as they need to demonstrate the progress they promised. Additionally, there is a shift towards profitable growth instead of growth at all costs. Founders are increasingly questioned about the path to profitability, ensuring a more sustainable approach to business development. Key Takeaways Labor shortages pose a significant challenge to the warehousing industry, with high turnover rates and the need for efficient knowledge transfer. Innovative technologies such as Third Wave Automation and Fulfilled address labor shortages by introducing autonomous solutions and digital twin systems. The venture capital market in the warehousing industry is undergoing a correction, emphasizing the importance of profitable growth and value creation. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 389: Investing in Warehouse Technology: Insights from Heartland Ventures Partner Connor McGuinness
Hy-Tek Intralogistics and Hai Robotics announce partnership
Hy-Tek Intralogistics has partnered with Hai Robotics to help reduce customers’ storage footprints, increase workflow efficiency, maximize order pick accuracy, and improve daily order fulfillment rates Hy-Tek Intralogistics, an integrator of full-service automation technology for the supply chain, has partnered with Hai Robotics, a provider of intelligent automated warehouse solutions. With Hy-Tek’s IntraOne enterprise logistics platform, the addition of Hai Robotics’ automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) solutions will help reduce a customer’s storage footprints, increase workflow efficiency, maximize order pick accuracy, and improve daily order fulfillment rate. “We are excited to start our partnership with Hai, an up-and-coming innovator for the G2P space,” said Zac Boehm, Vice President of Robotic Solutions at Hy-Tek Intralogistics. “By formalizing our partnership, it allows Hy-Tek to add to its existing solutions with a technology that allows for an earlier entry point with customers looking to adopt G2P technologies, further enforcing our goal to meet our customers where they are in their automation journey.” Changing economic conditions, an increasingly tight labor market, and consumer spending habits require today’s supply chain to be adaptable and provide a faster ROI for customers than in the past. Hai’s technologies, including their brand new HaiFlex and HaiPick A3 solutions, will allow Hy-Tek to provide solutions to their customers faster than ever. “The Hai technology allows us to provide solutions that require fast start-ups, future scalability, and competitive costs,” says Dave Tavel, Senior Vice President of Sales at Hy-Tek Intralogistics. “There is no reason to delay your adoption of robotics as a strategy for fulfillment. Hai’s technology will support your business today and into the future, and Hy-Tek Intralogistics’ platform, IntraOne will manage and optimize our customer’s operations.” With Hai’s solutions, customers can further improve operational efficiency and storage density, meeting the needs of warehouses, DCs, and factories in the apparel, retail, e-commerce, and 3PL industries. “Hy-Tek has been a strong organization in the market since before I began my career. I’ve always had a lot of respect for the quality of their solutions, equipment, and systems,” said Brian Reinhart, Hai Robotics CRO. “Hy-Tek’s commitment to growth and integration has positioned the company to be an industry leader for years to come and Hai Robotics, having done the same on the manufacturing side, is very excited about the partnership.”
Maravedis LLC
Episode 387: Demystifying sustainability with Gravity
In the latest episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Saleh Elhattab, founder and CEO of Gravity, joins Kevin to discuss sustainability in warehousing. Gravity is a platform that helps organizations understand and reduce their carbon emissions. Saleh’s passion for physical industries intersects with his belief in climate risk and assisting organizations to participate in creating a more sustainable future. As businesses face an increased demand to measure their carbon footprint and understand the impact of their operations on the environment, Gravity offers a comprehensive solution. Tune in to learn more about how Saleh and Gravity are making a difference. Carbon Footprinting: Understanding Your Emissions Carbon footprinting is the process of knowing an organization’s or service’s emissions, which are found in the transportation, manufacturing, and construction sectors and, according to Elhattab, comprise 24% of global emissions. Standardization has been used to calculate emissions for two decades, with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol being a canonical example. The quality bar is rising regarding data used in calculations, moving away from industry averages. This shift highlights the importance of accurate and reliable data in understanding and reducing emissions. Elhattab emphasizes the importance of accurate emissions calculations: “As businesses strive for sustainability, it is crucial to move beyond industry averages and focus on empirical data rooted in an organization’s operations. By tracking real-world activities such as fuel consumption and energy mix, we can obtain high-quality data that enables precise emissions calculations and supports informed decision-making for a greener future.” Gravity: A Comprehensive Solution Gravity helps organizations meet immediate disclosure requirements, find reduction opportunities, and understand the cost implications on a single platform. They are demystifying sustainability by providing a user-friendly and efficient way to manage emissions data that enables businesses to focus on implementing solutions that contribute to a more sustainable future. Low-hanging fruit solutions to reduce emissions include switching to LED lights and electric heat pumps and looking into alternative fuel sources such as electric vehicles for transportation and delivery. Overcoming Challenges in the Pursuit of Sustainability Organizations may face challenges when striving for sustainability, including a lack of shared language, regulation, and access to technology. Businesses can overcome these challenges and work towards a more sustainable future by taking action and collaborating with knowledgeable partners. Elhattab emphasizes the importance of finding someone to lead the charge and partnering with experts who can guide how to begin. Key Takeaways: The demand for measuring and reducing carbon footprints is growing, highlighting the need for businesses to prioritize sustainability. Gravity offers a comprehensive solution that helps organizations understand their emissions and identify reduction opportunities. Overcoming challenges in sustainability requires strong leadership and collaboration with experts. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 387: Demystifying Sustainability With Gravity