Episode 386: Navigating warehouse real estate with Senna De La Cruz of Colliers
The Impact of COVID-19 on Warehouse Real Estate The global pandemic has significantly affected the warehousing industry, with the need for third-party logistics and warehouses skyrocketing due to increased online shopping. According to Senna De La Cruz of Colliers, this resulted in a boom in the industrial market, causing industrial rents to increase by 20% per quarter over 2021. Developers struggle to keep up with the demand, creating a scarcity of vacant warehouse spaces and a need for specific types of square footage layouts. Challenges in Finding Smaller Warehouse Spaces Finding smaller warehouse spaces has become increasingly difficult in some markets, especially those with limited land availability. Infill markets, where newer and smaller spaces are in high demand, often face push-back from cities and crowded conditions. The pandemic has also made it harder for smaller businesses to compete with larger companies in the warehouse space market. De La Cruz believes companies will begin to feel the effects of the current market ease, and while more buildings may become available, “keep in mind that we’re already at a high benchmark in terms of pricing and demand.” He still feels strong companies continue to wait for available warehouse spaces, making discounts and price drops unlikely. Cold Storage Facilities: A High-Demand Niche Cold storage facilities are in high demand and short in supply. De La Cruz states many companies needing cold storage “have had to resort to built-to-suit opportunities to secure warehousing space.” In these arrangements, a company partners with a developer who constructs a custom building for them, which the company then leases for a predetermined period. Developers are now focusing on larger, million-square-foot buildings in suburban and rural areas. Developing cold storage facilities can be expensive and requires niche education, but it is a potentially profitable sector due to the high demand. Key Takeaways from the Episode: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a boom in e-commerce and warehousing industries, making it essential for businesses to adapt and plan accordingly. Tenants should start exploring their options well before their lease expiration, potentially 12 months prior, to lock in rates at a lower market value. Being strategic and professional with negotiations can lead to better outcomes, especially in the competitive warehouse real estate market. EP 386: Navigating Warehouse Real Estate with Senna De La Cruz of Colliers
Bastian Solutions awarded Gold in the 2023 Edison Awards
Bastian Solutions, a Toyota Advanced Logistics company, was named a gold winner in the 2023 Edison Awards. The company is being honored in the Enhanced Automation category for its Bastian Solutions SmartPick™, a robotic bin picking solution, that combines cutting-edge AI-powered vision technology, industrial robotics, and goods-to-person technologies to create goods-to-robot solutions capable of picking the most complex assortment of products with 99.9% accuracy, gaining knowledge from previous picks to better handle various product shapes, sizes and surfaces. The Edison Awards, named after the American inventor Thomas Alva Edison, recognizes some of the most innovative products and business leaders in the world with past winners including Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, General Motors, and Genentech. The prestigious awards honor excellence in new product and service development, marketing, design, and innovation. All nominations go through a review process by the Edison Awards Steering Committee with the final ballot being determined by an independent judging panel. “We are honored and grateful for this recognition and proud that our efforts, to think of new and better ways to serve our customers, are being recognized by such a prestigious award. Bastian Solutions keeps its customers at the core of everything we do, and our incredibly talented employees help us serve our mission of being a best-in-class organization,” said Ron Daggett, Senior Vice President, Technology and Engineering All winners were officially recognized at the 36th annual Edison Awards™ Gala in Fort Myers, Fla. On April 20, 2023, where the finalists were granted Gold, Silver, or Bronze status.
Episode 384: Intralogistics Solutions with Joel Thomas of Siemens
Live from ProMat 2023 Joel Thomas, Director of Intralogistics at Siemens, stops by the booth to discuss the future of warehousing and intralogistics’ role in shaping it. If you aren’t familiar with Siemens, they provide engineering solutions in the industrial and manufacturing space. In this episode, Kevin and Joel talk about how intralogistics technology is revolutionizing the way warehouses and factories operate today, as well as what we can expect from Siemens and other innovators in the near future. What is Intralogistics? Thomas defines Intralogistics as “the movement of material within the four walls” Thanks to technological advancements and the need to address labor shortages and customer expectations, the role of automated material handling equipment in intralogistics, such as automated guided vehicle systems, is becoming more prevalent. Effective use of intralogistics solutions improves productivity and efficiency and increases quality and customer satisfaction. Siemens’ End-to-End Solutions and the Power of Digital Twins Many businesses in the material handling industry are tentative about adopting automated intralogistics solutions, often raising concerns that automation won’t deliver what it promises. Siemens aims to provide end-to-end solutions that give customers a closed-loop digital twin of their facility, allowing them to simulate and test automation before investing. A dream come true for project management. Thomas explained during the podcast that Siemens’ approach is to take the data from a customer’s real-world facility and bring it back into their algorithms. By running simulations using this data, they can identify potential issues a company may face in the future. Thomas adds, “Siemens provides that end-to-end solution where we can combine the electrical, the mechanical, the programmable logic controller (PLC), the logic, and everything so you can tell what your utilization is and what your throughput will be.”The digital twin technology ensures throughput matches reality for end customers, ultimately saving costs and reducing risks associated with implementing new material handling systems. Supporting Customer Success and Embracing Sustainable Intralogistics Solutions Siemens focuses on real added value and aims to support customers and their client base by introducing cutting-edge technologies tailored to their needs. Sustainability and energy efficiency are also crucial factors in their quest for optimization. During the podcast, Thomas talked about Siemens’ pledge to be net carbon zero by 2030 and the company’s commitment to achieving this through higher-efficiency motors and drives. Optimizing systems is also essential, as oversized components can lead to an overabundance of energy usage. With their digital twin technology, Thomas says, Siemens can ensure that components are properly sized, utilized, and matched to energy requirements. This results in intralogistics solutions that use less energy and achieve the desired energy efficiency. Siemens also considers ways to reuse energy efficiently, such as transmitting power back into the main for reuse elsewhere. Key Takeaways Digital twin technology allows for factory simulations, ensuring throughput matches reality and saves costs. Siemens is focused on sustainability and optimizing energy efficiency within their intralogistics solutions. Proper sizing of components can save energy and costs, streamlining warehouse processes and boosting overall efficiency. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 384: Intralogistics Solutions with Joel Thomas of Siemens
Episode 383: Davinci Micro Fulfillment
In this episode of the New Warehouse podcast, Corey Apirian, Davinci Micro Fulfillment’s founder, and CEO, sits down with Kevin to discuss all things micro fulfillment. Apirian explains that the size of these centers varies depending on the problem they are solving, and he gives examples of different businesses that use micro-fulfillment centers. They also discuss the importance of inventory control and the ultimate goal of going point-to-point from the center to the end consumer. If you aren’t familiar with micro fulfillment or just want to learn more, this episode is for you. What is a Micro Fulfillment Center (MFC)? MFCs are small-scale fulfillment centers located in urban areas, designed to optimize the last mile of delivery by providing quicker and more cost-effective delivery to customers. This makes using facilities such as retail stores, supermarkets, and strip malls ideal instead of large warehouses, thereby reducing the time and expense of holding inventory in a centralized location. Apirian adds, “Micro fulfillment is really just about getting closer to the consumer.” How do MFCs Differ from Traditional Fulfillment Centers? MFCs differ from traditional fulfillment centers in several ways. Traditional fulfillment centers are large and centralized, servicing many products and customers. In contrast, a micro fulfillment center is smaller, specializes in specific products, and focuses on a particular geographic area. MFCs utilize automation to maximize throughput and capacity, while traditional fulfillment centers may use a range of automation and are more suitable for storing palletized products with lower turnover rates. What makes a micro fulfillment center unique is they function as the last-mile logistics support, reducing the need for lengthy shipping times. They reduce costs and increase efficiency in the supply chain. Micro warehousing allows for more frequent inventory turns, quicker replenishment of stock, and lower shipping costs with the potential for same-day delivery. Micro fulfillment is a critical part of the ecosystem as it helps brands get inventory closer to the customer. During the pandemic, same-day deliveries of essential items such as Tylenol and groceries were a huge benefit. Apirian shares, “If you can get inventory closer to the customer, and if you’re a brand operating in multi-channel fulfillment, that’s where you get the most insights of how you replenish, how you choose what to sell, and how you make that available from a carrier perspective, whether it’s a local or parcel delivery.” The pandemic changed consumer spending habits, and the need for precision and speed in fulfillment and enhanced customer service experience has become more critical than ever. Apirian believes, “The industry is going to a place of precision. And not speed. And I think that’s a really good thing.” Next in Micro Fulfillment The MFC network is poised to be a game-changer in the retail industry, offering a unique solution that differs significantly from traditional third-party logistics providers. As technology evolves, expect more MFCs to deploy nationwide as retailers seek to improve their micro fulfillment center strategy and create a better customer experience. While the main service of MFCs is fulfillment, Davinci Micro Fulfillment offers more than just that. In addition to fulfillment, Davinci offers its order management system (OMS) and network optimization technology backed by data on what items are selling where. This technology allows brands to understand which channels are most effective for selling their products and how to get those products to customers efficiently. Davinci also provides a physical location network that can, as Apirian states, “cross-pollinate our MFCs with multiple clients” to get inventory forward-deployed as part of their service. He adds, “Brands are looking for channel-agnostic solutions that can quickly fulfill each item to the end customer, drive sales from end to end, and avoid the risks of not turning inventory or having inventory unavailable.” According to Apirian, the MFC network is still in its early stages, with the number of MFCs set to grow exponentially by 2030. However, as retailers continue to move towards more sustainable and efficient fulfillment solutions, MFCs will play a vital role in optimizing the supply chain and meeting customer demands. Key Takeaways MFCs are a game-changer in the retail industry, combining advanced technology and hyper-localized services to deliver personalized, cost-effective, and faster solutions. As the shift toward e-commerce grows, micro warehousing is becoming increasingly essential to meet customers’ demands for timely and tailored delivery options. Davinci Micro Fulfillment’s unique offering of order management systems, network optimization technology, and efficiency-focused processes ensure exceptional service and fast turnarounds for retailers. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 383: Davinci Micro Fulfillment
Omnicon partners with Barry Callebaut to implement industry-leading MES Solutions
Omnicon and Barry Callebaut join forces to revolutionize operations with cutting-edge MES solutions, paving the way for efficient manufacturing and industry recognition Omnicon, a global system integrator of industrial automation, smart manufacturing, consulting, and data management solutions, has announced that the company is providing a team of engineering experts to work alongside Barry Callebaut, a manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products. Since July 2022, Omnicon has been implementing MES solutions across Barry Callebaut’s plants worldwide, utilizing information from newly-imported PLC data to create reports and dashboards. The team is utilizing AVEVA MES Suite, as well as PLCs from Rockwell Automation and Siemens. “Omnicon has the resources and skills that are compatible with what we need around all aspects of MES implementation, going from modifications on the PLC to the MES design, development, and integration. When we need additional resources, they are usually able to meet those needs quickly,” says Bram Van Genabet, a Corporate Digital Innovation Manager at Barry Callebaut. “They have an edge over their competition in terms of agility. As a result of our digital transformation initiatives, we are identifying potential capacity and throughput increases in production processes.” Omnicon’s work has impacted eight to ten plants directly and enabled Barry Callebaut to establish KPIs and measure chocolate production with dashboards and reports. This allows the company to identify and address any issues in the production process, resulting in more efficient operations. Omnicon’s primary objective is to optimize machine efficiency, measure material movement, and maximize process efficiency across the organization. Recently, Barry Callebaut received a prestigious award for Smart Manufacturing: the 2023 Factory of the Future award in January 2023. Omnicon takes pride in their completed projects in MES solutions, automation, and digitalization, and is pleased to see Barry Callebaut achieve this milestone. “At Omnicon, we are proud to continue providing our expertise and resources to assist Barry Callebaut in their MES implementation and digital transformation initiatives. It is rewarding to see our work making a tangible impact on their operations, with increased efficiency and stability in production processes,” says Daniel Gomez, Chief Operating Officer at Omnicon. “Our ability to quickly address and resolve technical challenges and communicate effectively with teams across the globe has been a significant factor in our success.” The MES project management faced communication challenges due to the complexity of the international organization, which includes teams in Europe, Asia, North America, South America, and Latin America. However, Omnicon’s ability to speak both Spanish and English has been a huge advantage, as well as its ability to quickly address and resolve technical challenges to deliver quality work. “Barry Callebaut is a worldwide example of best practices and a good understanding of the main KPIs of the business. They know that processes are always susceptible to improvement, and they understand that to generate greater positive impacts on production and return on investments, the key factor is timely information that leads to timely and accurate decisions,” says Rafael De Vega, Account Manager at Omnicon. “It has been great to work hand in hand with a company that is so passionate about constant improvement and that keeps its eyes on the future.”
Craig Salvalaggio appointed President of Applied Manufacturing Technologies
AMT has appointed Craig Salvalaggio, previously the Chief Operating Officer (COO), as its new president to lead the company’s growth and drive innovation in delivering turnkey solutions throughout North America Applied Manufacturing Technologies (AMT), North America’s largest independent automation engineering company supporting manufacturers, robot companies, systems integrators, line builders, and users of robotic automation worldwide, has announced the promotion of Chief Operating Officer (COO) Craig Salvalaggio to the position of company president. “Promoting Craig to the role of president was an easy decision,” said AMT’s Founder and CEO Michael Jacobs. “His passion for AMT and his remarkable leadership skills as COO over the past three years have been integral to our success. Craig has built an incredibly dedicated team, and his unwavering commitment to our company, culture, and values inspires the AMT team. I am certain that Craig will continue to lead AMT to even greater heights in his new role as president.” “Craig’s promotion to president is a well-deserved recognition of his exceptional leadership skills,” said Louis Finazzo, Vice President of Sales for FANUC America and long-time acquaintance. “He is an industry pioneer and a very strong and capable leader, with remarkable situational awareness and interpersonal skills. Under his leadership, AMT has achieved great success, earning the prestigious FANUC Level V Integrator award and becoming a trusted strategic partner. Craig’s dedication to his customers and his team have been critical to the company’s growth and reputation, and I have no doubt that he will continue to excel in his new role.” Salvalaggio has served in the role as the Chief Operating Officer of AMT since 2020 which has prepared him to take on the additional responsibilities as company president. Since becoming COO, Salvalaggio has led overall operations of Applied Manufacturing Technologies along with sales, engineering, and talent management. His technical skills in automation and robotics combined with his leadership ability, led to his current role. Salvalaggio’s strategic mission is to continue driving the growth and diversity of both the systems and services market segments at AMT. With over 20 years of experience in automation and possessing a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Lake Superior State University, Salvalaggio also holds a Master of Science in operations management and an MBA from Kettering University. Salvalaggio’s impressive rise to the role of president of AMT is a testament to his hard work and extensive experience, starting as a robotics software engineer in 2006 and working his way up the ranks to become Vice President of Engineering, Vice President of Operations, Chief Operating Officer and finally, President. Having climbed the ladder in all aspects of the business, Salvalaggio possesses a deep understanding of the company’s operations and clients. Salvalaggio is actively involved in the Association for Advancing Automation (A3) on the Robotics Tech Sector Board of Directors and has also served on the RIA Membership Committee and as co-chair of the RIA Certified Robot Integrator Program Committee. He is an expert speaker and panelist on topics such as emerging technologies, culture, and talent management, and has authored dozens of publications to further the industry’s progression on knowledge sharing and technology advancement. “I am deeply honored and grateful to be named the president of this incredible company,” said Salvalaggio. “Working alongside my leader Mike Jacobs and our exceptional team has been an incredible journey so far, and I’m excited to continue driving our mission forward in this new role. As we look to the future, I am committed to preserving the unique culture and values that have made our company so successful, while also exploring new opportunities for growth and innovation.”
Leuze announces a change of management
Leuze is placing its strong growth on a broader footing and has expanded its executive management. Xavier Hamers joined the company on April 1, 2023. By 2025, Leuze will have doubled its sales growth since 2020, and not for the first time. With a sales increase of 25 percent, Leuze took another big step toward achieving this ambitious goal in 2022. And the company is set to make further investments: in international structures as well as in its employees and new talent. Expanded executive management Due to the company’s strong growth, Leuze has begun to gradually and systematically place the entire company on a broader footing – in terms of its processes and its organization. A year ago, Helge Held (CFO and Commercial Director) and Dr. Henning Grönzin (CTO and Technical Director) joined the Leuze executive management. Hamers becomes the new CEO of Leuze On April 1st, Xavier Hamers began his role as the new CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board of the global Leuze electronic Group. He studied mechanical engineering and has a strong technical and business background. He also brings many years of international experience in sales and business development to the role. His goal: “The design and service-oriented implementation of technology must give our customers real added value and enable them to sustain their success in a continuously changing industry”. The Sensor People welcome Hamers and wish him all the best in starting his new role.
Episode 382: Rajant panel discussion
In a special panel episode of The New Warehouse, host Kevin Lawton welcomes industry experts to discuss Rajant’s revolutionary Kinetic Mesh Networking technology. The lineup included Ale Walker, Director of Business Development at Gray Solutions, Todd Rigby, Director of Sales at Rajant Corporation, Eric Rongley, CEO at Prime Robotics, and Robert Cheek, COO at Uvify. Tune in to learn more as these experts discuss how Kinetic Mesh Networking technology revolutionizes the warehouse industry! Rajant Corporation, founded in 2002, is a wireless provider specializing in advanced network technology. Their Kinetic Mesh Networking enables a constantly self-optimizing data flow, resulting in a high-quality solution that guarantees compatibility across generations of equipment. This technology has proven highly beneficial in the material handling industry, where downtime can translate to lost productivity or weakens ROI for investments in automated technology that rely on connectivity. Rajant’s Kinetic Mesh Networking: An Advanced Solution for Warehouses At the heart of Rajant’s technology is their Kinetic Mesh Networking. As Todd Rigby explains, “Unlike other networks, like wifi or LTE, which are parent-child type architectures, Rajant has a true peer-to-peer architecture where any node can talk to any other node, and every radio in that node can establish and maintain many active connections.” This sophisticated network ensures continuous connectivity, virtually eliminating handoffs and dropouts that can hinder the value of investments in warehouse robotics and management systems. This self-optimizing network seamlessly adapts to changing operational and environmental conditions, guaranteeing a high-quality solution for warehouse settings. With Rajant breadcrumbs continuously seeking connections, warehouses equipped with this technology experience reduced latency and risk of pallets crashing, thus improving overall worker safety. Impact on Warehouse Operations Rajant’s Kinetic Mesh Networking technology allows for effective connectivity between robots, drones, and AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots). As Ale Walker points out, warehouse and distribution centers can now reap the benefits of this advanced technology, maximizing their investment in automation: “At the end of the day, Rajant allows us to implement automation in these massive plants so that they’re always up. This ensures that customers can recognize the value not only in the product but also in the automation and the investment they’ve committed to.” Moreover, adaptability remains key to the success of this technology, as Todd Rigby highlights the importance of Rajant’s self-optimizing network. Rajant eliminates connectivity limitations and ensures a highly efficient and reliable warehouse infrastructure by allowing any radio to connect to any matching radio in any breadcrumb. Optimizing Warehouse Operations with Rajant Kinetic Mesh The role of automation and robots in modern-day warehouses and manufacturing facilities is paramount to effective and efficient operations and addressing the labor challenges. Rongley emphasizes the importance of connectivity, stating, “For our robots within a warehouse, the latency between the server and robots is critical as dropouts could lead to pallets crashing and humans getting hurt.” The challenges become more significant as facilities integrate more robots into their operations. Cheek explains, “As the number of robots increases, we see a greater need for solutions like Rajant’s Kinetic Mesh to ensure accuracy and precision in these complex systems.” Rigby says, “Having a strong network ensures better support for us (the providers) over time and ultimately for customers.” With its self-optimizing routes and configurations, Rajant Kinetic Mesh provides reliable and cost-effective solutions to warehouses and manufacturing facilities looking to automate their processes. Moreover, Rajant’s breadcrumbs continually improve performance and capability as new features and capabilities to each firmware upgrade. As Rigby notes, “Unlike a computer or a smartphone that can lose performance over time, our Rajant breadcrumbs continually improve in performance and capability.” Key Takeaways Rajant’s Kinetic Mesh Networking technology enables unparalleled connectivity in warehouses, allowing for efficient communication between robots, drones, and AMRs. This reduces latency and the risk of accidents, offering a safer and smoother operating environment. Rajant’s Kinetic Mesh enables the implementation of automation, ensuring that systems are always up, which helps customers recognize the value of their investment in both the product and automation. Having a self-optimizing network allows Rajant’s technology to adapt to ever-changing warehouse conditions, ensuring maximum operational efficiency and return on investment for its customers. EP 382: Rajant Panel Discussion
Episode 381: Lucas Systems at ProMat 2023
Ken Ramoutar, Chief Marketing Officer at Lucas Systems, joins The New Warehouse live from ProMat 2023. Lucas Systems is a Pittsburgh-based software company focused on improving warehouse efficiency by providing workers with tools to streamline their operations. Their system, run by the voice assistant Jennifer, helps workers move around warehouses more efficiently and reduce stress with minimal walking and unproductive time. Ken and Kevin discuss everything from the MHI Innovation Awards nomination for Lucas System, things to consider before robotics, and how voice optimization benefits the warehouse. Lucas Systems Voice Optimization System for Warehousing Operations One of the most exciting recent trends in warehousing technology is voice optimization, which allows workers to use spoken commands to direct their work and receive instructions from a central system. Ramoutar shares, “Jennifer’s the voice and the brains of our system. She helps the workers move around the warehouse so they know what to do, what to pick, and where to go next. So she’s really their best friend. And so what Lucas does is we not only help the workers, but we help warehouses get a lot more efficient and productive.” This technology offers several key benefits for the industry, from increased employee productivity to more security to reduced operator fatigue to enhanced customer experience. The Challenges of Modern Warehousing Operations Today’s warehouses face several key challenges, from growing customer demands and rising operational costs to the need for improved efficiency and accuracy in order fulfillment. In the past, these challenges were often addressed through manual processes, with warehouse workers often using paper-based systems and physical labor to manage their daily tasks. However, as the industry has grown and become more complex, these approaches have become increasingly untenable. As a result, many companies have turned to technology and smart software to optimize their operations. Solutions like Lucas, a leading provider of voice optimization systems and smart software for the warehousing industry, offer new ways to streamline warehouse processes and boost worker productivity. Ramoutar adds, “Labor remains a big challenge for most of our customers. The newer workers want tech. Their expectations are bigger, and I think tech will be a game changer for those who want to acquire and retain the warehouse workforce of the future.” Lucas Systems Warehouse Orchestration One of the key benefits of a voice optimization system from Lucas Systems is the ability to orchestrate workflow efficiently within warehouse and distribution center operations. “And one of the things we do at Lucas is optimized how they run the warehouse, and we help optimize the amount of travel,” says Ramoutar, and also one of the reasons Lucas Systems was up for an MHI Innovation Award this year. Lucas Dynamic Work Optimization product has some customers reporting a 50% decline in employee travel time thanks to its efficiency. Additionally, a voice optimization system can help improve picking accuracy, as workers can receive specific instructions and feedback directly from managers through the system. This can help reduce errors and ensure that items are accurately picked and shipped to customers. Another key benefit is the reduction of operational fatigue. With a voice-activated system, workers can have their hands free to focus on tasks rather than constantly switching between physical tasks and data entry. This level of orchestration provided by Lucas Systems can help warehouses continuously adapt, prevent injuries and reduce fatigue, leading to a safer and more productive work environment in changing market dynamics. Key Takeaways Companies need to think about more than just buying robots; they also must consider how it will work with the existing system and who can help make it happen. The Dynamic Work Optimization product has been developed by Lucas Systems for over 10 years, and customers have reported up to a 50% reduction in worker travel time due to its efficient routing. The newer workers want tech. Their expectations are bigger, and it will be a game changer for any warehouse or distribution center looking to acquire and retain the warehouse workforce of the future. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 381: Lucas Systems at ProMat 2023
SAKOR Technologies releases Dynolab™ GenV next generation test automation control
SAKOR Technologies Inc., a recognized leader in the area of high-performance dynamometer systems, announces the release of the DynoLAB™ GenV next-generation test automation controller, which allows even a non-programmer to implement complex test systems and testing standards. Delivering a new benchmark in modularity, performance, robustness, and expandability, DynoLAB GenV is built on the latest Windows technologies and development tools in full compliance with current information technology standards. The new DynoLAB GenV can be used with a wide array of hardware, including power analyzers, resistance meters, high potential (hi-POT) testers, ECU’s, video control units, and emissions analyzers. The fully networked test automation controller can operate several different devices independently, so users can perform multiple tests simultaneously, often with a single DynoLAB GenV controller. Each DynoLAB GenV execution unit is an independent module, which provides superior software robustness. The system is completely scalable, so performance takes advantage of faster processors, larger memory, and more processor cores as they become available. The powerful new automation controller features multi-monitor, multi-window, and multi-tabbed displays that allow the test sequence to be laid out in the most appealing and ergonomic manner. With its modern intuitive interface and powerful graphical test sequence editor, test engineers and technicians can easily design and implement complex automated test sequences without the need to learn a programming language or employ a professional programmer. Tests can be edited or created online or offline and the user interface and displays can be modified while the test is executing. Users can export test sequences, hardware channel sets, and unit definitions for offline test editing. SAKOR uses its advanced user experience feature to teach operators and engineers how to quickly configure and run tests. “We are excited about the launch of our new DynoLAB GenV product,” said Randal Beattie, president of SAKOR. “Building on our decades of testing experience, the new controller allows customers to automate much larger and more complex systems than ever before, with a cost and expandability not available in the market until now.”
Episode 378: The smart warehouse with Softeon
CMO Dan Gilmore and CTO Mark Fralick of Softeon join The New Warehouse from ProMat 2023 to discuss the smart warehouse of the future. Softeon is a supply chain software solutions company focused on supply chain execution, including warehouse management and warehouse execution systems. Their suite of products includes labor management, yard management, slotting optimization, and materials handling. Tune in to hear how Softeon removes barriers to automation and speeds up ROI, allowing warehouses to integrate technology into the warehouse. The Future of Smart Warehouses According to Softeon, a smart automated warehouse comprises several capabilities, robotic technologies, and components that can be easily adaptable and combined to meet specific needs, with a Warehouse Management System (WMS) forming the foundation alongside complementary Warehouse Execution System (WES) technology to deliver a new generation of capabilities. Dan adds, “Smart warehouse systems will operate based on artificial intelligence and on a variety of technologies that will interact with each other to perform tasks in increasingly autonomous ways.” This implies a smart warehouse system can adapt and transform based on changing conditions, enhancing operational efficiencies. To realize this vision, advanced techniques such as task cutting and interleaving will play a significant role. Using these techniques, smart warehouses will prioritize the most profitable tasks and allocate resources accordingly to ensure optimal performance. In addition, WES will enable new levels of optimization, inventory control, and orchestration in smart warehouses. WES will offer real-time decision support and facilitate dynamic task allocation, increasing throughput and reducing lag times. Speaking on the subject, Gilmore added, “The Any-to-Any system integration technology will be critical in smart warehouses as it provides flexible and agile support for materials handling automation.” With the increasing demand for scalability and flexibility, such system integration technology will be essential in fulfilling this need. With ProMat breaking an attendance record this year, it appears smart warehouses will play an increasingly vital role in the future of the supply chain. These advanced technologies will enhance operational efficiency, curb costs, and enable warehouses to adapt to the ever-changing market and labor conditions. The Importance of Smart Warehouse Technologies in Optimizing Warehouse Management Systems In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing business environment, e-commerce and customer demand have pushed supply chains to become more efficient and responsive. One of the critical components of the supply chain is warehouse management systems, which can drive profitability for businesses if managed efficiently. Smart warehouse technologies have emerged as a solution to optimize warehouse management and automate supply chain operations, reducing the risk of errors and improving productivity. “Just by looking around, you see all this new technology, and fundamentally, this is all technology that wants to get to the floor, right? It’s a technology that wants to be on the floor,” says Mark. He believes it is crucial to remove the impedance that traditional warehouses face when integrating different systems and technologies in the supply chain, as it can lead to setbacks in productivity and profitability. This is where Smart Warehouse Systems come in. Softeon creates a dynamic data racetrack for communication between different systems used in the supply chain. This communication is essential in ensuring all these technologies work together seamlessly to optimize warehouse space and productivity. Smart warehouse systems can also boost sustainability within the supply chain. Smart warehousing can reduce a warehouse’s overall carbon footprint by reducing the time and energy required for order fulfillment and guiding employees to use environmentally conscious practices. The future of warehouse management and smart warehouse systems is exceptionally bright, with new emerging technologies that provide even more significant benefits. For example, AI can optimize warehouse picking by using inventory levels and predicting which products will be ordered next. This optimization could significantly improve a warehouse’s productivity and better predict customer demand. How to Optimize Automation in Your Warehouse Management System Managing a warehouse comes with its own set of challenges. But with the advent of automation and better warehouse management systems, we can make order fulfillment faster and more efficient than ever before. However, introducing automation into your warehouse operations can be time-consuming, and without the right strategy, you could end up with a complex and challenging system. So, how do you get automation into your warehouse? “It’s all about the flow,” said Mark. For any automation technology to work effectively, ensuring it fits into your warehouse’s operations is essential. Dan adds, “You have to have the core foundation in place to get to the smart warehouse.” In other words, it should seamlessly integrate with the warehouse processes existing system to amplify the system’s functionality. Mark believes a sound warehouse system should be like a duck in water. It should have a smooth flow and not look stressful on the surface, but everything underneath must work towards a common goal. Therefore, automation should not be viewed as just an addition to the existing inventory management system but as part of the more extensive warehouse management system. Having a technological solution that improves the flow of the warehouse, enhances productivity, and ultimately generates the best ROI. To do this, you must carefully consider the Return on Investment (ROI) of the technology you want to introduce into your warehouse operation. You should not simply add new technology without looking for its efficiency and impact on warehouse productivity. Instead of just adding technology bit by bit, it is crucial to understand the flow of inventory tracking in your warehouse and choose the right solution that amplifies the system’s flow. A proper ROI analysis, training, and a great understanding of the warehouse flow must back the right technology solution. Key Takeaways Materials handling technologies are growing in scope, and integrating them into flow processes needs to be more open and efficient. Organizations can maximize automation efficiencies and minimize bottlenecks by attacking ROI from the top down. The “smart warehouse of the future” emphasizes advanced techniques like task management and task interleaving to achieve autonomous warehouses. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 378: The Smart Warehouse with Softeon
SVT Robotics delivers rapid Warehouse Automation Integration for Tecsys WMS customers with a SOFTBOT® Platform Connector
The Tecsys connector will bring rapid, plug-and-play automation connectivity to robotics integration and warehouse automation solutions SVT Robotics, a provider of enterprise software for the rapid deployment of industrial robotics, has announced a new SOFTBOT® Platform Connector for Tecsys Inc., a supply chain management software company. SVT and Tecsys worked together to develop and launch the pre-built connector between the Tecsys WMS and SVT’s SOFTBOT® Platform. The integration will provide Tecsys Elite™ customers with much faster deployment and lower complexity without the need for custom code development often involved in multi-system automation and robotics deployments. “A SOFTBOT connector is one of the basic building blocks of the SOFTBOT Platform, like a Rosetta Stone for data information between systems,” said Nick Leonard, SVP of Product at SVT Robotics. “With this connector to the Tecsys WMS, we can normalize data from their standard API to create interoperability between Tecsys and other solutions from leading providers. This allows Tecsys customers to rapidly deploy the specific automation they need today with little to no customization.” “This is a game-changer for our customers,” said Bill Denbigh, Vice President of Product Marketing at Tecsys. “With a growing and evolving automation market, orchestrating warehouse automation across multiple automation vendors has the potential to quickly become unsupportable. Our collaboration with SVT allows Tecsys to offer a hardware-agnostic warehouse automation solution perfectly tailored to each use case. It liberates them to choose automation that best addresses their warehouse challenges, rather than limiting them to a specific WMS provider’s preferred automation partner.” Click here to see a demo of the Tecsys Connector in action on the SOFTBOT Platform.
Andrew Manship appointed as Vanderlande’s next CEO
Vanderlande has announced the appointment of Andrew Manship as its next Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Andrew will take up the position on January 1, 2024, succeeding current CEO, Remo Brunschwiler, who has the intention to end his executive management career on December 31, 2023 and thereafter transition to nonexecutive management positions. Andrew is currently the company’s Executive VP of BU Airport & Parcel Solutions. He brings a strong customer-driven focus to his new role, as well as a deep understanding of Vanderlande’s business strategy, activities, and global markets. He has been with the company since 2016 and has successfully merged Vanderlande’s airport and parcel businesses. In addition, Andrew can lean on a wealth of experience within the automated material handling industry and a track record of delivering added value to customers in highly competitive markets. The Chairman of Vanderlande’s Supervisory Board, Norio Wakabayashi, sees the benefit of appointing an outstanding internal candidate as the new CEO: “We are convinced that Andrew is the best candidate to lead Vanderlande through its next phase of growth. He has successfully expanded the global airport business for the company and realized valuable portfolio synergies with the parcel business. Vanderlande will continue to benefit from his visionary industry expertise and unwavering customer focus, reinforced by his value-driven ethos. “I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Remo for his leadership of Vanderlande. His clear strategic focus on organizational development and sustainable platform-based solutions has given the company a strong foundation for future growth and a better position from which to succeed.” “It has been a pleasure to have been the CEO of Vanderlande for almost seven years and –with the support of the organization – continuously strive for a high performance that results in innovative solutions for the benefits of our customers,” says Remo Brunschwiler. “I have enjoyed working with talented colleagues, who have helped me to move our customers’ businesses forward on a global scale. I will hand over my CEO responsibilities to Andrew in January 2024, safe in the knowledge that he brings great determination and energy to the role, with a customer-centric focus.” “I am honored to have been appointed as Remo’s successor, with the opportunity to lead Vanderlande as a trusted partner for future-proof logistics process automation,” says Andrew Manship. “I aim to build on the company’s extensive portfolio of integrated solutions to serve the needs of our customers. In addition, I look forward to working with Vanderlande’s global team, as well as Toyota Industries Corporation, to deliver optimal value. And finally, I would also like to thank Remo for the trust and support he has given me over the years.” Vanderlande is a market-leading, global partner for future-proof logistic process automation in the warehousing, airports, and parcel sectors. Its extensive portfolio of integrated solutions – innovative systems, intelligent software, and life-cycle services – results in the realization of fast, reliable, and efficient automation technology. The company focuses on the optimization of its customers’ business processes and competitive positions. Through close cooperation, it strives for the improvement of its operational activities and the expansion of its logistical achievements. Vanderlande’s warehousing solutions are the first choice for many of the largest global e-commerce players and retailers in food, fashion, and general merchandise across the globe. The company helps them to fulfill their promise of same-day delivery for billions of orders, with nine of the 15 largest global food retailers relying on its efficient and reliable solutions. As a global partner for future-proof airport solutions, Vanderlande’s market-leading baggage handling systems and related passenger solutions are capable of moving over 4 billion pieces of baggage around the world per year. These are active in more than 600 airports, including 12 of the world’s top 20. Vanderlande is also a supplier of process automation solutions that address the challenges in the parcel market. More than 52 million parcels are sorted by its systems every day, which have been installed for the world’s leading parcel handling companies. Established in 1949, Vanderlande has more than 9,000 employees, all committed to moving its customers’ businesses forward at diverse locations on every continent. With a consistently increasing turnover of 2.4 billion euros, it has established a worldwide reputation over the past seven decades as a global partner for future-proof logistic process automation. Vanderlande was acquired in 2017 by Toyota Industries Corporation, which will help it to continue its sustainable profitable growth. The two companies have a strong strategic match and the synergies include cross-selling, product innovations, and research and development.
NFI enhances Canadian footprint with acquisition of SDR Distribution
NFI, a provider of North American supply chain solutions, announced that it has acquired SDR Distribution Services, a multichannel provider of custom warehousing and distribution solutions in Canada and the US. With the acquisition, NFI will expand its customer base in the fashion and retail industry and will double its distribution footprint in Canada. Established in 1979 as a wholesale distribution company, SDR has become a leader in the North American 3PL market, specializing in fashion, footwear, and accessories. NFI has been operating in the Canadian marketplace for over 15 years. The SDR acquisition expands its presence in Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver, making NFI one of Canada’s largest warehousing and distribution businesses, with 4.5 million square feet. “We are excited to have SDR join NFI and continue our growth in the Canadian market,” said Sid Brown, CEO of NFI. “The SDR acquisition brings additional blue-chip fashion and retail customers to our portfolio. With the combined expertise of both NFI and SDR, customers can expand in the US with NFI’s existing footprint and access our other service offerings. We look forward to SDR’s impact on the future success of NFI.” “NFI is a great fit for our associates because of our similar cultures and NFI’s deep commitment to their customers,” said Glenn Nicodemus, CEO of SDR. “The acquisition of NFI will bring added value to our customer relationships since SDR prides itself on being an expert in the fashion and apparel industry.” Since its acquisition of Canadian-based Dominion at the end of 2016, NFI has continued to expand its Canadian service offering through acquisitions and organic growth, including freight brokerage, global freight forwarding, asset-based transportation, and value-added warehousing and distribution. The addition of SDR brings NFI’s warehousing footprint to 72 million square across the United States and Canada.
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
Poor economic climate knocks warehouse construction
Warehouses added to the global building stock in 2023 down 35% compared with 2022. 26% of warehouses are expected to be automated by 2027, up from 18% in 2022 The Inflation Reduction Act, coupled with the trend toward near-shoring resulted in an uptick in durable manufacturing warehouses in Europe and North America As with many other sectors, the recent economic downturn has hit the warehouse construction sector hard. Updated research by Interact Analysis suggests that fulfillment center construction has suffered in particular, partly driven by Amazon’s decreased spend on micro-fulfillment. In response to the rising trend towards online shopping and e-commerce during the pandemic, we saw an increase in the construction of fulfillment centers to cope with this demand. Amazon accounted for a large proportion of this activity, as it doubled its fulfillment capacity between 2020 and 2021. But, as the trend towards e-commerce begins to slow down, the construction and building of new fulfillment centers have also dipped. In 2022, 4,000 fulfillment centers were added to the global building stock, but in 2023 this is forecast to decline to 2,000. Consequently, demand for end-to-end automation solutions will also decrease and the boom we saw during the COVID-19 pandemic will come to an end. Many companies are likely to focus on automating their existing assets rather than investing in new, larger projects. Warehouse construction has also suffered from the effects of poor economic conditions across much of the globe, in particular rising interest rates. It is expected the US will see a “meaningful” downturn within the next 12 to 18 months and, consequently, Interact Analysis forecasts a decline in the rate of warehouse construction in the coming years. Despite this, the growth in e-commerce since the pandemic is likely to dampen the shock to the warehouse construction sector. This is a lagging indicator, so a significant decrease is expected in 2H 2023 and 1H 2024. Overall, 6,700 warehouses will be added to the global building stock in 2023, a reduction of 35% compared with 2022, but still higher than pre-COVID levels. Overall, China and the US are leading the way in terms of warehouse construction. In 2022, the two countries combined accounted for 58% of the total square footage added. The US’s total warehousing stock increased by 6% over the year and China’s by 5%. The updated research shows that Japan and France registered the lowest growth in terms of additional warehouse square footage in 2022. Rueben Scriven, Research Manager at Interact Analysis, says, “It is important to realize the downturn in warehouse construction is not due to a lack of demand. Rather, it is due to high-interest rates and poor economic conditions. The slowdown in warehouse construction is likely to be short-lived as the demand for sites is still there. Rent prices are anticipated to increase in the mid-term and e-commerce will continue to drive demand over the long term. Regarding automation, although we expect to see a decrease in demand for end-to-end automation, by the end of 2022, 18% of all warehouses had some form of automation installed and this is set to increase to 26% by the end of 2027. Food & beverage warehouses, and parcel sectors report the highest levels of automation in their warehouses.” About the Report: “Lockdowns and social distancing measures implemented to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic caused a wholesale disruption of traditional brick-and-mortar retail. In less than a year, US e-commerce penetration rose from ~10% of all retail sales in late 2019 to roughly 15% by the end of 2020. With global e-commerce online sales projected to more than double over the next five years, 28,500 warehouses will be added to the global stock. A significant portion of these new warehouses will be direct-to-consumer fulfillment centers necessitating significant labor and automation investments.” IA’s Warehouse Building Stock Database is the ONLY report on the market that estimates warehouse counts, footprint, sizes, labor demand, and automation penetration as a single, consistent, and global dataset. We’ve consolidated and analyzed data points from government sources, public company filings, and industry sources into a model that provides detailed and credible warehouse estimates – all regularly updated to incorporate new information, outlooks, and segmentations. About Interact Analysis With over 200 years of combined experience, Interact Analysis is the market intelligence authority for global supply chain automation. Our research covers the entire automation value chain – from the technology used to automate factory production, through inventory storage and distribution channels, to the transportation of the finished goods. The world’s leading companies trust us to surface robust insights and opportunities for technology-driven growth. To learn more, visit www.InteractAnalysis.com
Peak Technologies appoints new Chief Revenue Officer
René Schrama joins the executive leadership team to drive growth across the newly-combined organization Peak Technologies, a provider of digital supply chain and mobile workforce solutions, named René Schrama chief revenue officer (CRO). In his role, Schrama will strategically support future sales growth across all business segments and areas of operation. Schrama’s appointment is the latest step in the organization’s strategic plan to create “One Peak” and drive continued growth as one newly-combined organization. In addition to his new role, Schrama will continue his leadership responsibilities as managing director for Europe. “A key consideration in appointing René to the CRO position is that we will remain true to our foundational values,” said Tony Rivers, president and CEO, of Peak Technologies. “This role will be a dynamic and strategic force to drive our mission of being a trusted business adviser and solutions partner to the world’s leading companies by applying our deep domain-level experience in advanced digital supply chain and mobile technologies to help customers achieve their strategic business objectives.” Schrama brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Peak’s executive leadership team. He joined Peak Technologies in November 2020 and has served as managing director for Europe since October 2021. Under his leadership, Peak UK has grown revenue by 47%, all while facilitating and integrating acquisitions in Ireland, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Following his business studies degree in international marketing, Schrama held various international sales leadership roles with Symbol Technologies and Motorola Solutions. In 2014, Schrama started his own consulting company, advising corporations such as Zebra Technologies, Scansource, Datalogic, Toshiba, and Polycom on their go-to-market strategies across Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. Throughout his career, Schrama has built and implemented successful business plans by recognizing opportunities for growth and developing strategies to execute a vision for significant revenue growth. His experience across different sectors, disciplines and global industries makes Schrama well-qualified to successfully integrate a consistent and effective sales strategy across every operational group within Peak Technologies, resulting in sustainable revenue growth. “I am very excited to take on the chief revenue officer position with Peak Technologies, especially at a time when our company is setting itself apart from the competition with our technical capabilities, our solutions focus and our sales reach,” said Schrama. “I look forward to working closely with our talented teams in sales, marketing, and throughout the company. Peak Technologies has a bright future and is uniquely positioned to expand our standing as the world’s leading solutions provider in our sector.”
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 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
Pednekar promoted to Global Business Services Distribution Manager at SLB
Vinit Pednekar was recently promoted to Global Business Services Distribution Manager at SLB in Houston, Texas (US). Mr. Pednekar is responsible for the overall operations of the company’s Regional Distribution Center in the US and its satellite centers in Canada and Mexico. Supporting the company’s Global Operations, he oversees third-party logistics (3PL) operations and performance management and directs complex logistics mobilizations. He also maintains high standards for quality, health, safety, and environment (QHSE) and ensures trade control compliance for all orders routed through these centers. Mr. Pednekar developed special expertise in global supply chain logistics during his 16-year career spanning the Middle East, Asia, and the United States. Prior to this promotion, he was Materials Manager at the Distribution Center. He was previously Supplier Manager for the company’s Well Construction Division, responsible for the North America Offshore and Caribbean region. Based in the Houston office, in this role he managed logistics mobilizations and sourcing and negotiation strategy for critical third-party suppliers, as well as the performance of centralized Hubs. Before relocating to Houston, Mr. Pednekar served as Global Logistics Planning Manager. In that capacity, he played a significant role in building an infrastructure to facilitate logistics planning, standardize service-level agreements, and optimize data analytics. Mr. Pednekar received a B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering from Mumbai University and an M.B.A. in International Business with a specialization in Supply Chain from the Institute of International Business in Pune, India. He is a Fellow member of the Charter Institute of Logistics & Transport.