Episode 522: Tackling labor challenges in the Warehouse with Geek+
In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin sits down with Nicole Allison, Regional Sales Manager at Geek+. They dive into the intricacies of warehouse automation, focusing on how Geek+ addresses some of the most pressing challenges in the industry today. Geek+ is a global leader in autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and goods-to-person technology. Nicole shares insights on how their innovative solutions optimize operations and improve worker ergonomics and satisfaction in the ever-evolving warehouse environment. Leveraging Automation for Labor Challenges in the Warehouse One of the most significant hurdles in the warehouse industry is labor management—finding, retaining, and ensuring the safety of employees. As Nicole highlights, “Labor is the largest component of any customer’s business, accounting for about 70 percent of their total operating costs.” Consequently, Geek+ tackles this challenge head-on by creating solutions that reduce the physical demands on workers. Furthermore, automation helps make jobs more ergonomic and more appealing. Nicole adds, “Geek+ is fortunate to have the largest portfolio of goods-to-persons technology on the market.” These systems allow workers to remain stationary while products are brought to them, significantly boosting productivity and worker satisfaction. Comprehensive Solutions for Diverse Warehouse Needs Geek+ stands out in the market with its extensive portfolio of robots tailored to various warehouse tasks. From shelves-to-person to totes-to-person and pallets-to-person systems, Geek+ can automate a wide range of operations within a warehouse. Nicole emphasized, “We refer to ourselves as an end-to-end solution provider because we can handle multiple applications in the warehouse.” Consequently, this flexibility allows Geek+ to address labor challenges across different departments. They can streamline operations and maximize efficiency through a unified software platform that controls all their robots. The Next Chapter in Warehouse Automation As automation becomes more commonplace, Geek+ plans to expand its footprint in the Americas. Additionally, Nicole notes that their focus is also on enhancing downstream operations. This strategy ensures their solutions are fast and highly adaptable to the needs of their clients. “Our software continues to optimize based on several factors, such as correlation and weight, to ensure that warehouses are running at their best efficiency,” she explained. They also plan to launch an innovation center in Atlanta this fall. Key Takeaways Labor costs account for about 70% of warehouse operating expenses, making automation a critical solution. Geek+ provides end-to-end solutions that integrate seamlessly across various warehouse operations. Geek+ has the largest portfolio of goods-to-person technology on the market. The New Warehouse Podcast Episode 522: Tackling Labor Challenges in the Warehouse with Geek+
August 2024 bounces back with a 22% increase in new planned Capital Projects from the previous month
Industrial SalesLeads released the August 2024 results for the new planned capital project spending report for the Industrial Manufacturing industry. The Firm tracks North American planned industrial capital project activity, including facility expansions, new plant construction, and significant equipment modernization projects. Research confirms 168 new projects, compared to 138 projects the previous month. The following are selected highlights of the new Industrial Manufacturing industry construction news. Industrial Manufacturing – By Project Type Manufacturing/Production Facilities – 153 New Projects Distribution and Industrial Warehouse – 99 New Projects Industrial Manufacturing – By Project Scope/Activity New Construction – 43 New Projects Expansion – 56 New Projects Renovations/Equipment Upgrades – 68 New Projects Plant Closings – 18 New Projects Industrial Manufacturing – By Project Location (Top 10 States) New York – 15 Indiana – 14 Ohio – 13 Michigan – 12 Ontario – 11 Wisconsin – 11 North Carolina – 10 Pennsylvania – 6 Tennessee – 6 Arizona – 5 Largest Planned Project During August, our research team identified 11 new Industrial Manufacturing facility construction projects with an estimated value of $100 million or more. The largest project is owned by Natron Energy, which plans to invest $1.4 billion to construct a 1.2 million sf manufacturing facility in ROCKY MOUNT, NC. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Top 10 Tracked Industrial Manufacturing Projects QUEBEC: An aerospace company plans to invest $1.2 billion in the expansion of its manufacturing facility in MIRABEL, QC. They recently received approval for the project. NEW MEXICO: Solar Cell Manufacturing Company plans to invest $942 million in constructing an 834,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Albuquerque, NM. They are currently seeking approval for the project, which is expected to start in late 2024. INDIANA: A steel company plans to invest $300 million in renovations and equipment upgrades at its manufacturing facility in Gary, IN. It is currently seeking approval for the project. MINNESOTA: A tissue paper manufacturer plans to invest $250 million in a 500,000 SF expansion, renovation, and equipment upgrades at a recently acquired manufacturing and warehouse facility in DULUTH, MN. They are currently seeking approval for the project. WEST VIRGINIA: A steel Mfr. plans to invest $150 million in constructing a manufacturing facility in WEIRTON, WV. They are seeking approval for the project, slated for completion in 2026. NORTH CAROLINA: A veterinary medical device manufacturer is planning to invest $147 million in the construction of a manufacturing facility in Wilson, NC, and is currently seeking approval for the project. KENTUCKY: Electric component MFR. is planning to invest $144 million to repurpose its manufacturing facility in MAYSVILLE, KY, and is seeking approval for the project. KANSAS: A pharmaceutical company plans to invest $130 million in the renovation, expansion, and equipment upgrades of its processing facility in ELWOOD, KS. It is currently seeking approval for the project. OHIO: A steel company plans to invest $100 million in expanding its manufacturing facility in Cantons, Ohio. It is currently seeking approval for the project. FLORIDA: A building materials manufacturing company plans to invest $78 million in constructing a 480,000-square-foot manufacturing and warehouse facility in ZEPHYRHILLS, FL. Construction is expected to start in late 2024. The company will consolidate its regional operations upon completion, which is slated for late 2025. About IMI SalesLeads, Inc. Since 1959, IMI SalesLeads, based in Jacksonville, FL, is a leader in delivering industrial capital project intelligence and prospecting services for sales and marketing teams to ensure a predictable and scalable pipeline. Our Industrial Market Intelligence, IMI identifies timely insights on companies planning significant capital investments such as new construction, expansion, relocation, equipment modernization, and plant closings in industrial facilities. The Outsourced Prospecting Services, an extension to your sales team, is designed to drive growth with qualified meetings and appointments for your internal sales team. Visit us at salesleadsinc.com.
Must read: Dealers, we have an opportunity for you
Another year-end is approaching. But I’m not sure what to expect for next year. Before we do anything further, I wanted to review the AI program we have made available to you. Some of you must be thinking, WHAT IS BARTECKI UP TO NOW? Well, let me tell you. The goal is to produce a dealer standard for investigating AI, to determine if your system and data can provide meaningful data to assist customers and improve internal processes and knowledge to do more with less, to determine how long it will take to implement a workable program, and finally, how much investment is required over what period, along with an estimated ROI to expect from this investment. Can you see the benefit here? What you do with Connor Corp will become an industry-specific dealer program where you will find industry-specific answers and suggestions about using AI in a dealership. Since this is a no-cost program until you decide to move forward, you can contact Connor, and they will compile a file based on what they hear from dealers and address it in their monthly column in MHW. And don’t worry; no specific dealer will be identified in the column or during conversations with dealers. I suppose dealers representing a particular brand could assemble an AI group to discuss how their group could benefit from AI and, if so, have the OEM participate in the AI planning. All participants in the process are on the same page. So please take advantage of this benefit for two reasons: 1. It will benefit your operation internally and externally when dealing with customers. 2. Going through this process will provide you with a path to assist customers who are going through the same process. In short, this would be a value-added benefit on your part. So please give this a shot if you are investigating AI or have decided to move ahead based on your work to date. In either case, industry-specific findings will help reduce the cost of implementing AI and the time it takes to install it. I hope readers will provide input into the process so that other readers can benefit from their conclusions and findings. To me, having a process to help me through this type of expenditure geared to my kind of business would be at the top of my list. I want nothing better than to be able to compare notes with other dealers to avoid costly mistakes. So please use Connor Corp, and let’s get the program going because it will make your life a lot easier regarding AI decisions. On to another subject. How about we review where we stand regarding inflation and deflation? Inflation is moving downward for certain products and services but is still above the 2% rate the Fed is looking for. In terms of inflation, James Altucher states we are suffering from a case of EconCovid because 40% of all money printed in the history of the US was printed in the six months after COVID-19 started in March 2020. Now you know where the inflation originated from. To contain and lower inflation, the Fed increased interest rates to reduce the funds and move them into banks to earn interest while slowing down borrowing to keep borrowed funds out of the money supply. Let me say that again: BORROWED MONEY CAN CAUSE INFLATION. I HOPE OUR RESIDENTS IN DC UNDERSTAND THAT. Deflation is also something to consider because if we have a slowdown that causes increases in inventory levels, prices will fall, and margins will take a hit. These deflation hits will have to be offset with payroll reductions and general cost-cutting to try and make ends meet. However, another cause of deflation could pop up even if we avoid a recession. This deflation will result from new forms of technology that will produce INNOVATION, BETTER PRODUCTION, AND AUTOMATION that will lower costs and thus pricing while maintaining margins. How about that…. a good deflation. With all that is happening, you can expect to deal with many variables in 2025 when planning for CAP-X, which contains technology, AI, and general production spending, no matter what industry you are in. My brother was in the machine tool manufacturing business until they opened the gates to China. You can guess the rest. In any event, he always told me that YOUR COMPETITOR IS YOUR BEST ENGINEER. FIND OUT WHAT THEY ARE DOING AND DO IT BETTER. In other words, who is considered to have a better operation than yours? Then, do your homework to find out why customers feel that way, and “poof,” you have a list of issues to work with to catch up and overtake them in your market. One last thing. I just finished reading Masters of the Air by Donald L.Miller. It covers the air war in WW2. This is an outstanding piece of writing, about 500 pages, that will personally impact you. It will make you cry, lose sleep, and maybe even come up with a nightmare or two. What we put those kids through is unbelievable. And they were kids…. flying B-17s. Give it a try….you will not forget it. About the Columnist: Garry Bartecki is a CPA MBA with GB Financial Services LLC and a Wholesaler columnist since August 1993. E-mail editorial@mhwmag.com to contact Garry.
Episode 521: Transforming perishable fulfillment with GRIP
In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, we welcome Juan Meisel, the founder and CEO of GRIP, a company specializing in perishable fulfillment services. Juan shares his journey to founding GRIP to solve perishable fulfillment problems on a larger scale. For example, GRIP’s powerful shipping engine optimizes the delivery process for temperature-sensitive products. Tune in as we dive into the unique obstacles of perishable logistics and how GRIP’s innovative technology is making a difference. Overcoming Perishable Fulfillment Challenges GRIP’s journey began with the realization that traditional logistics solutions weren’t ideal for shipping perishable goods. Juan highlights the importance of ensuring that products like frozen meat arrive in perfect condition. Also, any failure could lead to substantial financial losses and customer dissatisfaction.“Every single one of these boxes that are frozen, if you don’t deliver it how you’re supposed to, you have to either reship or refund,” Juan explains, emphasizing the high stakes involved. GRIP’s shipping engine, developed through years of experience, dynamically adjusts shipping parameters based on real-time data. By incorporating temperature and transit times, GRIP can maximize the likelihood of successful deliveries. Integrating Perishable Fulfillment with Cutting-Edge Technology Recognizing the need for a comprehensive solution, GRIP expanded its services to include end-to-end fulfillment. Additionally, customers asked for a unified system that could handle everything from order processing to final delivery. “We quickly realized that for this to be a complete game changer and like industry enabler, we just have to do all the fulfillment for it as well,” Juan notes. GRIP’s platform now integrates order management, shipping, and fulfillment under one roof, allowing brands to focus on their strengths while GRIP handles the complexities of logistics. Furthermore, this approach streamlines operations and provides clients with the data-driven insights necessary to make informed decisions about their supply chain. The Future of Perishable Fulfillment As GRIP continues to grow, the company is looking toward the future of cold chain logistics, emphasizing faster and more accurate decision-making. Juan envisions a future where technology, particularly AI, plays a central role in anticipating and responding to challenges before they impact the customer. “The more AI that you have available, the better algorithms that you have to make all these decisions, then the faster and more accurate decisions you can make,” he predicts. By combining advanced data analytics with hands-on operational expertise, GRIP aims to set new standards in the industry for shipping perishables. Key Takeaways GRIP addresses the unique challenges of perishable logistics, especially in ensuring the successful delivery of temperature-sensitive products. The company’s shipping engine dynamically adjusts shipping variables based on real-time data to maximize delivery success. GRIP offers a comprehensive, integrated platform that handles everything from order processing to fulfillment, allowing brands to focus on their core strengths. GRIP plans to leverage AI and advanced analytics to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency in cold chain logistics. The New Warehouse Podcast Episode 521: Transforming Perishable Fulfillment with GRIP
Swisslog’s SynQ powered AutoStore solution to automate parts distribution for Komatsu’s Tennessee distribution center
Swisslog, a provider of best-in-class warehouse automation and software, has announced that Komatsu will install a Swisslog automation solution within its Ripley, Tennessee, distribution center to meet its growing omnichannel distribution needs. Designed by Swisslog experts, the solution features the AutoStore system optimized by Swisslog’s SynQ software. It is expected to be operational by January 2025. The automation solution from Swisslog supports Komatsu’s emphasis on innovation and will enable its state-of-the-art parts and service program in the USA. It will be the second system globally with Swisslog’s integration of AutoStore and SynQ, with the first system being installed in Australia in 2024. The existing 685,00 square-foot Ripley, Tennessee distribution center is a critical hub for parts and equipment, containing parts needed for Komatsu’s heavy construction equipment. The automation solution, which comprises 16,000 bins and nine robots, is designed to help ensure timely delivery for its dealers and end customers. Swisslog automation experts worked with Komatsu to integrate the system into the existing facility and operations so that it would not interrupt existing operations. The automation solution to be deployed in the facility operates on Swisslog’s SynQ software. This software provides warehouse execution, material flow, and automation control system functionality in a single, modular platform. It can integrate seamlessly with existing warehouse management systems (WMS) to orchestrate the material flow. “We are thrilled to partner with Komatsu to automate its second distribution center globally with AutoStore and our SynQ software to help ensure fast turnaround times for parts delivery,” said Sean Wallingford, president and CEO of Swisslog Americas. “We designed the automation solution to easily grow as the need for capacity is expected to increase. The system helps ensure continuous operation as Komatsu expands capacity to handle more parts.” As an experienced integrator of AutoStore, Swisslog currently has over 400 AutoStore projects in over 26 countries.
Episode 520: 4PL Solutions from CBIP Logistics
In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin chats with Nick Bartlett, Director at CBIP Logistics, a leading fourth-party logistics (4PL) provider based in Hong Kong. Nick shares insights into CBIP’s innovative approach to bridging the gap between brands and global logistics solutions, particularly in Asia-Pacific. The conversation covers CBIP’s journey towards carbon neutrality, its in-house tech platform launch, and the evolving direct-to-consumer (DTC) market in Asia. 4PL Solutions for Global Expansion CBIP Logistics connects brands with leading logistics solutions worldwide. CBIP’s business model emphasizes flexibility and brand representation, allowing companies to expand internationally without being tied to a single logistics partner. “We represent the brand’s promises. We don’t represent the 3PLs’ profitability line,” says Nick Bartlett. This approach has enabled CBIP to support over 100 brands, shipping across 160 countries focusing on providing tailored logistics solutions that align with each brand’s specific needs. Nick highlights that CBIP’s role is more than just matchmaking between brands and logistics providers. The company takes full operational responsibility from start to finish, ensuring the brand’s promise is delivered consistently across all markets. This unique 4PL model can help brands looking to expand into regions like Asia. The Evolving DTC Market in Asia Asia’s direct-to-consumer (DTC) market is rapidly evolving, driven by increasing e-commerce adoption and technological advancements. However, Nick points out that Asia’s logistics infrastructure is still catching up with Western markets. “The infrastructure inside the logistics industry has progressed but is just not as fast as what you see in the U.S.,” Nick notes. Despite these challenges, the region is witnessing significant growth, particularly in markets like Vietnam, the Philippines, and Thailand. Nick also discusses the importance of trust in the Asian market, which is a critical factor in the success of DTC brands. However, while speed of delivery is essential, building trust with consumers is paramount. “Trust in an Asian culture is of the highest qualities, one of the highest values positioned,” says Nick. This trust is built through localization, understanding consumer preferences, and adapting brand strategies to fit local markets. CBIP’s Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation In 2022, CBIP Logistics achieved carbon neutrality, marking a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to sustainability. The journey to carbon neutrality was rigorous, involving a comprehensive audit of CBIP’s operations and supply chain. “We wanted it to be credible, fair, and transparent,” says Nick. Additionally, CBIP is developing an in-house tech platform, currently in beta, designed to streamline operations and enhance customer experience. The platform, called “Bundle,” aims to consolidate the operations of CBIP’s customers, offering a more integrated and efficient solution. Nick explains, “The power of what we’re building is in the ability to automate and allocate tasks across our extensive network of suppliers.”This approach improves operational efficiency for CBIP’s customers. Key Takeaways CBIP Logistics offers a unique 4PL model that provides brands with flexible, brand-centric logistics solutions essential for global expansion. The DTC market in Asia is increasing, with significant opportunities for brands prioritizing trust and localization. CBIP Logistics achieved carbon neutrality in 2022, demonstrating a solid commitment to sustainability. The company’s in-house tech platform, “Bundle,” enhances operational efficiency and provides valuable data-driven insights for customers. The New Warehouse Podcast Episode 520: 4PL Solutions from CBIP Logistics
Episode 519: Cold Chain visibility with Coldcart
In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Bob LeGere, Head of Sales at Coldcart, joins us to share insights into the world of cold chain fulfillment. Bob shares valuable insights into how Coldcart is revolutionizing the cold chain space by offering enhanced cold chain visibility and customized solutions for managing perishable goods. We explore the differences between fulfilling cold chain versus dry goods and discuss the unique challenges and opportunities when dealing with temperature-sensitive products. The Cost of Cold Chain Logistics When transitioning from dry goods to cold chain logistics, companies often face significantly different cost structures. Bob emphasizes, “The name of the game is always cutting costs, but that’s not necessarily the case with perishables.” Unlike non-perishable goods, where cost reduction is paramount, in cold chain logistics, the focus shifts towards minimizing risk and ensuring timely deliveries. For example, Coldcart’s system tracks weather patterns to decide whether it’s safe to ship orders, reducing the risk of spoilage and costly reshipments. Cold Chain Visibility and Customization One of the differentiators of Coldcart is its advanced system that provides unparalleled cold chain visibility and customization options. Bob explains, “It’s all about visibility and tracking. If you can find someone that will give you more visibility, customization, and flexibility—that’s what you should be looking for.” Coldcart’s platform not only allows businesses to adapt to real-time conditions, such as unexpected temperature spikes, but it also offers the ability to create rules based on these variables, ensuring that perishable goods are always shipped under optimal conditions. Partnering for Growth in the Perishable Space Bob discusses the importance of building partnerships with brands early on and growing alongside them. He notes, “There’s more value in partnering with brands early on and growing alongside them than just trying to steal the biggest volume shippers.” This approach allows Coldcart to tailor their services to the specific needs of smaller brands, helping them scale while maintaining the quality and integrity of their perishable products. Bob parallels his experience at ShipBob, where he witnessed the evolution of non-perishable e-commerce, which he believes is now happening in the perishable space. Key Takeaways Cost Management: In cold chain logistics, the focus shifts from cost-cutting to risk management, particularly regarding timely deliveries and avoiding spoilage. Visibility and Flexibility: Coldcart’s platform offers real-time tracking and customizable rules that help businesses optimize the shipping process for perishable goods. Growth Partnerships: Building early brand partnerships is crucial for long-term success in the perishable space. The New Warehouse Podcast Episode 519: Cold Chain Visibility with Coldcart
Seven deadly sins of manufacturing
Learning how to identify and prevent these sins will reduce or eliminate unnecessary waste, improve efficiency and productivity, protect profitability and cash flow, and uphold your company’s reputation. If any of these sins are lurking within your business, here’s how to identify and rectify them. Transportation Delivering products on time to manufacturing customers is essential for building vendor loyalty. However, waste created by unnecessary movement of raw materials, finished goods, or work in process (WIP) can make it difficult to meet expected shipping dates, leading to increased costs and dissatisfied customers. In addition to wasting fuel and energy costs, excess transportation can also trigger other wastes such as waiting and motion. Transportation waste often results from poor plant design, such as large distances between operations. It can also be generated by large batch sizes, poorly designed production systems, and multiple storage facilities, as well as inefficient material flows during storage, retrieval, and transfer. To prevent this kind of waste, design a sequential flow from raw materials to finished goods, don’t store WIP in inventory, and maintain consistency and continuity when assigning job priorities. Value stream mapping (VSM), a lean manufacturing technique for analyzing, designing, and managing the flow of materials through the shop floor, can be very effective in identifying transportation waste. It involves full documentation of all aspects of your production flow rather than just mapping specific production processes. The voice of the customer (VOC) can be used in conjunction with VSM to add important information. If your VOC has information critical to success that is not supported in your VSM, (e.g. customer says they want delivery in X days, your VSM says the process takes more than X days) the two documents together can guide the improvement efforts. Inventory Excess inventory is a form of waste related to the holding costs of raw materials, WIP and finished goods. In addition to driving up inventory costs, this deadly sin ties up capital, takes up space, and allows for inventory to age and obsolete. Excess inventory is a good indicator of other issues within the production process. Excess material purchasing resulting from poor forecasting and production planning is often caused by a poorly designed link between the procurement department and the manufacturing and scheduling departments of an organization. Due to a lack of visibility and an unknown future, procurement is forced to err on the side of ordering too much material. Purchasing raw materials only when needed and reducing the need for safety stock will minimize this waste. ERP Inventory software simplifies this process by tracking inventory counts with remarkable accuracy to facilitate the reduction of over- or under-purchasing. Mobile barcode scanning for inventory receiving and movement can reduce this type of waste by providing high levels of inventory visibility and control. It reduces the need for manual inventory and cycle counts, increasing the accuracy of stock on hand. Real-time inventory data improves the performance of forecasting software so purchasers know when to order more stock. Motion This deadly sin consists of unnecessary movements by employees or machines that don’t add value to the product or service. Common sources of motion waste include poor workstation layout and negligent production planning and process design. Shared equipment and machines, siloed operations, and lack of production standards can be added to this list. Motion on the shop floor can include reaching for raw materials, walking to get tools or materials, or moving finished goods out of the work area. Redesigning your shop floor to simplify the work will help reduce excess motion. In the office, wasted motion can include searching for files, sifting through spreadsheets or multiple folders to find what is needed, excess mouse clicks, and double data entry. ERP software can jettison a lot of this waste by automating processes to eliminate manual data entry, reduce paper, and simplify purchasing and receiving. Implementing 5S, a five-step methodology that creates a more organized and productive workspace can also play a role in minimizing motion waste: Sort – Keep only what you need Set in Order – Keep it organized Shine – Keep it clean Standardize – Keep it the same across workstations Sustain – Keep it consistent over a long-time horizon Waiting Wasting time waiting for materials, information, equipment, or people is considered a sin because it slows production, increases costs, and adds no value. Furthermore, it can prevent finished goods from being delivered on time – a bigger sin in the minds of customers. A major source of waiting occurs when production employees don’t know which job to be working on now and what comes up next or have not been provided with the necessary raw materials. ERP software can solve that problem by making the information directly available to machinists without leaving their workcenters and providing the warehouse with a dispatch list of jobs slated to start. To reduce this waste, use VSM to analyze the total time spent working on jobs from order to shipment and summarize the amount of time where value is not added to your product. Make the process flow as seamless as possible by creating buffers between production steps and create standardized instructions to provide consistency in the method and time required for each step. Four rules to minimize waiting waste: Automate scheduling so workers always know what to do and when. Design processes to ensure continuous or single-piece flow. Have standardized work instructions. Develop multi-skilled workers who can quickly adjust to unexpected work demands. Overproduction Overproduction occurs when manufacturing the product is required or before it is asked for. Often referred to as the “just in case” sin, manufacturers tend to use overproduction as a backup in the event of unexpected increases in demand. However, it can lead to a rash of problems, from preventing smooth workflow and increased storage costs to hidden defects within WIP. All of which require additional capital to fund excessive lead times and the production process. Strategies for terminating overproduction include: Use a pull system to control manufacturing
Episode 518: Finding Your Perfect 3PL Partner with Matt Hertz
The New Warehouse Podcast welcomes Matt Hertz, the co-founder of Third Person and Second Marathon. Matt’s journey through the e-commerce landscape, from selling sports cards online in the late ’90s to becoming a pivotal figure in the logistics and fulfillment sectors, provides valuable insights. His experience working with major e-commerce brands laid the groundwork for his current ventures, which focus on helping emerging e-commerce brands navigate the complex world of third-party logistics. This conversation delves into the challenges of rapid growth, the importance of finding the right 3PL partners, and the evolving landscape of e-commerce fulfillment. From Sports Cards to E-Commerce Giant Matt’s entrepreneurial journey began in Toronto, Canada, where he started buying and selling sports cards online in 1999. This early exposure to e-commerce and logistics provided invaluable lessons. “I started selling on Yahoo auctions, and it was all about fulfilling orders out of my home,” Matt recalls. His passion for e-commerce continued as he moved on to larger ventures, such as being an early employee at Rent the Runway and Birchbox. At Birchbox, Matt played a crucial role in scaling operations from 500 monthly orders to over a million. “We knocked down a lot of walls,” Matt says, reflecting on how their efforts helped pave the way for other subscription-based businesses. The Perfect 3PL Partner Can Scale As e-commerce brands scale, finding the right 3PL partner becomes critical. Matt shares how Birchbox’s rapid growth posed challenges not only for the internal team but also for their 3PL partners. “They didn’t believe us when we said we were going to grow 200% month over month,” he explains. This disbelief was common among partners who were unprepared for such explosive growth. The lesson here? Choose a 3PL capable of handling your current needs but also rapid scaling. Matt emphasizes that this relationship is “like a marriage,” where both parties must be aligned in their goals and expectations. Building a Better 3PL Experience with Third Person Matt’s 3PL matchmaking experience led to the launch of Third Person, a platform designed to help e-commerce brands find the right 3PL partners. He realized that many brands struggled with this process, often relying on Google searches or referrals. Matt notes, likening it to a haphazard approach to dating. Third Person aims to streamline this process by understanding each brand’s unique needs and matching them with the most suitable 3PLs. This service is precious for brands that may not have the resources to engage in a full consultancy but still need expert guidance. Key Takeaways Early e-commerce experience can lay the foundation for success in logistics and fulfillment. Rapid growth requires 3PL partners who can adapt quickly and scale with the business. The relationship between a brand and its 3PL is crucial and should be treated with the same care as a long-term partnership. Third Person offers a tailored solution to help e-commerce brands find the right 3PL, moving beyond simple Google searches to a more informed matching process. The New Warehouse Podcast Episode 518: Finding Your Perfect 3PL Partner with Matt Hertz
Serpa puts versatility back into packaging at PACK EXPO 2024
Visit Serpa in booth S-3650 to learn how its versatile FG1 Top Load Carton/Tray/Case Former, and other solutions can add efficiency to your next packaging application. If versatility is what you need in your next tray-forming machine, then you need to see Serpa and its FG1 Top Load Carton/Tray/Case Former, which will be demonstrating its capabilities in booth S-3650 at PACK EXPO 2024, Nov. 3-6, at McCormick Place in Chicago. Serpa, a ProMach brand, is a manufacturer of cartoners, sleevers, case and tray packers, robotic palletizers, and auxiliary packaging equipment for numerous industries including pharmaceutical, medical device and nutraceutical, food, personal care, and commercial goods. The FG1 Top Load Carton/Tray/Case Former is one of Serpa’s most versatile machines. It can form cartons, cases, or trays using corrugated or chipboard materials, making the FG1 an ideal all-in-one solution for customers needing a higher level of flexibility in their packaging operations. But versatility is not only restricted to different tray styles and materials. The FG1 is designed for ultra-fast toolless changeovers in less than 2 minutes. Simply remove and replace the lightweight, ergonomic forming head and you are back in business. As applications and product runs change throughout the day, the FG1 is built to change with you, providing the highest level of uptime to keep your operations running with minimal disruptions. The FG1 also boasts the best operator and maintenance access in the industry. The standalone FG1 can be integrated into any existing packaging line and is available in single (up to 75 cartons per minute) or dual head (up to 400 cartons per minute) configuration. The machine comes with a small footprint to fit into tight spaces, and has ample walk-in access for easy maintenance. In addition to the FG1, PACK EXPO attendees will see five other Serpa machines in action, including: P100 Horizontal Continuous Motion Cartoner is a state-of-the-art machine featuring a balcony design that provides maximum access to all the drive components from one side of the machine, while maintaining a compact footprint. P200 Side Load Case Packer is a machine that runs both cases and trays; tape closure on cases and glue sealing of trays is accomplished with a simple changeover. TEL10 Tamper Evident Labeler can be easily integrated with existing or new packaging lines to add another level of security to secondary-packaging operations. RF450/TL450 High Speed Insert Feeding and Tray Unloading System features a patented design that largely eliminates common insert feeding issues. FM150 Intermittent Motion Beverage Cartoner uses Serpa’s proven orbital carton erector with prebreak feature to operate at speeds of more than 80 cartons per minute. Plan to visit Serpa in booth S-3650 at PACK EXPO 2024 to learn how its technologies can add speed and efficiency to your next packaging application.
Orchestrating the Future: PepsiCo/FLNA’s Warehouse Transformation with AutoScheduler.AI’s AutoPilot
Free Online Webinar at 2:00 PM ET on Thursday, September 12, 2024 AutoScheduler.AI has announced the company is sponsoring a webinar hosted by DC Velocity magazine to discuss PepsiCo/FLNA’s (Frito Lay North America) warehouse transformation using AutoScheduler.AI’s AutoPilot. Keith Moore, CEO of AutoScheduler.AI, and Peter Hanna, a leader at PepsiCo, will share how AutoPilot is revolutionizing operations at PepsiCo/FLNA. Faced with rising demand, shrinking margins, and complex operations, PepsiCo turned to AutoScheduler.AI’s cloud-based AutoPilot platform to optimize warehouse operations and improve efficiency, including a 30% increase in product picks per hour. “PepsiCo has been focused on driving value for customers through innovative supply chain processes that improve fulfillment times, reduce operating costs, and maximize productivity,” says Keith Moore, CEO of AutoScheduler.AI. “Our AI algorithms can prioritize customer orders based on predefined rules and criteria while considering warehouse constraints, which helps to improve customer satisfaction and overall profitability.” At the free webinar on September 12, 2024, at 2:00 PM ET, attendees will: Learn how AutoPilot unifies data across systems for better visibility. Discover how advanced algorithms maximize productivity and minimize costs. See how AutoPilot provides comprehensive, real-time insights for informed decision-making. Hear about the impressive gains at PepsiCo/FLNA, including a 30% increase in picks per hour. AutoScheduler.AI AutoPilot smooths warehouse operations by orchestrating and planning all activities in real-time on top of an existing WMS. It considers space, time, labor, dock doors, and more constraints to ensure that orders are fulfilled on time and in full. Clients gain efficiencies and value in their supply chains through optimized labor, schedules, touches, and inventory. Register here
Seegrid announces closing of $50M Series D investment
Seegrid Corporation, a provider of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for pallet material handling, today announced the successful closure of its $50M Series D investment round, funded by its existing lead investors Giant Eagle Incorporated and G2 Venture Partners, as well as smaller investments from other existing shareholders. The investment allows Seegrid to accelerate its autonomous lift truck market initiatives, generating more growth than expected in a market projected to reach nearly $3.5B by 2027 (Interact Analysis, Mobile Robots – 2023). “We are thrilled to have secured this additional funding from our investors. It enables us to drive our innovative AMR technology and solutions into the market faster, delivering even more value to our customers sooner,” said Seegrid’s CEO and President, Joe Pajer. “In addition, this investment is a testament to our investors’ confidence in our vision, the strength of our leading-edge AMR technology and solutions, and the accelerating market traction we are achieving. Seegrid pioneered and remains the leader in the autonomous tow tractor market. We are revolutionizing the industry again as we successfully develop, manufacture, and deploy innovative new autonomous lift truck solutions.” “Unrelenting labor shortages and wage inflation, accompanied by increasing consumer demand, are driving rapid market adoption of autonomous technologies in manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics,” continued Pajer. “This is particularly true in the area of palletized material flows, which are addressed by Seegrid’s autonomous tow tractors and lift trucks. This market segment is just now ‘coming into its own,’ and Seegrid is a clear leader. “Seegrid is leading this market in part because of innovative technologies we have introduced in the last six months, including Sliding Scale Autonomy, which provides high levels of both flexibility and predictability in autonomous navigation and manipulation, and Enhanced Pallet and Payload Detection, which enables reliable recognition and manipulation of the broad range of payloads required by world-class manufacturers. In addition, Seegrid is on track to introduce its second autonomous lift truck later this year. The CR1 will lift even heavier payloads to heights of up to 15 feet. When these unique-to-Seegrid technologies are combined with decades of industry-leading deployment experience acquired from our leadership in the autonomous tow tractor market, we are chosen again and again by blue-chip customers who seek autonomous solutions that work in the real world.” This recent funding marks a significant milestone for Seegrid, underscoring its leadership in the AMR space and setting the stage for continued success and innovation in the future of material handling automation.
Zion Solutions Group partners with Lakeshore Learning to launch State-Of-The-Art distribution center
In a significant step toward redefining supply chain efficiency and boosting the local economy, Lakeshore Learning hired Zion Solutions Group, a trailblazer in advanced supply chain integration, to help implement a cutting-edge 1.2 million square foot distribution center in Garland, Utah. This collaboration is set to create over 500 jobs, showcasing an unparalleled commitment to innovation and community development. “Our relationship with Lakeshore Learning, beginning in 2015, has been a testament to what visionary collaboration can achieve,” stated Jim Shaw, president of Zion Solutions Group. “This is not just a collaboration; it’s a leap toward the future of supply chain management. By combining Lakeshore Learning’s vision with our technological expertise, we are set to introduce a distribution hub that exemplifies efficiency, sustainability, and economic growth for Garland.” Artin Ghazarian, Lakeshore Learning’s Chief Supply Chain Officer, highlighted the project’s ambition: “Our journey with Zion Solutions Group has been marked by a shared drive for excellence. This distribution center goes beyond expanding our logistical capabilities—it’s a testament to our dedication to setting new industry standards for efficiency and environmental stewardship in supply chain management.” Jordan Frank, EVP & Co-Founder of Zion Solutions Group, emphasized the collaborative synergy: Our relationship with Lakeshore Learning is more than a partnership; it’s a melding of minds aimed at redefining the future of our industry. We’re not just optimizing logistics; we’re crafting a model of innovation that leverages technology for smarter, more sustainable operations. We aim to inspire the sector by demonstrating how collaboration and technology can create impactful solutions.” The facility will harness the latest in automation and robotics to optimize both efficiency and scalability. Zion Solutions Group will play a crucial role in this evolution, meticulously shaping the project from its conceptual stages to its final form. This includes value-added engineering to support Lakeshore Learning’s specific needs, overseeing the procurement and engineering processes to ensure precision, and integrating advanced software solutions—including Zion Apex (WES)—for peak functionality. Beyond the project’s completion, Zion’s Customer Experience team will continue to support the operations team and provide optimization opportunities, ensuring the facility operates smoothly and evolves with technological advancements. With an operational goal set for 2025, Lakeshore Learning’s Garland distribution center represents a major milestone in the region’s job creation and economic growth. This initiative aligns with Zion’s mission to drive sustainable innovation and cement its market leadership.
Episode 516: Transforming plastic waste in warehouses into durable products with Trex
Today, we are joined by Kellie Driscoll, the NexTrex Development Representative, and Stephanie Hicks, the Materials and Recycling Programs Manager, both from Trex. Trex is widely known for manufacturing composite deck boards using recycled materials. In this episode, Kellie and Stephanie discuss Trex’s unique recycling initiatives, particularly their work with warehouses to recycle polyethylene film into durable decking materials. Recycling Plastic Waste in Warehouses Trex has become a pioneer in sustainable manufacturing, largely thanks to its NexTrex program. The program utilizes polyethylene film, a common byproduct in warehouses, and transforms it into the core material for Trex decking. Kellie Driscoll explains, “Our bread and butter when it comes to getting polyethylene film is working with distribution centers and warehouses.” By partnering with these facilities, Trex helps reduce landfill waste and provides warehouses with a sustainable outlet for their plastic film, offering them both environmental and financial benefits. How NexTrex Works: From Waste to Wonder NexTrex operates by establishing a systematic recycling process within warehouses. Trex works closely with these facilities to ensure the efficient collection, bailing, and storage of polyethylene film. “We have a team of about 20 reps that cover the country… it’s a lot of cold calling and networking,” says Stephanie, highlighting Trex’s approach to engaging warehouses. Once the plastic film is collected and baled, Trex arranges its transportation to their plants to process it into decking materials. “If they don’t have a bailer, we have a bailer financing program where we purchase it for them, and instead of rebating for the film, it goes towards paying off the bailer,” adds Stephanie. The commercial recycling program provides a second life for plastic waste and supports the increasing demand for sustainable building products. The Future of NexTrex The NexTrex program continues to evolve, addressing the challenges of plastic waste recycling through education and creative problem-solving. For instance, Kellie notes the importance of community involvement in expanding recycling efforts: “It’s continuous education…we have a program, we’re willing to help.” Trex is also committed to assisting warehouses with the necessary infrastructure to ensure the success of their recycling initiatives. “We provide a good solution to get the plastic out and get it recycled and we are creative at removing obstacles to help people meet their goals,” says Stephanie. As more distribution centers join the program, NexTrex can significantly impact both sustainability and the bottom line for the businesses involved. Key Takeaways NexTrex Program: A pioneering initiative by Trex to recycle polyethylene film from warehouses into composite decking. Sustainability and Savings: Warehouses benefit both environmentally and financially by partnering with Trex for plastic recycling. Ongoing Growth: Trex is expanding the NexTrex program through education and infrastructure support, aiming to increase its impact in the warehousing industry. The New Warehouse Podcast Episode 516: Transforming Plastic Waste in Warehouses into Durable Products with Trex
MAHLE aftermarket achieves milestone in Operational Efficiency with AutoStore empowered by Kardex
MAHLE Aftermarket turned to Kardex for an automated storage and retrieval solution following a shift in orders from large pallets to mixed-SKU single cartons and storage constraints at its Olive Branch, Mississippi fulfillment center, with the global parts and solutions provider ultimately selecting AutoStore empowered by Kardex Having witnessed a trend towards more small package orders and less frequent large stock pallet orders, MAHLE Aftermarket selected a highly efficient AutoStore empowered by the Kardex robotic cube storage system to increase capacity and throughput. A global parts and solutions provider to the independent aftermarket was also experiencing storage capacity constraints at its Olive Branch, Mississippi distribution center. MAHLE looked for a high-density storage solution that would enable it to adapt to the shift in customer order profiles and is scalable for future growth. Having examined various options, MAHLE Aftermarket invested in the AutoStore empowered by the Kardex solution. The project has been hailed a success by MAHLE, helping the company store more products in less space and ship small orders more efficiently. Working together proves successful for MAHLE and Kardex MAHLE chose Kardex to implement the intelligent goods-to-person automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) tailored to MAHLE Aftermarket’s material flow, with market-leading inventory storage density and processing. The complete AutoStore solution at the Mississippi facility comprises 42,000 bins, seven ports, and 18 robots, in addition to a connected conveyor solution with 18 gravity lanes used for consolidation. Designed and planned by the experts at Kardex, the AutoStore solution was built and commissioned on schedule and ramped up quickly and smoothly. Kardex FulfillX maximizes the capabilities of AutoStore robotic cube systems to optimize resources and processes, delivering the fastest order fulfillment solution per square foot on the market. It increases storage capacity by up to 4 times and enhances performance by up to 10 times compared with traditional methods without additional workforce. MAHLE praises density, scalability, and hands-on support MAHLE Aftermarket has hailed the support Kardex provided throughout the project. Lorraine Hinderer, MAHLE Aftermarket Head of Business Innovation and Excellence, says, “One of the reasons we chose Kardex is because compared to the other integrators, they were able to provide an end-to-end solution tailored to our material flow, whereas the others were focused on selling their solution and not a holistic approach. I would recommend Kardex to other companies – and have actually – just due to the way that they support in the whole initial design and sizing… but also in actually implementing the system on-site.” Rhiannon Fisher, MAHLE Aftermarket Head of Business Excellence for the North America region, adds, “The support provided by Kardex exceeded expectations. During the design process, they were very hands-on. They provided support on-site during the entire process and ultimately delivered a turnkey solution.” Fred Fox, Director of Project Success for the Kardex Solutions AutoStore team, explains that Kardex offers clients the flexibility to either leverage Kardex FulfillX, the purpose-built software package designed specifically for AutoStore end-user solutions, integrate other warehouse management systems (WMS), or utilize their own software. In the case of MAHLE Aftermarket, it chose to integrate with its existing SAP Warehouse Management System. “Together, we got a really good solution in place, and that’s just part of who we are and what we want to do,” Fox states. MAHLE Aftermarket prepares for the future with AutoStore empowered by Kardex Following the success of the Olive Branch project, MAHLE Aftermarket automated a second operation in Décines-Charpieu (Lyon), France, including 22,440 storage bins, seven robots, and two workstations. MAHLE continues to evaluate its other locations worldwide to assess if AutoStore, empowered by Kardex, can enhance customer service, increase efficiencies, and standardize its operations. Kardex delivers a wide range of potential solutions for both logistics and manufacturing operations.
Emerson released first adjustable Jelly Jar LED Luminaire for hazardous locations
Versatile Appleton™ Glomaster™ LED fixtures streamline set-up with field selectable lumen output and CRT levels for safer, more productive work environments Positioning itself as the innovation leader in the explosion-proof lighting market, Emerson has introduced the world’s first hazardous location Jelly Jar vapor tight luminaire to feature field-selectable lumen output and Correlated Color Temperatures (CCT) settings: the Appleton Glomaster™ LED Series. Depending on the model, Appleton Glomaster LED luminaires are available with either 1000/2000 nominal lumens or 3500/5000 nominal lumens and come paired with a choice of 3000K/4000K/5000K CCT. Changing lumen output and CCT settings in the field only takes a few seconds, significantly reducing installation costs while helping users achieve optimal lighting for safety and productivity. High precision optics, including 360° uplighting, ensure adequate light levels in stairwells, docks, walkways, exits, and emergency call stations, among other close proximity areas. Alongside the flexibility of field-selectable controls, Appleton Glomaster LED luminaires offer the versatility to be pendant, wall, or ceiling mounted, or on virtually any flat surface. An adjustable knuckle lets users rotate it from 0° to 90° in precise 10° increments, regardless of mounting orientation to accommodate site requirements. Appleton Glomaster LED luminaires can be further customized by optional accessories. Colored globes are available to indicate critical areas, such as eyewash stations, together with stainless steel globe guards, and visors to reduce glare. Rugged and Reliable Appleton Glomaster LED luminaires are ruggedly built to endure prolonged exposure to extremely harsh environments, indoors or outdoors. Salt spray, high-pressure water jets, corrosive chemicals, and ambient temperatures from -40° F to 131° F are no match to the luminaire’s cast copper-free aluminum construction, silicone rubber gaskets, stainless steel hardware, polycarbonate globe, and gray epoxy powder coat paint finish. Integrated 6KV surge protection safeguards the luminaires against the most prevalent types of power quality issues found in many industrial facilities. Thanks to their industrial-grade design the luminaires boast a service life of over 100,000 hours or twice that of competitive models. Once the fixture portion is at the end of its life it is user-replaceable. Energy Efficiency Appleton Glomaster LED luminaires were introduced as part of Emerson’s mission to advance sustainability, serving as energy-efficient substitutes for CFL, HID or incandescent lights. Compared with these sources, Appleton Glomaster LED luminaires consume 75% less energy and require far less maintenance. Certified for Hazardous Locations The Appleton Glomaster LED Series is certified for NEC Class I, Div 2, and Class II locations where flammable liquids, gases or dust may be present, such as petrochemical plants, wastewater centers, and underground mining. Additionally, the Appleton Glomaster LED is IP66 waterproof and rated for NEMA 4X wet environments including marinas.
Episode 515: Mujin tackles warehouse industry challenges
In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin sits down with Josh Cloer, the Director of Sales at Mujin. Mujin, a robotics technology company initially founded in Tokyo, has been at the forefront of developing cutting-edge solutions that address some of the most pressing challenges in warehouse operations. From the company’s revolutionary MujinController to their groundbreaking TruckBot, Josh delves into the advancements shaping the future of warehousing, emphasizing the importance of integrating intelligent control systems to maximize efficiency and reduce manual labor. The Mujin Controller Enables Smart Automation At the heart of Mujin’s technology is the Mujin Controller, a sophisticated brain that powers their robotic solutions. Josh highlights how this controller has transformed how the industry approaches warehouse automation. “The concept behind the Mujin controller is really that you no longer have to very directly describe how to move the things as the person that’s programming the system. It’s really a digital twin. Once the Mujin controller has an understanding of the surroundings, there are these real-time motion planning aspects. So there’s no predetermined route that the robot’s going to take to move from point A to point B.” he explains. Unlike traditional systems that require explicit programming, the controller operates through real-time motion planning, allowing robots to adapt on the fly to their environment. For robots like Mujin’s TruckBot, this means they can autonomously determine the best way to accomplish tasks such as unloading containers or mixed palletizing. The controller’s ability to “know itself and its surroundings” marks a significant leap towards fully autonomous warehouse operations. Tackling Warehouse Industry Challenges Mujin’s Truckbot has gained significant attention for its ability to automate one of the most challenging jobs in warehousing—unloading floor-loaded containers. Josh shares that customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with the Truckbot effectively addressing the “back-breaking work” of case handling. By pairing the Truckbot with robotic palletizers, Mujin offers a comprehensive solution that not only unloads containers but also palletizes goods, significantly reducing the need for manual labor. “It’s solving the challenges it’s meant to solve, and we also get a lot of folks asking can you do this and that” Josh notes, emphasizing the importance of integrating robotics across the warehouse workflow to achieve maximum efficiency.” Flexible Automation for the Warehouse Industry Looking ahead, Josh discusses Mujin’s focus on making automation more accessible to small and medium-sized warehouses. Historically, only large warehouses with substantial budgets could afford advanced robotic systems. However, with the introduction of flexible and modular solutions like Mujin’s robotic case-picking system, smaller warehouses can now adopt automation without significant upfront investment. “I think you’re going to see more and more flexible automation to enable small to medium-sized warehouses to do much more and closer to lights out with the caveat that you always have maintenance,” Josh says, pointing out that this shift will enable more warehouses to move towards lights-out operations while still accommodating human oversight for maintenance and handling exceptions. Key Takeaways Mujin Controller: Powers real-time motion planning, enabling robots to adapt to their environment autonomously. Truckbot: Automates the challenging task of unloading containers and can be paired with robotic palletizers for a complete end-to-end solution. Flexible Automation: Mujin makes automation accessible to small and medium-sized warehouses, allowing them to adopt advanced robotic solutions without significant upfront costs. The New Warehouse Podcast Episode 515: Mujin Tackles Warehouse Industry Challenges
Omnicon achieves fifth consecutive CSIA Certification
Omnicon has announced its successful recertification by the Control System Integrators Association (CSIA). This achievement marks the fifth consecutive time Omnicon has met the high standards required for CSIA certification, underscoring the company’s commitment to providing innovative industrial automation and data integration services. “Maintaining our CSIA certification demonstrates our commitment to delivering high-quality and reliable service to our clients,” said Eduardo Acosta, CEO of Omnicon. “This recertification reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire team, ensuring our clients that we operate with integrity and professionalism.” Omnicon has been a CSIA member since 2006 and achieved its first certification in 2009. In addition to maintaining CSIA certification, Omnicon has received notable accolades; in 2021, the company was honored as the CSIA Integrator Member of the Year, recognizing its industry leadership and excellence. In 2020, CEO Eduardo Acosta received the prestigious Charlie Bergman Award, honoring individuals who have shown outstanding leadership in the control systems integration industry, mirroring the values of CSIA founder Charlie Bergman. Additionally, Omnicon has been recognized as one of Deloitte’s Best Managed Companies for the past three consecutive years. “Selecting a CSIA Certified system integrator is a strategic choice to work with a fully vetted professionally managed control system integration business,” says Jose Rivera, CEO of CSIA. “The certification process involves a substantial investment of resources to meet the Best Practice’s stringent performance standards, demonstrating the company’s commitment to excellence. By choosing an SI that has embraced the CSIA’s Best Practices and successfully achieving Certification, you’re choosing a partner dedicated to implementing industry-leading standards in your facility.” CSIA certification involves a comprehensive audit encompassing ten key areas, including general management, human resources management, marketing, business development, sales management, financial management, project management, and cybersecurity, among others. This thorough evaluation ensures that companies adhere to the highest standards of quality and performance. “Being CSIA certified means we are recognized as a top-tier system integrator capable of working with any company and delivering quality solutions,” said Daniel Gomez, COO. “Our certification not only validates our team’s expertise but also assures our clients that we have solid processes in place to deliver consistent results.” CSIA, a global trade association, is committed to advancing the control system integration industry by focusing on the management of integration businesses. To achieve CSIA certification, a company must meet a certain number of the guidelines outlined in the CSIA Best Practices & Benchmarks manual. Maintaining certification requires successfully passing an audit every three years. “We owe our success to the dedication of our incredible team, loyal customers, and trusted partners,” said Acosta. “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each member of our team for their contributions in helping us achieve this milestone. Their support and commitment have been instrumental in our journey.”
Episode 514: AI-Driven Workforce Optimization with INFORM
In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin welcomes Justin Newell, CEO of INFORM, a company with over 55 years of expertise in operations research and specializing in AI-based solutions. INFORM specializes in optimizing business operations across various industries, including logistics, aviation, and manufacturing. The conversation dives into the challenges of increased capacity demands in warehouses and how INFORM’s innovative solutions, like WorkforcePlus, are helping businesses maximize their existing workforce while navigating the complexities of today’s labor market. Addressing Labor Shortages with AI-Driven Workforce Optimization Labor shortages have become a significant hurdle in warehouse operations, impacting everything from stock put-away to inventory management. Justin Newell explains, “With the retiring population of the baby boomers and fewer people entering the workforce, labor shortages are causing major disruptions.” INFORM’s WorkforcePlus solution leverages AI to tackle these challenges by optimizing staff scheduling and real-time task allocation. This technology ensures that warehouses adapt quickly to disruptions, making the most out of their current workforce. Enhancing Operational Efficiency Through Process Mapping and AI The key to improving operational efficiency is understanding and mapping current processes. Newell shares that when engaging with customers, INFORM conducts detailed process mapping to identify inefficiencies. “It’s eye-opening for the customer when they realize how outdated their assumptions are about their operations,” he says. By integrating AI-driven solutions, INFORM helps businesses re-evaluate and optimize their workflows, resulting in significant efficiency gains. For companies that haven’t yet embraced these improvements, INFORM has seen efficiency gains of up to 40%. Embracing Technology to Maximize Workforce Utilization Looking ahead, Newell envisions a more engaged and empowered workforce through technology. “The younger generation expects technology; they want to be more involved in the process,” he notes. INFORM’s AI solutions enhance job satisfaction by automating mundane tasks and providing employees with real-time feedback and decision-making tools. This approach improves productivity and makes jobs safer and more attractive. “If you can make a job better through technology, you’re going to see a huge amount of change,” Newell concludes, pointing to a future where technology and human labor work hand in hand for optimal results. Key Takeaways on AI-Driven Workforce Optimization INFORM’s WorkforcePlus optimizes labor utilization, addressing workforce shortages through advanced scheduling and task allocation. Detailed analysis of existing workflows can reveal significant efficiency improvements, with potential gains of up to 40%. Technology is imperative to engage the modern workforce, enhancing job satisfaction and improving safety. The New Warehouse Podcast Episode 514: AI-Driven Workforce Optimization with INFORM
Orbital Stretch Wrapper secures long products that extend pallet edges
TAB Wrapper Tornado Permits Delivery Without Custom Pallets, Crates The TAB Wrapper Tornado from orbital wrapper manufacturer TAB Industries, LLC, allows long and oddly shaped metal parts and products extending beyond the pallet’s edges to be secured and safely delivered using stretch wrap alone. Eliminating the need to build custom pallets or stock uncommon pallet sizes, the patented orbital wrapping machine wraps stretch wrap 360 degrees around and under the entire length of the pallet and the load to ensure the proper amount of compression is applied at the center of gravity. Load shifting on the lift truck, in storage racks, and/or in transit is eliminated, along with the need for cumbersome crates, boxes, and banding. Proven effective for stretch wrapping rods and profiles, pipes and fittings, and a diverse range of finished machinery and fully assembled products and equipment, the TAB Wrapper Tornado is available in semi-automated and automated models with 115-inch, 100-inch, and 80-inch wrapping ring diameters as standard. Tall pallet loads reaching up to 95 inches in height or width and long pallet loads of any length may be safely wrapped into a stable, unitized load. The versatile orbital stretch wrappers are designed and manufactured at the company’s Reading, Pa. headquarters and delivered ready for operation with a warranty. A companion line of stretch wrap is also stocked in the facility and available for nearly any orbital stretch wrapping machine.