EP 274: Verses at MODEX 2022
In this episode, I was joined by the President of Verses, James Hendrickson, at MODEX 2022. James and I reconnected after three years to learn about his new role at Verses which is focused on bringing spatial intelligence into the supply chain. We discuss why digital twins are so important in the supply chain and what they can help us to achieve. Key Takeaways Verses is focused on bringing the spatial web to enterprises through a robust suite of technologies that have been developed with the Spatial Web Foundation. As James breaks it down, it is really focused on the digital twin or the duplication of our physical space into a virtual one. Harnessing these technologies can really help to advance your organization in a sophisticated way and prevent potentially costly mistakes. As we look at the sheer number of innovations and technologies at MODEX this year, there is a need to be able to implement these virtually before we do things physical to ensure operations will still flow properly. What does it mean to duplicate virtually? As James explains, this is the metaverse for the supply chain. With the technology, you are able to create your operation and adjust things with the ability to know where everything is. It’s almost like making an AutoCAD come to life which can allow you to have better visualization into what your operation could potentially look like or where obstructions might be. There is a lot of potential for this technology in our space and James gives a few examples of how they may partner with companies to give them better visibility and capability. One of Verses offerings is Wayfinder which is a spatial picking platform that allows your employees to be navigated throughout the facility. The technology knows where everything is and is essentially guiding the picker as a GPS would. The benefits of this are that the employees are getting the most optimized pick path every time and they are not getting lost or losing track of where the location is. This takes creating an efficient pick path to a whole new level. Listen or watch the episode below and leave your thoughts in the comments. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 274: Verses at MODEX 2022
New Dragonfruit Cloud VMS Screener+ SaaS Solution automatically eliminates false alarms up to 99%
False alarms drain the life out of security operations on so many levels by wasting valuable personnel resources and budget and hampering overall situational awareness and security. Now Dragonfruit Frontier Cloud VMS and video analytics users can automatically eliminate false alarms by as much as 99% with a new Video Verification as a Service called Screener+. Screener+ provides an industry-first and exclusive false alarms reduction solution that guarantees < 1% false dispatches, effectively reducing costly personnel dispatches to investigate alarms. The innovative solution screens all alarms generated through Frontier at scale, including alarms generated by dwell times and any of Frontier’s powerful analytics such as spill detection, LPR, heatmaps, face mask detection, people and vehicle counting, and more. Screener+ also verifies alarms generated by any customized analytics modules developed for Frontier users, as well as from alarms generated by other integrated systems. This powerful automated alarm reduction solution presents a highly cost-effective and accurate alternative to third-party monitoring services. For customers interested in managing their own alarms more efficiently, Dragonfruit Frontier Cloud VMS and video analytics include Screener, which is embedded for free in the solution’s Real-time Alerts Suite.
New functionality the order fulfillment of the day for high growth 3PLs
WMS technology innovator, Synergy North America Inc, has further enhanced its multiple billing software that already offers the highest levels of detail, accuracy, and clarity via its SnapFulfil WMS cloud-based solution. With 3PL services needing to flex their model to meet ever-changing D2C e-commerce demands, adaptability is key – particularly when it comes to invoicing – to drive greater economies of scale. SnapFulfil’s new Pro-forma invoicing means one has generated automatically for any business where the billing period is greater than daily. The Pro-forma Invoice is overwritten each time the invoice process runs, but if a client has a replica database the invoice data can be extracted before being overwritten. This is especially useful for clients who want to track their invoice totals before the period end. Likewise, a new minimum fee charge capability means a designated amount can be set, but if the total charges for a period are less than the minimum fee then the balance will automatically be charged. Brian Kirst, Synergy’s VP of Sales & Business Development, says: “A growing number of 3PLs are seeking a more scalable, API friendly, and robust pathway to meet the dynamic challenges of B2C and D2C multichannel fulfillment. But identifying the right solution is just half of the challenge – delivering it while continuing to satisfy existing customer requirements (without incurring custom coding costs and delays for new clients) is a different matter. “We bring a base feature set tailored to the requirements faced by 3PLs. Our software is highly configurable and, after training, can be managed by in-house teams to support everything from new customer onboarding to process changes. We’ve standardized our interfaces as well to support simplified integration processes and shorten the implementation timelines. We also come to the table with a library of existing applications to help ease technical sales processes.” With margins and ever-tightening, SnapFulfilhas the functionality to set and charge different rates based on quantities shipped, split, and smaller pallets. The software also facilitates better data quality, resources allocation, and process flow, while automating manual tasks gives greater efficiency, accuracy, and transparency. Additionally, multi-owner self-configuration addresses complex order fulfillment challenges and enables 3PLs to drive rapid growth and value. Having access to the SnapFulfil rules engine is a real differentiator and is proven to give 3PLstangible competitive advantage. A much more extensive customer portal also includes access to large areas of the main SnapFulfil site but is specifically filtered for the 3PL customer – so they only see their real-time data. This enhanced functionality brings greater visibility, increased flexibility, and a more granular approach and all its associated efficiencies.
AutoStore™ accelerates international growth with new Singapore office
Warehouse automation company, AutoStore, just announced the opening of its new Singapore office. The location will serve as the local hub for AutoStore in the Asia-Pacific region as the company positions itself to serve both local partners and clients while adapting to meet the growing demand for Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) in the region. The new Singapore office builds upon the company’s existing presence in the area. Currently, AutoStore has installed its innovative cube storage systems at seven sites in Singapore through its partner network. The new location will allow AutoStore to seamlessly work alongside both its local partners and clients. “This new office in Singapore gives us the opportunity to interact more closely, directly, and personally with our Asia-Pacific clients and partners than ever before,” said Philipp Schitter, Vice President of Business Development Asia-Pacific at AutoStore. “It is clear that the demand for automated warehouse solutions is growing, especially as e-commerce continues to be a driving force for innovation. We’re pleased to expand our global presence to meet customers where they are at.” AutoStore plans to hire for several key positions to be based in the Singapore office, as well as offer demonstrations of its robotic solutions at the new facility in the coming year.
AFFLINK LLC hires Todd Gatzulis as Senior Vice President of Business Development
AFFLINK LLC, a global provider in supply chain management, announces the appointment of Todd Gatzulis as Senior Vice President of Business Development. Gatzulis, an industry veteran with over three decades of experience, will oversee AFFLINK’s corporate sales and supply chain functions, reporting to President and CEO Dennis Riffer. “We are excited to welcome Todd to AFFLINK. His experience and track record of success in the industry make him a prodigious addition to our organization,” said Riffer. Gatzulis joins AFFLINK with over 30 years of experience. During many of those years, he served in various roles at Henkel/Dial, a worldwide leader in innovations, brands, and technologies in the business areas of beauty, laundry, and home care. Upon departure, Gatzulis held the title of President/General Manager of the Diversified Markets Division, the commercial business unit for Henkel North America. Gatzulis actively participated on the Executive Committee for Henkel Consumer Goods North America for nine years during his tenure. Most recently, Gatzulis served as the Chief Operating Officer for ViaClean Technologies, a biotech company that develops, manufactures, and markets environmentally responsible solutions to protect surfaces. In addition to his professional experience, Gatzulis has dedicated himself to numerous non-profit organizations and industry boards, including the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Fresh Start Women’s Foundation, and the Sanitary Supply Wholesaling Association. “I am honored to join the leadership team at AFFLINK; they have done a tremendous job evolving as the commercial markets have continued to change and consolidate,” said Gatzulis. “I look forward to utilizing my years of experience and training alongside Dennis Riffer and his team. AFFLINK has a great culture and a passion for winning, making this new opportunity extremely exciting for my family and me.”
MHS and Fortna to combine to create global eCommerce and Logistics Automation leader
MHS Global (“MHS”), a global provider of material handling automation technology and systems integration, and Fortna (“Fortna”), a software and solutions provider for warehouse and distribution, will combine to form a multi-billion-dollar, multinational company providing parcel, warehouse and distribution, and lifecycle services. MHS and Fortna belong to the investment portfolio of Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. (“THL”), a premier private equity firm investing in middle-market growth companies. THL will remain the majority owner of the combined company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (“ADIA”) will acquire a significant minority stake to support the combination. As businesses increasingly require improved throughput and faster execution, there is heightened demand for automation, advanced operating software, and services. The combination of MHS’s automation technologies and Fortna’s operational optimization software, in addition to each company’s deep industry partnerships, serves the need for end-to-end solutions in logistics operations. Customers will benefit from the breadth and depth of both companies’ offerings: industry-leading capabilities in a parcel, cross-docking, conveyance, and sortation solutions combined with industry-leading orchestration and optimization software and unique operational designs leveraging advanced automation to drive greater efficiencies and cost savings for customers. “MHS has built its reputation over the past 20-plus years by being a reliable and committed partner while expanding our capabilities and taking a progressive, tech-forward stance to deliver new products and solutions,” said MHS CEO Scott McReynolds. “Combining with Fortna will allow us to accelerate our collective efforts on all fronts, to the benefit of our customers, employees, and suppliers.” “Fortna has been a trusted advisor driving competitive advantage for our clients as they build direct-to-consumer models, increase service levels, and enable a lower cost to serve,” said Rob McKeel, CEO of Fortna. “The combination with MHS will enable the model to scale with our clients globally and allow the combined company to drive further innovation in operating models, software, and automation.” Upon closing, McKeel will become the CEO, and McReynolds will become the President, of the combined entity. Hamad Shahwan Al Dhaheri, Executive Director of the Private Equities Department at ADIA, said, “MHS and Fortna are leading players in their respective industries, and their combination will create a significant operating platform for the company to deliver automation solutions to customers on a global scale. This transaction aligns with our approach of making investments alongside proven partners in support of technology leadership.” Jim Carlisle, Managing Director at THL and head of both Technology & Business Solutions and the THL Automation Fund, said, “We look forward to working with the talented management teams and employees of Fortna and MHS as we continue to drive excellence in logistics automation. Automation solves industry-wide challenges, such as labor shortages, and helps customers meet escalating demand. These two companies are well-positioned to meet these challenges and unlock new opportunities for their customers.” Carlisle will serve as board chairman of the combined company. This transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and RBC Capital Markets, LLC served as financial advisors to MHS. Baird served as financial advisor to Fortna. Kirkland and Ellis served as legal advisor, respectively, to both companies. J.P. Morgan Securities, LLC will lead the debt financing for MHS. J.P. Morgan Securities, LLC and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP served as financial and legal advisors, respectively, to ADIA’s subsidiary.
EP 271: Open Sky Group at MODEX 2022
In this episode, I was joined by Dave Haley of Open Sky Group at MODEX 2022. Open Sky Group is the number one reseller of Blue Yonder and has expanded beyond WMS to help companies integrate multiple different systems into their operation. We discuss their advisory services and why it is important to fully assess your operation before determining your next step. Key Takeaways Open Sky Group originally started with a focus on implementing WMS software into operations but has since expanded into multiple different system types and focuses on Blue Yonder. They have also expanded into advisory services which serve the purpose of ensuring the customer is getting the right system for their needs. Dave shares an example where a company was convinced they needed a tier-one TMS system but when they really looked at it they did not need all that functionality. Due to this, the company was able to save themselves a lot of spending so being able to determine the right fit with an expert is key. When going through the advisory services process, Open Sky Group really takes the approach to determine what the customer’s real need is and not go into it trying to sell them something. They will take a full assessment of what you are currently doing and look for the gaps. If they can fit into the gaps then they will give you their recommendation but as Dave says if they do not fit into the gap then they will advise you on some other companies that can help you do that. This is a very important partnership to form as you are looking at improving your operation. You need to get a fair assessment and need to be able to have someone that can help you understand what you truly need. Dave discusses how it is important to fully assess your operation before going after the shiny objects that we were seeing at MODEX. While these technologies can really help you to improve operations, it is important to optimize your processes as much as possible before moving in that direction. If you do that, you will not see the ROI or efficiency gains that you may be expecting. He also emphasizes that dealing with the labor shortage is more than trying to get employees and that retention should also have as much concentration as recruiting and trying to get new technology to supplement labor. Listen or watch the episode below and leave your thoughts in the comments. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 271: Open Sky Group at MODEX 2022
Emerson Condition Monitoring Software expands visibility to asset health
The latest release of AMS Machine Works enables holistic condition monitoring programs for critical assets Global software and technology provider Emerson is updating its machinery health platform to enable customers to migrate to a more holistic, modern interface for condition monitoring. New support brings data from edge analytics devices directly to key personnel inside and outside the control room to help them more quickly identify and address a wide range of common equipment faults before they impact plant availability. In some industries, Emerson estimates every 1% gain in availability is worth approximately $8.4 million of additional profit margin per year. Plants around the globe have faced increasing shortages of experienced personnel to monitor and manage equipment reliability. Today, 58% of multinational manufacturers are having difficulty acquiring skilled talent according to a 2021 study from Workforce Institute at Ultimate Kronos Group. To help small teams make the most of limited resources, Emerson has continuously evolved AMS Machine Works’ condition monitoring technologies for better diagnostics at the industrial edge. Increased connectivity to external systems provides personnel with an intuitive, holistic asset health score supported by maintenance recommendations to help reliability teams quickly see what is wrong and how to fix it. Intuitive information and alerts are delivered directly to workstations or mobile devices to provide decision support, helping maintenance personnel make the best use of their time. “As smaller groups of experienced reliability personnel are tasked with supporting an increasing scope of work, they need access to immediate insights and faster, more comprehensive information to prevent downtime and keep plants running at peak performance,” said Erik Lindhjem, vice president of reliability solutions at Emerson. “The newest version of AMS Machine Works seamlessly interfaces with edge analytics devices to help teams of any size stay aware of the health of all plant production assets, from critical to balance-of-plant, no matter where they may be.” The newest version of AMS Machine Works adds support for Emerson’s AMS Asset Monitor, which provides embedded, automatic analytics at the edge using patented PeakVue™ technology to alert personnel to the most common faults associated with a wide range of assets. AMS Machine Works also supports open connectivity using the OPC UA protocol to make it easier to connect to external systems such as historians, computerized maintenance management systems, and more to help close the loop on plant support from identification to repair and documentation.
How technology enables the ‘Demand-Driven Enterprise’
What is a demand-driven enterprise? The Demand Driven Institute defines it as one that “can sense market changes, adapt to complex and volatile environments, and develop market-driven innovation strategies.” At the same time, the demand-driven enterprise can’t ignore its execution arm — the warehouse. That’s where people are responsible for planning, yard management, warehouse management, and inventory control. They rely on data and systems to manage shipping, receiving, dock schedules, inventory control, labor planning, and work release, among other functions. Most distribution centers have a number of complex tasks that are hindered by multiple constraints, as they struggle to get the right inventory out the right door at the right time. But technology can help them to make decisions faster, resulting in optimized warehouse operations and increased efficiency. It’s not easy to identify a single point of failure in today’s complex supply chains. COVID-19 has led to raw-material shortages and missed production schedules. Companies overproduced during the pandemic, and are now facing the consequences of having used up much of their raw-material inventory. Meanwhile, in the warehouse, labor availability remains a big problem, prompting efforts to digitize and automate support systems. But delivery schedules for new equipment can be up to 36 months out. So most organizations are exploring innovation through software. One of the first places warehouse managers look to drive value is visibility platforms, which help to determine where inventory is and when it will arrive. But given that they provide all this data, why is there still a shortage of toilet paper, chicken, and semiconductors in the market today? Who in the supply chain is really at fault? Production blames raw materials procurement and planning, while transportation blames production for not running to agreed-upon schedules. And transportation gets blamed when there aren’t enough trucks to deliver the goods. Finally, responsibility goes to the DC, which has been whipped around by upstream processes and can’t ship anything on time because trucks are showing up six hours late and there isn’t enough labor to run the DC. To mitigate this whipsaw of blame, new systems must be introduced that provide rapid decision support and enable demand-driven execution. Execution platforms tie together visibility, the yard, enterprise resource planning (ERP), warehouse management software (WMS), and other systems. But to implement these applications successfully, management must be prepared to lose a portion of the manual control it’s used to. For example, at one consumer packaged goods producer, the third-party logistics provider was given a full execution plan for the DC. It needed to receive the plan, review it, and manually enter cherry-picked components into the WMS, which directed workers to change their workflow. This took a massive amount of time and was almost worse than having no optimized plan to begin with. To reduce friction and drive execution, plans were pushed directly into the WMS. Once the team automated the decision-making process, efficiency increased by 200% overnight. There’s much talk in supply chains today about the need for visibility, predictability, and prescriptive analytics. Yet few organizations are translating those capabilities into comprehensive execution plans. Even with artificial intelligence and prescriptive software, execution is needed to make everything work smoothly. In an ideal world, all warehouse planning is on autopilot. The facility reduces the need for decision-making, eliminates bottlenecks, and allows key personnel to work with teams on the floor to increase productivity. With automation, plans can be created and directly injected into the WMS. Planning time is reduced by 97%; productivity increases by 16%; inventory waste is reduced by 13%, and intra-campus transportation costs fall by 31%. In the process, demand can be met, production runs on schedule, inventory moves off the shelf, and orders are shipped to customers on time, in full.
EP 269: Jeff Lem and the students
On this episode, I put on my other hat which is Professor Lawton, and was joined by previous guest Jeff Lem. Being at MODEX 2022, I could not teach my class in person so we did it virtually and I had a guest speaker come on. That guest speaker was the president of Portable Intelligence and author, Jeff Lem. Key Takeaways Jeff highlights the amount of technology we are seeing coming into the warehousing space which was even more evident at MODEX 2022. Even with all of the technology, Jeff is sure to mention that you must rely on your data and that the data must be accurate and consistent in order to continue to make smart business decisions. This is very much a topic that I have discussed with my students as we have covered the importance of accurate data within the supply chain. He also highlights the growth of business intelligence and how it is being grown utilizing AI. This was very interesting as my students are very interested to hear about how AI is growing and being utilized in the supply chain. The biggest growth point for AI in the supply chain according to Jeff is the predictive analytics side. This is allowing operations to understand what is going to happen and how to plan for it in their operation. Additionally, emphasizes that having solid data for AI to work properly is a key to implementing it. One of the other things that Jeff highlights is how the pandemic has caused companies to rethink how they distribute products in their supply chain. He discusses how things have changed for the customer experience and how companies have adopted different ways to allow for contact-less experiences. Through this companies have been able to start not only distributing and fulfilling orders from warehouses but also through their stores. This expands the available inventory and allows it to get to customers with more efficiency. Listen to the episode below and leave your thoughts in the comments. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 269: Jeff Lem and the Students
WISER Systems launches ATLAS: High Density, Enterprise-Wide Live Positioning Solution
The new WISER ATLAS provides revolutionary WISER Locator precision and ease of use scaled to thousands of work orders/assets across millions of square feet WISER Systems, a provider of ultra-wideband (UWB) real-time location and tracking systems (RTLS), has just announced its newest product release, ATLAS (Accurate Tracking & Locating Asset Solution).TM This robust software allows users to wirelessly and precisely locate and track tagged items in densely packed metallic environments in real-time, without sacrificing the precision, minimal infrastructure, and ease of install/use that WISER’s lower-density Locator already provides. The WISER ATLAS system was recently installed at SWD, a provider in metal finishing and fastener sorting. Located in Addison, Illinois, SWD processes up to 500 work orders a day in their 200,000 square foot facility that runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The facility is a heavy industrial setting where metal bins and parts move in and around the packed facility to various finishing and sorting stations. “It was the ability to simultaneously track thousands of parts that sold us on the WISER ATLAS,” said Matt Delawder, SWD Sales & Marketing Manager/Partner. “On any given day we needed the ability to track up to 3,600 parts, with the capability to reassign 500 work orders to tags each day. WISER was great to work with and was accommodating when we requested the option to have different color tag enclosures for our needs. This is the best productivity improvement we’ve done in years. It will change our entire manufacturing process.” WISER ATLAS allows the user to easily log items to assets using the WISER mobile/desktop app. WISER ATLAS allows users to associate work-order or part numbers to tags instantaneously, to track them throughout their entire manufacturing cycle on the floor. As always, the user can view all tags as they move throughout the mesh using the app. The search function snaps to the tag being searched across the entire mesh for easy retrieval or process step identification in real-time. The WISER micro-location system uses ultra-wideband (UWB) technology to locate, identify, and track assets live in real-time. WISER ATLAS delivers solutions in Industry 4.0 priorities, including smart manufacturing, and operations improvement and efficiencies, warehouse and auto-inventory management, supply chain and logistics, occupancy and visitor tracking, and yard management, to name a few. “WISER ATLAS offers the industry a truly revolutionary system where companies can track thousands of work orders and assets live and simultaneously with high accuracy and minimal infrastructure. The system is simple to install and provides accuracy even in highly reflective industrial and metal-heavy environments like those of SWD, unlike anything available on the market today,” said Mark Dirks, Chief Revenue Officer at WISER Systems. “Other systems require a substantial number of additional antennas, hours of installation, and regular infrastructure maintenance, which until now has made real-time autonomous tracking in these high-density locations prohibitively expensive,” Dirks added.
EP 263: Bonnie Plants
On this episode, I was joined by the Director of E-commerce Operations & Fulfillment at Bonnie Plants, Sid Phelps. Bonnie Plants provides all of the pre-grown vegetable plants that you would find at places like Lowe’s and Home Depot. We discuss Bonnie Plants distribution model, how they developed a robust e-commerce business for live plants, and some career advice from Sid. Key Takeaways Bonnie Plants has been in business for 104 years bringing live plants to retail outlets for consumers to plant in their gardens and enjoy. Dealing with live plants creates a unique distribution model which includes greenhouses where the plants are grown and stored. Sid explains how there are main distribution centers and then smaller substations which allow the plants to be close to the point of sale and also stay in the proper environments to maximize their life and quality. We also discuss how the life cycle of the plant works into their distribution flow as it starts from a seed and grows to the retail stage. As you can imagine there are multiple challenges when dealing with live plants versus dry goods. Not only is it challenging to deliver them to retail outlets and ensure they are ready just at the right part of the season there is also an added layer when it comes to their e-commerce operation. Sid was one of the main individuals at Bonnie who helped develop their e-commerce business and explains how the biggest challenge was finding the right package. You can tell from the way Sid talks about this that Bonnie Plants has the customer experience top of mind which is such an important part of e-commerce. Sid has been with Bonnie Plants for 22 years and as he explains started in his teens as a greenhouse laborer doing whatever job needed to be done. He has since worked his way up to his current position. I asked him what his career advice would be and he advised that the most important thing to do is to get experience on the floor and do the tough jobs. He explains that doing this allows you to better understand the processes and ensures that when you are leading people you can ask them to do things knowing that you would be willing or have done them yourself in the past. Listen to the episode below and leave your thoughts in the comments. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 263: Bonnie Plants
EP 263: Bonnie Plants
On this episode, I was joined by the Director of E-commerce Operations & Fulfillment at Bonnie Plants, Sid Phelps. Bonnie Plants provides all of the pre-grown vegetable plants that you would find at places like Lowe’s and Home Depot. We discuss Bonnie Plants distribution model, how they developed a robust e-commerce business for live plants, and some career advice from Sid. Key Takeaways Bonnie Plants has been in business for 104 years bringing live plants to retail outlets for consumers to plant in their gardens and enjoy. Dealing with live plants creates a unique distribution model which includes greenhouses where the plants are grown and stored. Sid explains how there are main distribution centers and then smaller substations which allow the plants to be close to the point of sale and also stay in the proper environments to maximize their life and quality. We also discuss how the life cycle of the plant works into their distribution flow as it starts from a seed and grows to the retail stage. As you can imagine there are multiple challenges when dealing with live plants versus dry goods. Not only is it challenging to deliver them to retail outlets and ensure they are ready just at the right part of the season there is also an added layer when it comes to their e-commerce operation. Sid was one of the main individuals at Bonnie who helped develop their e-commerce business and explains how the biggest challenge was finding the right package. You can tell from the way Sid talks about this that Bonnie Plants has the customer experience top of mind which is such an important part of e-commerce. Sid has been with Bonnie Plants for 22 years and as he explains started in his teens as a greenhouse laborer doing whatever job needed to be done. He has since worked his way up to his current position. I asked him what his career advice would be and he advised that the most important thing to do is to get experience on the floor and do the tough jobs. He explains that doing this allows you to better understand the processes and ensures that when you are leading people you can ask them to do things knowing that you would be willing or have done them yourself in the past. Listen to the episode below and leave your thoughts in the comments. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 263: Bonnie Plants
EnerSys® Suite of Power Solutions take warehouse operations to the NexSys® Level
EnerSys®, a global provider in stored energy solutions for industrial applications, will feature its family of virtually maintenance-free NexSys® battery solutions at MODEX® 2022 in booth B7811. Sustainable NexSys® iON Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries and NexSys® PURE Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) batteries are engineered to maximize productivity and minimize operational costs, while simultaneously reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and water consumption. EnerSys® will also display its proprietary EnSite™ modeling software and range of power management tools, designed to right-size lift truck battery and charger fleets, reveal operational data for performance improvement and deliver an overall lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). MODEX 2022 will take place from March 28 to 31 at Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA. Ideal for heavy-duty applications, NexSys® iON batteries are manufactured with high-performance cells to deliver high energy capacity in a smaller footprint. With modular construction, they can be customized to precise power and fleet demands to lower initial investment and can maintain a high State of Charge (SOC) as a result of faster recharge rate capabilities. The battery’s integrated Battery Management System (BMS) supports greater safety, reliability, and battery life, and is designed to meet Automotive / Rigorous Functional Safety Standard ISO 26262, making EnerSys® the first battery manufacturer to bring this compliance standard to the material handling industry. NexSys® PURE batteries are optimized for fast- and opportunity-charging and are the ideal solution for light- to medium-duty applications. They provide reliable power without the restrictive upkeep requirements of watering, equalizing, and battery changing associated with conventional flooded lead-acid batteries. They provide a lower-cost alternative to Li-ion technology and can be used in conjunction with NexSys® iON batteries as a hybrid solution for the lowest TCO. Eco-friendly NexSys® iON and NexSys® PURE batteries can eliminate the use of up to 13 gallons of distilled water every week, in turn, cutting the energy consumption required for water distillation and distribution. Additionally, both battery chemistries are more energy-efficient per charge compared to flooded lead-acid batteries. The NexSys® iON battery is approximately 28 percent more efficient and the NexSys® PURE battery is roughly 24 percent. EnerSys® proprietary EnSite™ modeling software enables confident, data-driven decisions regarding what battery chemistry – or combination of chemistries – is best suited for individual unique operations. The software uses specific detailed information to generate customized data and actionable intelligence to right-size a battery and charger fleet. By assessing multiple factors, including the number, size, and type of vehicles in operation as well as scheduling and charging requirements, EnSite™ modeling software can help guide proper battery and charger specification, resulting in enhanced fleet productivity. “We are committed to working with our customers to ensure they are getting the most from their battery and charger fleet and that begins with determining the best power solution,” said Harold Vanasse, Senior Director of Marketing, Motive Power Global at EnerSys®. “Our EnSite™ modeling software streamlines the power selection process based on specific data and also identifies operational challenges that can be improved by implementing the right power solution for a specific fleet. Our goal is to give our customers the right solution at the lowest TCO.” EnerSys® power management tools translate data to actionable intelligence to boost productivity, cut costs and improve overall operations. The Wi-iQ® battery monitoring device captures key operational data, issues visual and audible alerts on important operational parameters, and features a slim design for easy installation directly on the battery harness. The device wirelessly communicates metrics via Bluetooth to the Truck iQ™ smart battery dashboard, giving drivers a live view of their lift truck battery health to avoid costly unplanned downtime associated with premature battery failure from improper maintenance and charging practices. Lastly, the E Connect™ mobile app, available free for Android and iOS operating systems, allows users to see a real-time view of their battery and charger operating data in the palm of their hand for enhanced fleet management. “At EnerSys, we are dedicated to exceeding customer expectations by delivering a safer, trouble-free, and reliable power experience for optimal productivity. Equally important is to bring solutions that drive sustainable business practices to help build a better energy future,” continued Vanasse. “With sustainability, safety, productivity and convenience at the core of our company’s product engineering, our solutions are designed to provide lift truck fleet managers with a complete systems approach, regardless of vehicle type or scope of operations.”
Analyze MyDrives available as standard in the MindSphere Store and SINAMICS Connect 300 with new intelligent features
Siemens is presenting its latest solutions for smart and networked drive technology. By networking entire drive systems, machine and plant builders, as well as end-users, can simulate machines and plants more accurately using digital twins, perform commissioning, reduce downtimes and therefore increase manufacturing productivity. Analyze MyDrives With the new version of the Analyze MyDrives MindSphere app, Siemens is offering users new powerful diagram libraries for faster visualization. The new “Pan and Scan” function enables users to specify a precise time frame for monitoring. The new version also features an improved e-mail notification service, which is based upon a simple IFTTT control mechanism. In addition, users can freely configure trend analytics — for example, for time series and scatter diagrams to support even more powerful bi-variate graphical correlation analysis. A new dashboard provides key status information for all relevant drive components at a glance. If necessary, users have an overview of the integrated variables per drive train component, including the last transmitted value, time of the last update, unit of measurement, and link to the diagram used. Diagrams can be exported with a single click and statistical aggregate functions are integrated into all diagram types. New functions for SINAMICS Connect 300 With SINAMICS Connect 300, Siemens is introducing a simple plug-and-play solution that integrates SINAMICS low-voltage drives into IT infrastructure, and it supports cloud-based digitalization. One new feature is expert mode, where, upon request, users can individually differentiate the parameters of the SINAMICS drive and store them in MindSphere, the open, cloud-based IoT operating system. The new SINAMICS Connect 300 device includes comprehensive commissioning and service management with an integrated web server, which simplifies configuration even with very specific requirements. The webserver enables comprehensive management of the device, e.g., CA certificates, license management, and firmware updates. On the webserver’s homepage, users can also view MindSphere connection status and immediately check cloud connectivity. To ensure that data is not lost in the event of network failures, a data buffer of up to 500 MB is provided. For secure data transfer, the transfer protocol has been changed from HTTP to HTTPS and the security guidelines have been updated to prevent unauthorized manipulation of the device. SINAMICS Connect 300 adds to the existing standard MindConnect portfolio and gives users the opportunity to connect SINAMICS drives that do not communicate via Profinet directly to MindSphere. In addition, SINAMICS Connect 300 enables the connection of SINAMICS drives in existing plants without the need for expensive and time-consuming hardware or software modifications. SINAMICS Connect 300 does not use a proprietary data model, which means that uploaded drive data can be provided to all MindSphere apps without issue.
EP 261: Phantom Auto
In this episode, I was joined by two Ryan’s both from Phantom Auto. Ryan Chesterfield and Ryan Clifford both work for Phantom Auto which is helping to bring remote work capabilities to the warehousing world. We discuss Phantom Auto’s technology, how it is changing the way we work and what the future looks like. Key Takeaways Phantom Auto is bringing revolutionary technology to the warehousing world by providing a solution that allows machine operators to work remotely. Originally developed to be able to support autonomous trucks on the road in case there is an issue, the technology has since be adopted to allow forklifts to be operated remotely by humans. Based on incredibly fast communication the platform can allow almost immediate response time allowing for these types of operations to be controlled and performed thousands of miles away. What Phantom Auto is bringing to the table certainly helps to address one of the largest issues we’ve been experiencing which is a shortage of labor. Ryan brings up a great point in our discussion that in some areas demand for labor is high so it creates a shortage but there may be other areas of the country where labor demand is not as high. Typically there would be no way to tap into this available labor because they would need to be physically present, however, with Phantom Auto’s technology these individuals could now operate a forklift in Texas for a warehouse that is in New Jersey. It truly opens up the labor market. For the future of technology, there is a goal to be able to get beyond a one-to-one ratio for equipment. The idea is that an operator could handle two vehicles at once and be able to intervene when necessary. Right now companies are hiring operators internally that can work remotely for them but Phantom is considering the possibility of offering operators that are Phantom employees to companies on an as-needed basis. This would allow the operators to work for multiple different operations depending on where they are needed. Listen to the episode below and leave your thoughts in the comments. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 261: Phantom Auto
EP 260: 3 Years of The New Warehouse!
Three years of The New Warehouse Podcast! I can hardly believe it but I’m taking a moment to celebrate all of the episodes that we have created over the last three years. It has been quite the learning journey and it only continues to grow. Thank you! There is nothing more to say here but thank you. I am very thankful to all of the listeners and those that have shown interest in The New Warehouse over the last three years. I have certainly learned a lot and I hope you have to. It has been quite the experience and it is far from ending in my eyes. Be sure to listen to the episode below to hear my reflections and a special announcement. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 260: 3 Years of The New Warehouse!
BeerBoard announces collaboration with Reyes Beer Division to digitize ordering for the on-premise
BeerBoard, a provider in technology and automated intelligence for the on-premise hospitality industry, announced that Florida Distributing Company (FDC), which is part of Reyes Beer Division, has expanded its use of BeerBoard technology to now integrate SmartOrders into its Orlando operations. BeerBoard has focused 15-plus years on delivering technology to make alcohol management more efficient and profitable. The BeerBoard platform provides centralized ordering, menu automation, and actionable insights for the entire bar. Retailers partner directly with BeerBoard to realize a significant return on their investment by reducing manual labor and improving efficiency, accuracy, and the guest experience. SmartOrders, just one component of BeerBoard’s full end-to-end technology, digitizes many of the interactions between retailers, distributors, and suppliers. Retailers place orders to each of their alcohol distributors directly through one dedicated portal. They benefit from a consolidated ordering solution for beer, liquor, and wine, and also automation and intelligence insights to improve overall operations. The solution maintains perpetual inventories and provides recommended orders (brands and quantities) based on real-time sales and pours. All invoicing is digitized, thereby eliminating manual entry and management of inventory. “Reyes Beer Division is an industry leader in brand building, distribution, and adopting technology. We are thrilled to work with RBD and expand the use of the industry’s best three-tier compliant technology, starting with their operations in Orlando, FL,” said Mark Young, Founder and CEO of BeerBoard. “Reyes Beer Division recognizes the value of BeerBoard’s agnostic platform and approach to support the entire eco-system in a three-tier compliant manner. FDC’s adoption of SmartOrders is a signal that implementing the right technology can lead to improved customer service, efficiency, and revenue.” Reyes Beer Division (RBD) delivers over 260 million cases annually to more than 100,000 retail accounts across the nation. It is now utilizing SmartOrders technology to digitize its interactions with retailers on the BeerBoard platform across several locations. BeerBoard’s robust client list features high-profile independent groups and major chain operators across North America. Retailers include industry leaders Buffalo Wild Wings, Hooters, Twin Peaks, WingHouse, Mellow Mushroom, and TGI Fridays. Beer-Board also partners with major brewers including AB InBev, Boston Beer, Constellation Brands, Lagunitas, Heineken, Diageo, and Yuengling.
The Shippers Group selects Zethcon as warehouse software partner
Synapse WMS to power warehouse operations for leading national third-party logistics provider Zethcon Corporation announces the selection of the company’s flagship software, Synapse WMS, by The Shippers Group, a third-party logistics provider. The warehouse management system (WMS) provides the strong out-of-the-box feature set The Shippers Group needs to support the growth of their warehousing operations, which span over 5.4 million square feet across 12 locations. The Shippers Group chose Synapse WMS to support the continued growth of their business in existing categories and to help diversify into e-commerce fulfillment. The platform offers extensive functionality in a highly configurable package to meet the complex and evolving needs of 3PL warehouse operations, with little to no customization. “Zethcon is a widely used resource in our industry, and that proven track record makes us confident that they are the right partner to support the growth we expect,” said Rob Doyle, President, The Shippers Group. “Synapse WMS equips us with better inventory control, flexibility and intuitive dashboards, and performance reporting so that we can provide superior service to our customers and adapt to their fast-changing requirements with ease.” Synapse WMS is designed for simple setup and easy rollout, both at initial implementation and for 3PLs onboarding new clients. To further streamline data connectivity and end-to-end integration, the Zethcon Managed Integration Services (MIS) division provides a complete solution and speed to market advantage, especially valuable benefits for 3PL providers that depend on software integration with both internal and external customer systems to share data critical to managing orders, inventory, and shipping. “Synapse WMS is really built for customers like The Shippers Group – 3PLs positioned for growth and in need of a robust yet flexible solution to allow them to capitalize on those opportunities,” said Chris Oechsel, CEO, Zethcon. “The system delivers on the security, support, and continuous enhancements that these operations need to scale.” Synapse WMS has regularly scheduled releases of upgraded features and functionalities, based on real-world input from customers. The latest major release, Version 3.0, further expanded the system’s capabilities to optimize order fulfillment, tracking, and billing, and providing faster, easier data sharing through improved API integrations.
EP 259: StayLinked Evolve
On this episode, I was joined by the previous guest Justin Griffith of StayLinked. Justin is the CTO at StayLinked and he came on to discuss their new technology Evolve. We discuss the technology that StayLinked helps improve, their new product Evolve, and why ease of integration is so important for our industry. Key Takeaways StayLinked helps with terminal emulation when it comes to Telnet. In other words, they help to ensure that your handheld devices are working properly and can support your legacy systems. Justin gives some insight into just how long this technology has been around which leads to an interesting discussion on disruption in our industry. One thing that can scare operations is the thought of disrupting their shipments. Getting behind on shipments can be extremely costly so with the uncertainty of how integration will go there can be resistance. Recently StayLinked released their latest offering which is called Evolve. This product allows companies to easily integrate multiple systems together. A great example is that you can know how your handheld device communicates with a robot without any intensive programming or difficult system work. Definitely a huge step forward in allowing companies to bring new technologies into their operation and reduce the fear of disruption. Justin discusses how the main driver for creating this product was hearing how companies were struggling through integrations. With so many technologies entering our world there are many instances where communication between the technologies cannot happen or is incredibly difficult to make happen. This is where smaller businesses run into issues because they do not have the resources to make these communications happen. StayLinked Evolve now allows these companies to be able to do this with ease and within a few hours according to Justin. As the technology grows there will be multiple platforms that can communicate with each other and it will definitely open up the market for the operations world. Listen to the episode below and leave your thoughts in the comments. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 259: StayLinked Evolve