Aptean launches new Cloud-based enterprise Asset Management Solution including CMMS for manufacturers
Aptean, a global provider of mission-critical enterprise software solutions, announced the launch of Aptean EAM, an all-new, cloud-based enterprise asset management (EAM) solution for manufacturing and other businesses that depend on complex equipment to support production. The new offering can scale from functioning as a standalone computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) to delivering advanced EAM functionality. Thus, Aptean EAM can meet the needs of both small and mid-sized manufacturing organizations for which traditional EAMs are unnecessarily complex and larger, enterprise-scale organizations that may have previously limited their EAM investments to only their largest sites. Aptean EAM simplifies intelligent preventative maintenance with a significant number of capabilities including advanced analytics. Unplanned equipment downtime can impact production schedules, resulting in delayed order fulfillment, dissatisfied customers, and revenue loss. Aptean EAM elevates asset maintenance and management functions through a single platform to manage work orders, automate approvals, track spare parts inventory, schedule preventative maintenance, assign appropriately skilled labor, and conduct mobile compliance inspections. The system’s simplicity supports rapid deployment while the user-friendly interface promotes high user adoption. Plus, the product streamlines operations through intuitive workflows that increase the efficiency and visibility of the maintenance process across manufacturing sites, lines, and teams. It also enables powerful business intelligence through configurable dashboards and reports, delivering critical KPIs on asset performance to support better, more informed decisions. “The new cloud-based Aptean EAM is designed to meet the maintenance management needs of businesses that rely on equipment to drive operations,” said Jenny Peng, Chief Technology Officer at Aptean. “The intuitive and modern user interface simplifies maintenance operations and gives plant supervisors real-time visibility into work order status. Powerful and configurable dashboards add value for all key stakeholders, putting asset performance data at their fingertips so they can manage issues proactively and help ensure equipment reliability.” Early adopters of Aptean EAM report the solution solves production challenges by reducing downtime, improving safety, and lowering overall maintenance costs. Frank Furgal, Capital Projects Lead at CoreFX, selected Aptean EAM to address his organization’s use of cumbersome, paper-based work orders and the lack of visibility into preventative maintenance needs created as a result. These challenges impacted productivity and undermined the company’s commitment to a safe work environment. After implementing Aptean EAM, CoreFX was able to be proactive with scheduling, prioritizing high-risk issues. “It’s key to have everything at your fingertips and to be able to measure how many safety items have been checked off. A reduction in overall accidents and a safer workplace also means less downtime on the floor,” said Furgal. To learn more about Aptean EAM and the benefits gained by CoreFX, or to read success stories from other Aptean EAM clients, click here.
EP 258: Warehouse Education
In this episode, I share my own knowledge from experience on how to increase your warehouse education. I have been asked this question a few times in the last couple of months about not only increasing knowledge in the warehouse industry but also how to help grow your career in the industry so I thought I would share some of my answers on this episode. Key Takeaways Like myself, many that find themselves in our industry have not had any kind of formal warehouse education. This often leads to a point where people want to increase their knowledge in some way which is where I found myself a few years ago. I pursued the CLTD certification from APICS and ASCM at the time and I still highly recommend it. The certification was very comprehensive and it really helped me to understand some concepts that I probably would not have exposure to until later on in my career at a more senior level. Other options are to do programs at local community colleges or other associations. Another way to learn and grow in the industry is to network with other people. I know this is said all of the time but the truth is it really works when you put some effort into it. As you network with people in your industry you start to learn things just from talking with them and hearing the challenges that they have gone through. If you develop a good relationship with them, meaning you both get value out of the relationship, then you end up with someone that you can call on when you are trying to solve a problem. It is also helpful because you might want to do something that you do not have experience with so you can reach out to someone in your network who may have had the experience. The last suggestion is to get some experience in the field by working as a warehouse associate and doing the physical processes. This is something I suggest to my students all the time. It is very easy to get a job in a warehouse because they are hiring like crazy and you could even go through a temp agency. Of everything I could recommend this would be the most beneficial because it will help you better understand what is going on on the floor when you need to adjust strategies or lead them in a different way. Listen to the episode below and leave your tips on how to help your career grow in the comments. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 258: Warehouse Education
Softeon has single Warehouse Management System scaling from basic distribution operations to highly complex automated distribution centers
Unlike vendors with multiple WMS products, Softeon Warehouse Management System serves large, mid-level, and smaller operations across a fulfillment network Softeon is a global supply chain software provider that offers a powerful, yet highly flexible and scalable Warehouse Management System solution that can meet the needs of diverse distribution center types and complexities across a company’s fulfillment network. For a variety of reasons, many companies have a mix of facility types and operational complexities within a single network. For example, a retailer may have highly complex and automated distribution centers for store replenishment, separate DCs for eCommerce fulfillment, local logistics facilities for eCommerce orders, as well as stores providing customer fulfillment. Other companies have sophisticated operations in the US and other home markets, but also much more basic facilities in their international operations. Third-party logistics companies commonly serve an array of clients, some requiring large facilities with advanced operations, others more mid-level or even smaller facilities to meet specific client requirements. Traditionally, Warehouse Management System providers have struggled to provide a single solution that works for both large, sophisticated DCs down to much more basic operations. Many higher-end WMS systems are too complicated to work well in smaller facilities, while WMS providers that serve the smaller and mid-market levels do not have the capabilities needed for larger, more complex operations. In fact, several leading WMS players have two or more systems to address these different market segments, requiring multiple systems across the network. Softeon, by contrast, has a proven ability to offer a single WMS solution that works for the full spectrum of distribution operations, including larger, more challenging environments, mid-level facilities, and even very small, basic facilities, including retail store-based fulfillment. Softeon has proven this ability with a number of companies, including 3PLs with a wide range of operations within their networks. This flexibility stems from Softeon’s robust WMS capabilities that can meet the needs of the most advanced DCs, but with a technical architecture and user interface options that can deliver a solution for much smaller operations as well. “One size fits all for DCs no longer meets the needs of many shippers today, but Softeon uniquely provides a single WMS solution that works across the full spectrum of distribution operations a given company may have, now or in the future,” said Dan Gilmore, chief marketing officer at Softeon. Softeon’s powerful, flexible WMS and other supply chain software solutions will be showcased at the upcoming MODEX show in Atlanta from March 28-31, Booth # C7466.
EP 257: JLT Mobile Computers
On this episode, I was joined by the US Regional Sales Director at JLT Mobile Computers, Glenn Lundgren. JLT Mobile Computers is focused on bringing rugged mobile computers to multiple industries including the warehousing industry. We discuss rugged devices, what to consider when looking for new devices and why try before you buy is the slogan to live by when replacing devices. Key Takeaways JLT Mobile Computers has been offering customized mobile computer solutions since 1994 and is currently the largest computer manufacturer in Sweden. They are focused on rugged devices as Glenn expresses their belief that rugged devices are a must in the harsh environments that their customers work in. We discuss what qualifies these devices to be rugged and to see a rugged device in the warehouse it actually goes through the same qualifications that would be needed in order for it to perform in a military setting. This ensures that the device will not be impacted by dust, extreme temperatures, or water penetration. When it comes to upgrading equipment or putting new equipment in place you want to ensure that you are making the best choice as you will most likely have to utilize that equipment for multiple years to come. Glenn shares some insights on why it is important to truly understand your needs while you are searching for the right equipment. He discusses the importance of getting all parties involved and making sure that the device fits into both the physical and systemic needs of the operation. It is also important to understand how the device does in your specific environment which leads us to the discussion on a try before you by. Try before you buy is a concept that JLT Mobile Computer lives by because they believe that their customers cannot make the right decision without trying their equipment first. They want the customer to get what is right for them and not just to sell any device the customer is interested in. Setting up a proper demo includes having all parties involved and sharing what the expectations of your next device are with JLT. Then the most important part is actually trying the device with your team on the floor. When they are utilizing it you want to get as much feedback as possible and then have your solution provider make adjustments. This is also a great way to find out if your service provider is going to be willing to work with you through different issues. Listen to the episode below and leave your thoughts in the comments. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 257: JLT Mobile Computers
EP 256: Warehouse Cleanliness
In this episode, I discuss something very important in the warehouse, cleaning! This is an incredibly important part of maintaining a well-run operation and I hope that sharing some of my experiences can help you as well. I also hope that I can learn from your experiences so please leave a comment below with your tips for keeping a clean warehouse. Key Takeaways Cleaning your warehouse is important because it creates a better overall work environment for your employees. It not only makes people feel more comfortable but it can also have a positive impact on productivity and reduce safety risks throughout the facility. As I discuss in the episode is also something that can be impressive to new hires and maybe be a swaying factor when candidates are considering different places to work. From a safety perspective, having trash or other debris throughout the warehouse can create tripping hazards or potential issues for forklift operators that can lead to accidents. Saying you are going to clean is one thing but it is important that it is a part of your culture. To start this you need to ensure that you have proper standards in place and have expectations in place for employees. Without this everyone will just come up with their own definition of what cleaning means and you will have some areas cleaned to a certain level while others are to a minimal level. Once you have these set then you can properly communicate these to the employees and they can easily follow the guidelines. Being sure to enforce these standards is also key to having employees understand their importance in the everyday workflow. One key point in keeping your warehouse clean is that you have to enable your employees to be able to do this. Having the right tools to clean is incredibly important so that they can do the job that they need to do. Just like you want to provide the proper equipment for them to pick or ship you want to be sure that cleaning is easy for them. It needs to feel like less of a chore and more as part of the daily routine. If they suggest something that would make it easier for them then listen and act. Listen to the episode below and leave your thoughts in the comments. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 256: Warehouse Cleanliness
SnapFulfil strengthens U.S. arm with key senior appointment
WMS technology innovator, SnapFulfil, selects Brian Kirst a seasoned 3PL Executive for the role of US Vice President Sales & Business Development. Kirst has 25+ years of experience in supply chain, logistics, and digital technology. Prior to joining the SnapFulfil team, he co-founded and launched two high-growth 3PL order fulfillment companies –Total Reliance in 2014 and Resurge in 2019. Both scaled successfully with the highly flexible SnapFulfil WMS as their differentiator. As part of the US leadership team, Brian brings his domain expertise in the 3PL sector to accelerate SnapFulfil’s growth as companies capitalize on trends in the Direct to Consumer (DTC) market. Kirst reports directly to Rich Pirrotta, CEO of parent company Synergy North America, who said: “Brian was one of the early adopters of our solution and used SnapFulfil to scale and grow at a rapid rate. He understands how our innovative self-configuration addresses complex fulfillment challenges and is uniquely placed to enable customers to drive significant value. He has been a strong advocate for SnapFulfil over the years and we’re delighted that Brian is now bringing his considerable insight, experience, and expertise to the team.” With SnapFulfil’s assistance, Total Reliance quickly achieved revenue growth of more than 800% and was acquired in its’ third year of operation by Best Logistics (in which Alibaba, China’s e-commerce giant, holds a 25% share). Brian repeated the pattern at Resurge, where they onboarded 20 new clients in just six weeks, including some very complex integrations. Brian said: “This move is a natural progression for me. SnapFulfil brings a level of support that, in my experience, goes way above and beyond the industry standard, and I have first-hand experience of how a speed-to-value partnership can be leveraged as an extension of your own core management team to drive rapid ROI and low TCO and attract new and bigger revenue streams. “The software is especially well-suited to retailers and 3PLs looking to expand into fast-paced DTC and e-commerce, as it gives maximum operational flexibility. Not only that, having access to the rules engine was empowering, hugely valuable, and set us apart from our competitors. I’ll be using my applied knowledge, gained across multiple industries and sectors, to help our customers identify their value drivers and further tap into the potential of SnapFulfil to drive revenue and profitability.” Brian resides in Freehold, New Jersey with his two daughters. Outside of work, he supports his daughters’ passions for equestrian sports and dance and networks with his fellow entrepreneurs in their active technology ventures.
Digi names Guy Yehiav president of SmartSense by Digi
Renowned Retail, CPG, and Supply Chain Veteran brings a world-class track record to a global provider of Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity products and services Digi International®, a global provider of Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity products and services, has announced it has named Guy Yehiav President of its SmartSense by Digi division. Over his 25-year career, the highly respected executive has helped build world-class technology companies like Oracle Demantra and Profitect, In his new role, Yehiav will lead SmartSense by Digi’s overall strategy, direction, development, and implementation of enterprise software solutions as it continues on its aggressive growth path. “We are thrilled to welcome Guy Yehiav to SmartSense by Digi,” said Ron Konezny, president and CEO of Digi. “His deep expertise in retail, CPG, supply chain, and complex manufacturing is an ideal fit for SmartSense by Digi’s sharp focus on enterprise IoT solutions for food safety, facilities monitoring, pharmaceutical safety, and supply chain visibility. As companies look to ensure their brand standards, protect their customers and eliminate inventory loss while improving efficiencies, SmartSense by Digi is well-positioned for continued growth and success in 2022 and beyond.” Renowned for creating a culture of innovation and inclusion while embracing new customers and pursuing vertical markets, Yehiav brings a track record of success spanning mergers and acquisitions, product portfolio planning, B2B enterprise software, SaaS metrics, conflict management, AI, and IoT solutions. Previously, he was General Manager and Vice President of Zebra Technologies, where he led organic and non-organic growth, M&A activities, leadership strategy, and customer success for the company’s Zebra Analytics business unit. Earlier, he was CEO of Profitect before its acquisition by Zebra Technologies in 2019. He has also held senior positions at Oracle and was a founder and executive board member of Demantra, which was acquired by Oracle in 2006. Yehiav holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science and industrial management from Shenkar College of Israel and an MBA in entrepreneurship from Babson College. He is fluent in English, French, and Hebrew, enabling him to work with a range of clients from Israel, Europe, APAC, and the U.S. “I have had many opportunities to help companies get started, grow faster, or transition to new phases,” Yehiav said. “To me, nothing is more exciting than steering a company into a profitable, productive, and innovative future with a clear customer success focus. Given SmartSense by Digi’s proven track record and remarkable team of innovators and experts, I am confident the road ahead will be as exciting as it is successful.”
Jeff Born hired as Director of Procurement and Supply Chain Solutions for Tubelite, Alumicor and Linetec
Jeff Born has been named as the director of procurement and supply chain solutions overseeing North American activities for Tubelite Inc., Alumicor Ltd. and Linetec. Together, these three companies and their six manufacturing locations provide storefront and finishing solutions as part of Apogee Enterprises, Inc. All three procurement departments report to Born, as supervised by Dean Seger, vice president of the integrated supply chain, and guided by Apogee’s procurement operations director. Born draws from more than 20 years of multi-functional, multi-national experience leading supply chain planning, scheduling, capacity management, logistics, distribution, procurement, and warehousing. He is a member of the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM). Most recently, Born served as vice president of the global supply chain for Michigan-based medical device manufacturer, SunMed, LLC. Prior to this, he worked as operations manager for global furniture design and manufacturer, Steelcase Inc. Early in his career, Born started his professional work as an analyst at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan, while he was a student. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis on marketing and finance. He was hired as an operations manager at Aspen Surgical Products, Inc. and later, as supply chain planning manager for multiple business segments at Amway.
NAW announces Inaugural Distributors Deliver Award winners
The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) just announced the winners of its inaugural Distributors Deliver Award given at last week’s NAW 2022 Executive Summit in Washington, DC. The NAW 2022 Executive Summit was the organization’s most-attended Summit on record and marked the event’s return in person after its Virtual Summit in 2021. “We’re proud to recognize the wholesaler-distributors who stepped up last year and helped NAW provide more than $1 million in PPE and other supplies to help run vaccine clinics, reopen cities, and protect Americans through our partnerships with NFL teams and the National League of Cities,” NAW CEO Eric Hoplin said. “The wholesale distribution industry’s hundreds of thousands of companies and millions of employees are well-known for their commitment to philanthropy and community and we look forward to continuing to recognize them each year.” Last year, NAW partnered with NFL stadium vaccination sites to provide over $500,000 worth of PPE in their efforts to vaccinate more than two million people. NAW and the National League of Cities partnered to reopen communities and surpassed $1,000,000 in donations of critical personal protective equipment and other supplies. The NAW Distributors Deliver Award, which will be presented annually at NAW’s Executive Summit, recognizes the philanthropic efforts of wholesaler-distributors and their commitment to charity, community, and improving lives. The 2021 NAW Distributors Deliver Award recipients are as follows: ABM Industries Accelerate360 Benco Dental Building Material Distributors (BMD) Bunzl North America Cameron Ashley Building Products Clock Medical Supply COE Distributing Competitive Choice Concordance Healthcare Solutions Cope Plastics EBP Supply Solutions Global Industrial Grainger HD Supply Henry Schein Hillyard Imperial Beverage Johnstone Supply Kimball Midwest Millcraft MSC Industrial Supply Co. Nelson-Jameson Patterson Companies, Inc. Piedmont Plastics Polymershapes SanMar ScanSource Seitz Inc. Uline
SIERA.AI announces $6.8 Million Seed Funding round
Connected Industrial Mobility provider, SIERA.AI, announced the completion of a $6.8 million-dollar seed funding round. The funding round was supported by Parkway Venture Capital, a New York venture capital firm, and Ubiquity Ventures, a Silicon Valley seed-stage institutional venture capital firm. Ken’s Foods and NFI Industries are among the building material, food and logistics industries that are planning to scale with SIERA.AI’s technology offerings for vehicle compliance and safety. Flagship products include S3 Pedestrian Detection and S3 Slow to a Safe Stop. “Warehousing is the new retail,” said Suhas Ahuja, Co-Founder & COO of SIERA.AI. “SIERA.AI is positioned to lead the new eCommerce world with safety and automation that enables an organization to achieve sustainable growth.” SIERA.AI proactively foster’s a better workplace. “Our vision is to bring the power of one screen on the vehicle and one dashboard in the cloud for heavy industrial vehicles,” said Saurav Agarwal, Co-Founder and CEO of SIERA.AI. “We expect our platform will enable customers to connect their Warehouse Management and Manufacturing Execution Systems to our single mobility orchestration engine that will drive productivity across all types of manual and autonomous vehicles.”
New Hikvision Audio and Strobe Light AcuSense Camera helps deter crime and reduces false alarms
Hikvision, a manufacturer and supplier of security products and solutions, continues to build on its popular line of AcuSense surveillance cameras with the introduction of the new AcuSense Audio and Strobe Light Camera Series. The new camera series combines advanced machine learning with integral strobe lighting and audio warnings in a single unit providing an effective autonomous solution for deterring intruders. Unlike conventional security systems that rely on multiple devices for visual surveillance and visual and audible alerts, the new Hikvision AcuSense Audio and Strobe Light Cameras deliver an all-in-one solution. Equipped with Hikvision’s 2nd generation AcuSense intelligence, these new cameras help reduce false alarms by up to 90% by accurately classifying humans and vehicles, and filtering out innocuous motion events caused by animals, inclement weather, or foliage. Users can customize audio responses with pre-recorded audio messages that play at up to 60dB from a built-in speaker. The cameras come equipped with 10 audio sound options, with the ability to easily adjust the pattern and frequency of the strobe light. When an event occurs, Hikvision AcuSense Audio and Strobe Light Cameras also send instant event notifications to system administrators via the Hik-Connect App, available for iOS and Android platforms. This allows security personnel to view surveillance footage in real-time on a smartphone or tablet, and initiate two-way audio communication with trespassers within a radius of 49 feet (15 meters) of the camera, warning them to leave the premises. “With real-time visual and audible alarms and communications, our new AcuSense Audio and Strobe Light Cameras provide a powerful and automatic deterrence to criminal activity, while dramatically reducing false alarms,” said John Xiao, Vice President Marketing, Hikvision USA. “These new security solutions are ideal for protecting private residences, retail shops, warehouses, offices, and so much more.” Hikvision AcuSense Audio and Strobe Light Cameras are available in a fixed turret, fixed bullet, and speed dome configurations with resolutions ranging from 4 MP to 8 MP.
Five Lessons Learned for the Post-Pandemic Supply Chain: Profound market shifts drive transformative operational changes that are here to stay
The current global trade crisis has highlighted weaknesses within the supply chain and forced the industry to assess, evolve, and often transform its operations to meet the needs of today’s marketplace. Many changes are here to stay and should be embraced as the industry plans for the supply chain of the future. David Bowie once said: “Tomorrow belongs to those who hear it coming,” meaning we need to listen to the market to anticipate what will come next. While no one can predict or prevent the next global crisis, we can build stronger, less vulnerable supply chains by learning from past mistakes and adding positive changes into day-to-day operations. Following are five real-world examples that show how shippers are relying on flexibility, investment, and alternative solutions to navigate the current supply chain disruption and why these changes are here to stay. Staying open to new and unconventional ways of doing business: Pandemic-related disruption forced stakeholders throughout the supply chain to look at alternative ports, non-traditional routes, and different processes. Being open to new and unconventional ways of doing business not only served as a solution to an immediate need but also underscored the importance of having an open mind about alternatives that could potentially save time and money compared to the traditional routes that have been impacted by congestion and capacity constraints. Broadening networks; expanding connections; deepening relationships: Using alternative ports and considering new routes forced shippers to expand outside their comfort zones, making new contacts and building new relationships. Port congestion and capacity issues also highlighted just how important it is for shippers to have a diversified vendor base for all the links in their supply chain (ocean, air, warehousing, and trucking). That way, as roadblocks pop up, they have alternative options and additional capacity they can dip into to keep their freight moving. While sticking with “what has always worked” has its benefits, continuing to build strong connections outside of the traditional process is one way for shippers to build resiliency into their supply chains. Allocating resources to equipment and partnering with asset-based providers: No one wants to pay for assets that are underutilized, but the weaknesses of the previous model taught us that without building in contingency equipment, capacity, and warehouse space, your supply chain may not be strong enough to withstand adverse conditions, which can result in huge financial implications. The pandemic saw many large retailers buying their own equipment to avoid delays and issues caused by container and chassis shortages. The demand for additional warehousing space to hold buffer stock and delayed seasonal merchandise also increased dramatically. For shippers who do not have the means to acquire, manage, and maintain their own equipment and distribution space, partnering with an asset-based 3PL provider, like WDS, can be advantageous. Looking ahead, expect logistical planning to include managing equipment (containers, chassis, trailers, etc.) as well as warehousing space, and for shippers to select partners who will invest in equipment and space to meet demand. For example, WDS recently added 480,000 sq. ft. in New York/New Jersey, which nearly tripled our capacity in this market. In the last 18 months, we have added a million square feet to our footprint based on demand. Increasing inventory levels: While the industry knew the “just-in-time” model was getting too lean and too tight to be sustainable, the realization of its fragility was brought to light in a loud and unmistakable way during the pandemic. This has resulted in what we now consider the “just-in-case” model, whereby shippers build extra inventory into their planning so they have goods on hand when they need them. Increasing inventory levels ensure you have contingency goods available to meet unexpected demand or unexpected delays in your supply chain. The last couple of years have shown it is too risky to keep inventory levels low — you can no longer assume cargo can quickly and smoothly be delivered from a distribution center hundreds of miles away. To meet customers’ needs, it is necessary to invest in solutions that allow you to have inventory on hand where and when you need it. Adding more storage space in multiple markets: Supporting the strategy of having inventory when and where you need is the movement toward diversified storage solutions, including increasing the number of locations, adding multiple new markets, and looking at storage near population centers. Having product or merchandise in multiple locations builds in more agility and flexibility allowing you to get those goods to your customer more quickly. What’s more, being closer to population centers is almost a requirement in today’s “next day delivery” e-commerce marketplace, which will continue to be a driver for where and when to build warehouses in both the short- and long-term future. The pandemic affected the global supply chain in a variety of ways, presenting weaknesses, challenges, opportunities, and solutions. Being open to new ways of doing things, building new relationships, adding buffer stock, increasing domestic inventory, and adding more storage space in multiple markets closer to population centers are just a few of the ways today’s modern shippers are successfully navigating disruptions. While the future of the supply chain remains uncertain, we believe many of these changes are here to stay. About the Author: Dale Young, VP, WDS is an industry veteran with more than 25 years of logistics, warehousing, and distribution experience. Mr. Young currently oversees all facets of operations for the company’s 10 facilities and 1.5 million square feet of secure warehouse space. Under Mr. Young’s leadership, WDS has opened three facilities along the east coast in the past 18 months in response to customer demand. World Distribution Services (WDS) is a leading provider of nationwide distribution and logistics solutions. It operates world-class facilities in 10 strategically located markets and serves many of the fastest-growing ports in the country with over 1.5 million square feet of secure warehouse space. WDS is designed to be a single-source partner to make fulfillment and distribution scalable, flexible, and customized.
EP 239: A Supply Chain Christmas with Megan Preston Meyer
For this very special supply chain holiday episode I was honored to have the previous guest Megan Preston Meyer back to do a reading of her latest book ‘Twas the Month Before Christmas. Have a very special holiday and enjoy the reading as well as the book below! Be sure to pick up the Supply Jane book series for the young logisticians in your life. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 239: A Supply Chain Christmas with Megan Preston Meyer
NAI announces new capabilities to support warehouse automation
NAI, a designer and manufacturer of custom interconnect solutions that deliver power and signals to monitor data, connect people and keep equipment operating, announced the expansion of its capabilities to provide interconnect solutions for the growing warehouse automation industry. NAI custom designs and manufactures cable assemblies and harnesses for warehouse equipment OEMs and system integrators. Only about 5% of North American warehouses are fully automated. Automation can reduce labor costs, increase operational efficiency, increase safety in the workplace and address the concerns over the availability of labor. These benefits significantly outweigh the challenges faced in implementing automation in warehouses and distribution centers. And technologies like the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) have begun to significantly transform warehouse automation. It entails automating a variety of operations, from automatic data capture to software systems, automated storage and retrieval, picking, labeling, identifying, transport, deliver, and much more. NAI Interconnect Capabilities for Automated Warehouse Applications NAI focuses on providing the interconnectivity solutions needed for digital warehouse automation and IIoT initiatives, including high-density warehouse storage, narrow-aisle equipment, high picking, high storage, and other operational efficiency measures. NAI can produce cable assemblies and harnesses for automated warehouse equipment such as: Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) Smart Picking Intelligent Robots for Sortation Systems Other Robotic Systems Tote Handling Smart AC forklifts – Pallet, Stack, Reach, VNA, and Counterbalance Trucks Driverless Autonomous Forklifts Conveyors & Overhead Systems Palletizing & Depalletizing Storage Systems Workstation Systems AC Charging Stations Other IIoT applications NAI provides cable assemblies for the newer shuttles to move inventory in the warehouse, an operation that is replacing traditional conveyor systems, for which NAI has supplied cable assemblies as well. NAI can also provide the connectivity solutions needed to interconnect the whole warehouse operation. Historical inventory data can be accessed to accurately determine optimal storage methods and areas. Equipment collaboration platforms are activated to perform integrated scheduling of various robots and logistics equipment to efficiently complete the flow of goods. Goods-to-person picking systems can reduce the movement of workers, increase operational efficiency and reduce operating errors. Robots with advanced visual recognition technology can accurately pick the required goods per the order requirement. Conveyor systems are used for long-distance transportation of goods. Automatic packaging machines can pack according to the exact size of goods, effectively reducing waste. Order status tracking is maintained throughout the operational system. NAI Interconnect Solutions for Warehouse Automation Recent product development now allows NAI to expand their capabilities to include coax assemblies among their main portfolio of interconnect solutions and benefits: Copper Cable Assemblies for Power and/or Data Fiber Optic Assemblies for High-speed Data Hybrid Copper / Fiber Assemblies and Harnesses Coaxial Cable Assemblies for Vision Systems and Other Applications Ruggedized Interconnect Products to Withstand Harsh Environments IP 67 and IP 68 Rated Assemblies High Mix / Low Volume AND Low Mix / High Volume Control Panel and Box Builds Global Footprint to Optimize Shipping to Customer Locations Global Supply Network for Best-value Sourcing of Cable, Connectors and Other Parts Complex Harnesses, such as Used in the Semiconductor & Mining Industries Privately Held Company Moves Quickly to Make Investments for Ramping Up Larger Custom Interconnect Manufacturer with More Resources Benefits of Automated Warehouse Technologies Autonomous vehicles, drones, sensors, and wearables are enabling warehouses to create a more intelligent supply chain. Driverless autonomous vehicles improve visibility and increase productivity. Drones map the warehouse and update data on inventory and facility conditions. Sensors and identification tools for safety, motion, light, and climate control automatically locate and profile warehouse inventory in real-time. Wearable technology provides the capability to exchange data between devices and the network, supporting core processes such as shipping, receiving, routing, inventory management, picking, and replenishment. The smart warehouse is flexible, automated, scalable, and customer-focused. For more information, visit NAI or Ask A NAI Expert.
145 new Industrial Manufacturing Planned Industrial Project reports – November 2021 Recap
SalesLeads just announced the November 2021 results for the newly 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 145 new projects in the Industrial Manufacturing sector. The following are selected highlights on new Industrial Manufacturing industry construction news. Industrial Manufacturing – By Project Type Manufacturing/Production Facilities – 128 New Projects Distribution and Industrial Warehouse – 61 New Projects Industrial Manufacturing – By Project Scope/Activity New Construction – 52 New Projects Expansion – 55 New Projects Renovations/Equipment Upgrades – 46 New Projects Plant Closings – 12 New Projects Industrial Manufacturing – By Project Location (Top 10 States) North Carolina – 12 California – 11 Ohio – 9 Indiana – 9 Georgia – 8 Florida – 7 Ontario – 7 Texas – 7 New York – 6 Michigan – 6 Largest Planned Project During the month of November, our research team identified 13 new Industrial Manufacturing facility construction projects with an estimated value of $100 million or more. The largest project is owned by SKC, Inc., which is planning to invest $473 million for the construction of a manufacturing facility at 3000 SKC Dr. in COVINGTON, GA. Completion is slated for Fall 2023. Top 10 Tracked Industrial Manufacturing Projects SOUTH CAROLINA: Flooring products mfr. is planning to invest $400 million for an expansion of their manufacturing facility in AIKEN, SC. They have recently received approval for the project. Completion is slated for late 2024. GEORGIA: Metal recycling service provider is planning to invest $340 million for the construction of an electronic recycling facility in AUGUSTA, GA. Completion is slated for Spring 2024. FLORIDA: Contact lens mfr. is planning to invest $200 million for the expansion of their manufacturing facility in JACKSONVILLE, FL. They are currently seeking approval for the project. INDIANA: A biotechnology company is planning to invest $125 million for the construction of a 110,000 SF processing facility in FISHERS, IN. They have recently received approval for the project. Completion is slated for late 2023. NORTH CAROLINA: Consumer products mfr. is expanding and planning to invest $110 million for the construction of an 80,000 SF manufacturing facility in GREENSBORO, NC. They have recently received approval for the project. TEXAS: Medical glove mfr. is considering the construction of two manufacturing facilities and is currently seeking sites in the KATY and CYPRESS, TX areas. Watch SalesLeads for updates. ALABAMA: Wire mfr. is planning to invest $100 million for the construction of a 270,000 SF manufacturing facility in HARTSELLE, AL. They have recently received approval for the project. Completion is slated for early 2023. OHIO: Home appliance mfr. is planning to invest $65 million for an expansion of their manufacturing facility in OTTAWA, OH. Construction is expected to start in Summer 2022, with completion slated for 2023. INDIANA: Trailer mfr. is planning to invest $50 million for the renovation and equipment upgrades on their manufacturing facility in TERRE HAUTE, IN. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Construction is expected to start in early 2022. They will consolidate part of their operations upon completion in late 2024. NORTH CAROLINA: Shipping pallet mfr. is planning to invest $40 million for the renovation and equipment upgrades on a recently leased 253,000 SF warehouse and manufacturing facility in MOCKSVILLE, NC. Completion is slated for Summer 2022. About SalesLeads, Inc. Since 1959, SalesLeads, based out of Jacksonville, FL has been providing Industrial Project Reports on companies that are planning significant capital investments in their industrial facilities throughout North America. Our professional research team identifies new construction, expansion, relocation, major renovation, equipment upgrades, and plant closing project opportunities so that our clients can focus sales and marketing resources on the target accounts that have an impending need for their products, services, and indirect materials.
East Coast Warehouse & Distribution names Larry Faschan Jr. Vice President of Human Resources
East Coast Warehouse & Distribution, a temperature-controlled logistics provider to the food and beverage industry, has named Larry Faschan Jr. Vice President of Human Resources. In this role, Larry will lead human resources activities across all East Coast Warehouse locations and entities. In his more than 35 years of experience, Larry has built successful human resources teams and systems, designing compensation and benefit plans, implemented performance management metrics, and managed training and development programs. He has held executive leadership positions at several well-known food and beverage logistics companies and has extensive experience in both union and non-union work environments. “We are thrilled to welcome Larry to the East Coast Warehouse family,” said Jamie Overley, East Coast Warehouse’s CEO. “We look forward to his support and expertise as we continue to execute against our aggressive growth and expansion plans.” Larry joins East Coast Warehouse from Performance Foodservice Group, where he served as Director of Human Resources. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Slippery Rock University and a Certificate of Industrial and Labor Relations Studies from Cornell University.
Rockford Systems introduces annual Machine Safeguarding Audit Service
It is a common misconception that once machine safeguarding equipment has been installed onto industrial machinery, no further work is required for the safety of the employees operating it, as long as the machine was in compliance with OSHA regulation and recognized industry standards. The consequences of this misunderstanding have been countless injuries, and hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines, due to misused or unused machine guards, devices, and controls. To address those challenges and complement its broad offering of machine safeguarding products, services, and solutions, Rockford Systems, LLC has introduced its Machine Safeguarding Annual Verification Audit. This annual audit service is designed to verify that safeguarded equipment is being used as designed and intended to protect employees working in dangerous environments. Moreover, it ensures that a company’s capital investment in providing a safe working environment is sustained and continues to be in compliance with OSHA regulation and ANSI B11.19 standards, as well as meeting any internal safety policies that a company may have established. “Machine Safeguarding Initiatives require significant investment in capital and outside expertise,” said Matt Brenner, Vice President and General Manager of Rockford Systems, LLC. “If not sustained over time, the original capital investment is devalued. More importantly, risk increases. Employees are less safe and the probability and associated costs of a significant workplace injury escalate. Many companies don’t have the internal resources or expertise to audit and implement corrective actions for unsafe or non-compliant conditions in real-time.” Visual & Function Testing An annual audit will verify that installed safeguarding equipment continues to be used, and operated, as intended. The primary evaluation criteria for the audit are visual inspection and function testing of safeguarding, controls, disconnects, motor starters, and properly applied mechanical power transmission apparatus covers. Once an audit is completed, Rockford Systems provides a detailed audit report highlighting deficiencies along with high-level recommendations for corrective actions to bring deficient equipment back into compliance. More Comprehensive Analysis This annual audit differs from Rockford’s turnkey Machine Safeguarding Assessment service. Brenner commented that “this more detailed assessment process provides a comprehensive analysis of safety and compliance issues along with recommendations for engineered solutions, products, and installation of equipment. The audit is performed after machine safeguarding upgrades to ensure the sustainability of machine safeguarding improvements.” Cloud-Based Portal To help customers consistently and cost-effectively manage their machine safeguarding programs, Rockford Systems leverages their cloud-based portal, MyRockCloud, which houses current and historical audit report data. MyRockCloud creates an electronic archive that permissioned users can access from any location at any time, yielding improved planning and budgeting efficiency for any size safeguarding program. In the event of an accident or OSHA inspection, evidence of a disciplined, well-organized machine safeguarding program will be readily available to present to investigators. Evolving Standards Annual audits assist companies in staying current with evolving standards. For example, the recently published ANSI B11.TR8 indicates that machine safeguarding equipment must be inspected regularly according to supplier’s recommendations that are, in most cases, annually. Furthermore, it requires that when a machine is modified or relocated, risk reduction measures must be re-evaluated, a service included with Rockford System’s annual audit service. Over a twelve-month period, any number of changes can occur to a safeguarding program that heightens the potential for injuries. For instance, the safety equipment may be removed, bypassed or tampered with, or re-installed incorrectly during maintenance. Regular wear and tear will also lead to equipment becoming less effective, especially when not properly maintained. According to Brenner, these types of events are unfortunately common. “I have recently been at several large manufacturing facilities where safety equipment installed as part of a large safeguarding initiative have been removed or disabled, creating unsafe working conditions. Annual audits by a qualified third party will help mitigate these safety issues in real-time.”
Seeq announces Industrial Digitalization Agreement with Aramco
Deployment of Seeq software will expand production insights to support data-based decisions at Aramco Seeq Corporation, a provider of manufacturing and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) advanced analytics software, has reached an agreement with Saudi Aramco to further expand its operational analytics strategy as part of the company’s ongoing Digital Transformation program. The agreement will provide Saudi Aramco engineers and subject matter experts with Seeq’s self-service analytics, predictive modeling data analytics, and visualization tools. Examples of how Seeq software can be used at Aramco include: Automating error detection in multi-phase measurements Catalyst deactivation rate prediction Coking prediction Corrosion rate analysis Automated monitoring of Oilfield Advanced Process Control Fleet-wide asset monitoring Operationalizing predictive analytics models for sustainability insights “Seeq is empowering our engineers and subject matter experts with easy-to-use analytics tools to truly democratize data science. We see this as a key element for scaling operational analytics across the organization,” says Walid A. Al-Naeem, Manager of Process & Control Systems Department, Saudi Aramco. “We are pleased to partner with Crucial Solutions & Services (CSS) to collaborate on Aramco’s industrial digitalization initiatives,” adds Lisa Graham, CEO of Seeq. “We will do this by leveraging big data, machine learning, and computer science innovations.” “Seeq will help Saudi Aramco reach new levels of process efficiency, production optimization, and interdisciplinary collaboration,” comments Sulaiman Alzuhair, General Manager and Founder of CSS. “We look forward to working closely with Aramco and Seeq.” Seeq recently announced the closure of a $50 million Series C funding round, led by global venture capital and private equity firm Insight Partners, including participation from existing investors Altira Group, Chevron Technology Ventures, Cisco Investments, and Aramco Ventures. The round brought Seeq’s total funding since inception in 2013 to approximately $115 million. In addition to distribution through CSS within the Gulf Cooperation Council, Seeq is available worldwide through a partner network of system integrators, which provides training and resale support for Seeq in over 25 countries, augmenting its direct sales organization in North America and Europe.
163 new Industrial Manufacturing Planned Industrial Project Reports – October 2021 Recap
SalesLeads has announced the October 2021 results for the newly 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 163 new projects in the Industrial Manufacturing sector. The following are selected highlights on new Industrial Manufacturing industry construction news. Industrial Manufacturing – By Project Type Manufacturing/Production Facilities – 148 New Projects Distribution and Industrial Warehouse – 53 New Projects Industrial Manufacturing – By Project Scope/Activity New Construction – 41 New Projects Expansion – 61 New Projects Renovations/Equipment Upgrades – 72 New Projects Plant Closings – 13 New Projects Industrial Manufacturing – By Project Location (Top 10 States) Ontario – 10 Indiana – 10 Texas – 9 Ohio – 8 Michigan – 8 North Carolina – 8 Pennsylvania – 7 New York – 7 South Carolina – 6 Illinois – 6 Largest Planned Project During the month of October, our research team identified 17 new Industrial Manufacturing facility construction projects with an estimated value of $100 million or more. The largest project is owned by Ford Motor Company, which is planning to invest $5.8 billion for the construction of two EV automotive and battery manufacturing facilities in GLENDALE, KY. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Completion is slated for 2025 and 2026. Top 10 Tracked Industrial Manufacturing Projects ONTARIO: Automotive mfr. is planning to invest $1.5 billion for the renovation and equipment upgrades on their manufacturing facility in WINDSOR, ON. They are currently seeking approval for the project. KENTUCKY: Home appliance mfr. is planning to invest $450 million for the expansion, renovation, and equipment upgrades on their manufacturing facility in LOUISVILLE, KY. They have recently received approval for the project. FLORIDA: Satellite mfr. is planning to invest $300 million for the construction of a 660,000 s.f. manufacturing facility in CAPE CANAVERAL, FL. Construction is expected to start in Summer 2022. INDIANA: Automotive mfr. is planning to invest $230 million for the renovation and equipment upgrades on their three manufacturing facilities in KOKOMO, IN. They have recently received approval for the project. TEXAS: Metal products mfr. and distributor is planning to invest $200 million for an expansion of their manufacturing facility in NASH, TX. They are currently seeking approval for the project. NEW YORK: Aluminum products mfr. is planning to invest $130 million for expansion and equipment upgrades on their manufacturing facility in OSWEGO, NY. Construction is expected to start in Spring 2022, with completion slated for 2024. TENNESSEE: Automotive mfr. is planning for the renovation and equipment upgrades on their manufacturing facility at 983 Nissan Dr. in SMYRNA, TN. They are currently seeking approval for the project. OHIO: A clinical research firm is considering investing $100 million for the construction of a 40,000 s.f. manufacturing facility and currently seeking a site in the CINCINNATI, OH area. NORTH CAROLINA: Flooring products mfr. is planning to invest $87 million for an expansion of their manufacturing facility in THOMASVILLE, NC. They have recently received approval for the project. MISSOURI: Medical device mfr. is planning to invest $83 million for a 58,000 s.f. expansion and equipment upgrades on their processing facility in ST. LOUIS, MO. Completion is slated for Fall 2023. About the Author: Since 1959, SalesLeads, based out of Jacksonville, FL has been providing Industrial Project Reports on companies that are planning significant capital investments in their industrial facilities throughout North America. Our professional research team identifies new construction, expansion, relocation, major renovation, equipment upgrades, and plant closing project opportunities so that our clients can focus sales and marketing resources on the target accounts that have an impending need for their products, services, and indirect materials.
EP 225: SOTI and the Domino Effect
In this episode, I reconnected with Shash Anand of SOTI. Shash is the VP of Product Strategy at SOTI and was previously on the show at the beginning of the year. We reconnected to discuss their T&L report, some domino effects in the supply chain, returns, and some predictions for what the supply chain will look like at the end of 2022. Key Takeaways SOTI is known for its mobile device management platform that helps companies keep track of all of their devices as well as allows companies to be able to troubleshoot and update them remotely. Shash shares with us some of the other things SOTI such as helping companies to build apps that will help streamline their operation. They have an app-building program that users can easily drag and drop to create their own apps. This is a great way to easily create new efficiencies in your operation because it allows you to get rid of paper and it is not difficult to create. Shash shares a great example of this and explains how SOTI utilized the app platform to create a better new employee onboarding experience. The T&L report focuses on the transportation and logistics (T&L) industry and looks at different aspects of the business. We discuss the most recent one and how the results show that there are some significant domino effects of the pandemic in the supply chain. One of the stats that really stood out to me was the staggering number of people who said that their company experiences delays due to their technical issues. It always surprises me when companies are not willing to invest in their technology to help improve their processes but then have large issues down the road. It is very important to make sure that you invest in your technology and stay up to date so you can stay as efficient as possible. Another domino effect is the large amount of return volume that is circulating through the supply chain. Due to the large number of e-commerce orders being driven by everyone staying at home and now staying due to consumer behavior, returns are being produced at an even larger amount than before. Companies are looking for ways to streamline the process of returns and are accepting the fact that customers will return items. Instead of trying to discourage returns, they are embracing them instead with programs that allow you to try multiple sizes and expedite the return process. I have seen some new, very easy-to-use return processes from online retailers and I hope that continues to grow. Listen to the episode below and let us know your thoughts in the comments. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 225: SOTI and the Domino Effect