Related Articles
Site Selection, Supply Chain Management, Materials Handling, E-commerce, Customer Service, Inventory Management, Warehousing, Retail
Setting the E-Commerce Gold Standard
Chris Halkyard, chief supply chain officer for e-commerce site Gilt, discusses managing flash sale logistics.
Distribution, Materials Handling, E-commerce, Picking Solutions, Inventory Management, Warehousing, Retail
DSW Tries On New SKUs and Stocks
Retailer DSW's new replenishment materials handling solution improves inventory control and reduces in-store markdowns.
3PL, Distribution, Packaging, E-commerce, Inventory Management, Retail
Cosmetics Logistics: The Beauty of an Optimized Supply Chain
Cosmetics companies face challenges such as time- and temperature-sensitive shipments and retailer packaging requirements.
Expedited Shipping, E-commerce, Last Mile Delivery
Same Day Delivery: The Amazing Race
Garrick Pohl of Zipments discusses how the company facilitates same-day delivery.
Distribution, Materials Handling, Labor Management, Safety, 3PL, Logistics I.T., Warehousing
Materials Handling Meets Big Data
Big data gathered by materials handling equipment helps warehouse managers improve productivity and safety.
Supply Chain Management, E-commerce, Reverse Logistics, Inventory Management, Retail
Minimizing the Financial Impact of Peak Season Returns
Processing defective returns and overstocks quickly helps retailers maximize the recovery rate on this inventory.
Security, Materials Handling, Expedited Shipping, Risk Management, Global Logistics, 3PL, Site Selection, Supply Chain Management, Ocean, Trucking, Warehousing
163 Ways to Supercharge Your Supply Chain
Actionable tips help you revitalize your warehousing, 3PL, trucking, and global logistics operations.
3PL, Supply Chain Management, E-commerce, Customer Service, Retail
Customer Service: Delivering the Royal Treatment
As evolving retail models push shopper expectations, companies explore new models for delivering great customer service.
Supply Chain Management, E-commerce, Customer Service, Retail
Visions of Customer Service
Companies such as Amazon show delivery speed and logistics agility provide the customer service levels retailers need to win.
Materials Handling, Picking Solutions, Warehousing
Implementing a Pick-to-Light Solution
The right pick-to-light system can help increase productivity, improve accuracy, and increase picking speeds.
The Five New Rules of E-commerce and the Path to Successful B2B Online Sales
Business to business (B2B) e-commerce sites must be well planned to increase revenue and support a growing client base.
Supply Chain Management, E-commerce, 3PL, Distribution, Retail
E-Fulfillment Strategies That Deliver the Goods
This story examines what customers want in an e-commerce operation and shares fulfillment strategies that merchants use to keep those customers happy.
Distribution, Materials Handling, Warehousing
DC Automation: Sorting It Out
Changing consumer expectations and demand for greater efficiency, economy, and productivity present new twists and turns in warehouse automation.
E-commerce, 3PL, Supply Chain Management, Retail
8 Ways to Strengthen Online Retailer Supply Chains
Monitoring contracts, delivery commitments, and contingency plans helps online retailers keep their supply chains running smoothly, writes John Haber of Spend Management Experts.
Pallet Strategies: Stacking the Odds in Your Favor
Decisions about buying pallets or leasing pallets require shippers to think strategically to acquire the best option for their operation.
Trends—April 2013
E-commerce presents retailers with challenges and opportunities; Food regulation top of mind for 3PLs and shippers; Daktronics’ lean machine keeps production at home; Nike partners with Bluesign Technologies to facilitate sustainable sourcing program among supply chain partners.
Site Selection, Distribution, E-commerce
e-Commerce: Finding the Sweet Spot
Online retailers seeking new sites for DCs and warehouses need the transportation infrastructure to support a constant, rapid-fire flow of shipments – plus a capable workforce, affordable utilities, and business incentives to help them get the most from their investment.
E-commerce, Picking Solutions, Warehousing
Improved Warehouse Operations: Cause to Celebrate
A warehouse control system that integrates voice-directed picking technology, a high-speed sortation system, and scanning technology streamlined party goods supplier Oriental Trading Company’s picking, packing, and shipping operations.
Materials Handling Equipment: Flex Appeal
The materials handling landscape is shifting to accommodate traditional brick-and-mortar and Internet retailers’ changing needs.
Surveying the Home Delivery Landscape
Retailers and shippers need to find ways to meet consumers’ changing demand for home delivery services, while maintaining adequate margins and finding new avenues for continued growth, writes Foster Finley of AlixPartners.
Maximizing Productivity in E-commerce Warehousing and Distribution Operations
Continuous e-commerce growth has prompted an increasing number of retailers to use third-party logistics (3PL) providers for handling their direct-to-consumer fulfillment. Jeffrey B. Graves of Sedlak Management Consultants explains that for retail logistics executives, assessing 3PL capabilities that best fit their company’s requirements can be a challenge, yet critical for optimum return on investment (ROI)
Retailers Rebalance Time vs. Cost?
Velocity is more important than price for some consumers, perhaps giving some retailers another component to consider as they compete, writes Publisher Keith Biondo.
Holiday Stocking: Preparing for the Seasonal Retail Rush
Strong forecasting, careful vendor management, solid partnerships with carriers and optimized use of labor and equipment all help retailers manage the year-end holiday rush.
3PL, E-commerce, Inventory Management, Retail
You Are Everywhere: Mapping the New Retail Supply Chain
Multi-channel apparel retailers such as Nordstrom use strategic inventory management, order fulfillment, transportation management, and reverse logistics to meet customer demand.
Stacker Cranes Cure Pallet Pain
Pharmaceutical manufacturer Catalent upgraded its Philadelphia packaging center’s high-bay warehouse with an automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) served by three aisle-changing stacker cranes developed by LTW Intralogistics.
Lift Truck Strategies Raise the Bar
Advancements in lift truck technology give distribution center and warehouse managers flexibility in using their forklift fleets.
Determining If AS/RS Fits Your Facility
Automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) can be an efficient materials handling option for warehouses and distribution centers, but they are not right for every facility. Norm Saenz, senior vice president and principal, TranSystems Corporation, offers advice on deciding if AS/RS is right for your facility.
Materials Handling: A Better View
With production already at capacity and limited room for expansion, visual technologies manufacturer Christie installed two Shuttle Vertical Lift Module (VLM) storage and retrieval systems from Kardex Remstar – recovering 70 percent floor space, doubling capacity, and cutting labor requirements in half.
Materials Handling, Lean, Warehousing
Making a Business Case for Lean MHE
Applying lean principles to materials handling equipment purchases and configurations helps companies cut costs, writes Robert Arndt, Ryder Supply Chain Solutions.
Dealing With Daily-Deal Sites
New e-commerce sites like Groupon and LivingSocial can bring huge sales volume in a very short period of time by reaching a targeted audience with appealing offers. Tod Yazdi of TAGGlogistics explains how shippers can work with fulfillment partners to make the most of this new opportunity.
E-commerce, Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)
Integration: Making e-Fulfillment a Pet Project
Deploying a warehouse management system (WMS) on a software-as-a-service (SaaS) basis allowed online retailer PetFlow.com to manage its own fulfillment operations without a large capital investment.
Behind the Buzz About Flexible Automation
Thanks to e-commerce, many distribution centers are now fulfilling a greater number of smaller orders – rendering conventional materials handling automation systems somewhat outdated. Is flexible automation the next frontier?
E-commerce, Customer Service, Warehousing, Retail
Superstar Service: Supply Chain Strategies Win Satisfied Customers
Retailers such as Brookstone, BuySeasons, Pet Supplies Plus, and Wayfair streamline their supply chains to deliver better customer service.
E-commerce, Expedited Shipping
@Home With Demand-Driven Logistics
UPS My Choice, a new direct-to-home delivery service, turns consumers into inbound logistics practitioners.
Mobile Robots Expand Warehouse Automation Options
Mobile-robotic systems are easy to design and install, with overall lower installation and operational costs than traditional warehouse automation systems, says Mick Mountz of Kiva Systems.
Upgrading Order Fulfillment Systems Boosts Warehouse Efficiency
Peter Hartman of Retrotech offers strategies for optimizing product flow through warehouse automation to achieve better order fulfillment performance.
Materials Handling, Warehousing
Tracking Warehouse Inventory on the Move
Warehouse operations visibility means knowing the real-time location of your materials handling vehicles, drivers, and inventory so operations can be optimized for maximum productivity, says Phil Van Wormer of Sky-Trax.
Materials Handling, Logistics I.T.
RFID Delivers the Power to Transform Markets
RFID technologies allow computers, objects, and individuals to interact in new ways, supplying logistics providers and materials handlers with predictable and actionable data to enhance their service offerings and operations, explains Ravi Pappu of ThingMagic.
Supply Chain Gain: Simplified Sorting
Warehouse automation allows distribution centers to take a hands-off approach.
Materials Handling, Warehousing
Sorting Through Materials Handling Decisions
Optimizing materials handling equipment and processes in the warehouse impacts the entire supply chain.
Materials Handling, Green Logistics
Pallet-Sharing Programs: Better for the Planet
For shipping and receiving, there are three types of pallet programs: single-use or one-way, extended-use or buy/sell, and leasing or rental. Hillary Femal of IFCO Systems describes the uses and benefits of each type.
Materials Handling, Picking Solutions, Warehousing
Xylophones, Checkerboards, and Gestalt Theory
Using colors, shapes, numbers, and mnemonics in warehouse signage can help reduce training and picking errors, while improving service.
Supply Chain Management, Materials Handling, Ports, Forklifts, Ocean, Education & Careers
Trends—August 2010
Gulf ports maintain container volumes despite Deepwater Horizon oil spill; Supply chain leaders climb the corporate ladder; Toyota Material Handling engineers work with MIT scientists and the U.S. Army to develop a remote-operated fork lift
Supply Chain Management, Expedited Shipping, Temperature-Sensitive Goods, E-commerce, Transportation Management, Retail
Flower Power: John Kuehn
ProFlowers' time- and temperature-sensitive shipments create plenty of challenges for John Kuehn, senior vice president of supply chain operations. Here's how he nips problems in the bud.
Materials Handling, Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Green Logistics
Greening the Supply Chain Through Warehouse Automation
Investing in automated storage and retrieval systems and WMS helps warehouses grow greener and reap financial benefits.
Distribution, Materials Handling, Logistics I.T.
ALDO Boots Up a New System
Global shoe retailer ALDO implements a high-stepping, end-to-end inventory and distribution system.
Materials Handling, Inventory Management, Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Retail
E-fulfillment: Finding the Perfect Fit
Online haberdasher Bonobos relies on its third-party fulfillment partner, Quiet Logistics, which operates warehousing facilities with Kiva's robotics materials handling solution.
Materials Handling, Warehousing
Using Distribution and Fulfillment as Strategic Weapons
Smart companies carefully select and intelligently apply automation not only to boost productivity, but also to turn the distribution center into a competitive weapon, writes Mick Mountz of Kiva Systems Inc.
Distribution, Materials Handling, E-commerce, Picking Solutions, Inventory Management, Warehousing, Retail
DSW Tries On New SKUs and Stocks
Retailer DSW's new replenishment materials handling solution improves inventory control and reduces in-store markdowns.
Materials Handling, Picking Solutions, Warehousing
Implementing a Pick-to-Light Solution
The right pick-to-light system can help increase productivity, improve accuracy, and increase picking speeds.
Lift Trucks on the Rise
Innovation in the lift truck market is creating new options for companies seeking to improve warehouse efficiency.
Health Care Logistics, Picking Solutions, Finance, Economic Development
Trends—May 2013
Prologis Pulaski DC breaks ground, breaks new barriers in sustainable development; Voice technology finds traction in the supply chain; Healthcare industry stands to gain by adopting retail supply chain best practices; Freight spot market swings with seasonal demand; Midwest floods present new challenges for inland waterway shippers
Pallet Strategies: Stacking the Odds in Your Favor
Decisions about buying pallets or leasing pallets require shippers to think strategically to acquire the best option for their operation.
E-commerce, Picking Solutions, Warehousing
Improved Warehouse Operations: Cause to Celebrate
A warehouse control system that integrates voice-directed picking technology, a high-speed sortation system, and scanning technology streamlined party goods supplier Oriental Trading Company’s picking, packing, and shipping operations.
Picking Solutions, Logistics I.T.
Take Your Pick
Companies choosing between voice-directed and pick-to-light technology often find that the right choice is a combination of both.
Lift Truck Strategies Raise the Bar
Advancements in lift truck technology give distribution center and warehouse managers flexibility in using their forklift fleets.
The Power of Pallets
Using pallet systems strategically can help companies reduce transport costs and promote supply chain efficiency.
Four Simple Questions for Improved Picking Performance
Slotting is the concept of using data analysis to assign every part a location based on its specific attributes. Determining the best type of storage equipment, stock quantity, and location for each stock keeping unit (SKU) yields more efficient picking operations, writes Christian Rueckerl.
High-Reach Lift Trucks: Moving On Up
Thanks to a fleet of new forklifts, Interstate Warehousing is growing upwards rather than outwards. The Crown RM 6000 lift truck is helping it expand capacity and eliminate wasted space.
Labor Management, Forklifts, Logistics I.T.
VMS Lifts Warehouse Labor Productivity
Vehicle management systems allow lift truck operators to complete pre-operation checklists electronically, saving valuable production time, writes Joe LaFergola of The Raymond Corporation.
Bar-coding Systems, Inventory Management
The Secret Ingredient For Inventory Accuracy
Tomato canner Red Gold achieves 99-percent inventory accuracy with QuikTrac data collection software from Integrated Barcoding Systems.
Stacking Up Pallet Pros and Cons
Pallet management helps shippers uncover efficiencies and economies in their supply chain. Wood, plastic, and aluminum pallets all carry specific benefits, which can often be delivered via a pallet pooling service.
Voice Technology Frees the Warehouse Workforce
Integrating voice-enabled logistics with hosted ERP solutions and warehouse management systems can improve productivity and accuracy.
Warehouse Slotting, Profiling: The Right Place at the Right Time
A warehouse optimization project enables leather goods distributor Tandy Brands to better serve customers.
Materials Handling, Picking Solutions, Warehousing
Xylophones, Checkerboards, and Gestalt Theory
Using colors, shapes, numbers, and mnemonics in warehouse signage can help reduce training and picking errors, while improving service.
Supply Chain Management, Materials Handling, Ports, Forklifts, Ocean, Education & Careers
Trends—August 2010
Gulf ports maintain container volumes despite Deepwater Horizon oil spill; Supply chain leaders climb the corporate ladder; Toyota Material Handling engineers work with MIT scientists and the U.S. Army to develop a remote-operated fork lift
Temperature Controlled, Temperature-Sensitive Goods, Picking Solutions, Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Warehousing
Brrr! It’s Cold in There!
A voice-enabled picking system keeps ice cream company Dreyer's Edy's workers productive and equipment functioning in sub-zero environments.
Safety, 3PL, Forklifts, Warehousing
Keeping Surprises Out Of The Warehouse
Warehousing risks can spring out at any moment. Some are meant to be shared, others avoided. Successful warehousing operations strike a balance.
Health Care Logistics, Bar-coding Systems
Healthcare Logistics: A New Prescription for Medical Distribution
Linking bar-coded pharmaceuticals and electronic patient records using Zebra Technologies solutions helps the Sisters of Mercy Health System streamline supply chain operations.
Automotive Logistics, Bar-coding Systems
Bar Codes Rev Up Auto Supplier Operations
An end-to-end scanning solution with components from Integrated Barcoding Systems and Zebra Technologies helps Trelleborg Automotive Americas improve efficiency and accuracy, while providing real-time production data and lot traceability.
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