Companies such as Pep Boys and Georgia Pacific are harnessing technology to gain greater warehouse labor productivity through labor management systems; incentive programs; and warehouse management systems connected to forklift-mounted mobile computers.
A consultant, integrator, and wholesaler share some warehouse wisdom.
Many state governments support transportation and logistics infrastructure development and legislation that facilitate business retention, investment, and expansion. Economic development efforts in Virginia, Iowa, Idaho, Utah, and Wisconsin demonstrate a variety of approaches to supporting in-state businesses.
I.T. Toolkit
Developing a customized warehouse management system (WMS) was a collaborative process for packaged food products direct-sales company Tastefully Simple and technology provider Softeon.
Reader Profile
As director of logistics and facilities at Indianapolis Fruit Company, Michael Gilbert enhanced the company’s refrigerated truck fleet with computers that provide navigation, tracking, and driver performance reporting.
Ten Tips
Companies can help guide legislators about laws and regulations that will impact their industry. Brian Everett of the National Shipper’s Strategic Transportation Council (NASSTRAC) recommends ways to communicate your business’s concerns to legislators.
Advertising Supplement
Using pallet systems strategically can help companies reduce transport costs and promote supply chain efficiency.
Advertising Supplement
Intermodal rail facilities located around the United States allow shippers to save transportation costs and move goods efficiently. Transportation infrastructure, a skilled workforce, logistics service providers, and affordable utilities support the manufacturing and distribution facilities located in these intermodal hubs.
Economic Development
San Antonio is growing rapidly as an increasing number of U.S. and international business recognizes the inherent advantages of its location and infrastructure.
Knowledge Base
With proper care and nurturing, you can create a supply chain that performs beautifully – even in the midst of today’s ever-changing business environment, writes Wendy Buxton, LynnCo Supply Chain Solutions.
Knowledge Base
Capturing and analyzing transportation spend data is the key to outstanding supply chain management, writes Steven Shoemaker, RateLinx.
Thought Leaders
Tablets offer several advantages over notebook computers and handheld devices, says Chris Wright, DRS Technologies.
Thought Leaders
Warehouse managers are using a mix of consumer-grade smartphone technology and rugged mobile devices to optimize their workflow, says Laura Kelleher of Honeywell.
Thought Leaders
Applying lean principles to materials handling equipment purchases and configurations helps companies cut costs, writes Robert Arndt, Ryder Supply Chain Solutions.
3PL Line: Third-Party Logistics PerspectivesGreg Scott
LCL Plays Growing Role in Global Ocean Transportation
Demand for less-than-containerload (LCL) services is rising among global importer and exporters whose business models rely on cost, inventory control, and supply chain visibility. Greg Scott of CEVA Logistics discusses how the oil and gas, retail, and automotive industries are using LCL services to their advantage.
Checking InFelecia Stratton
Warehousing 'Outside the Box'
Warehouses are one component within a much larger distribution ecosystem, writes Editor Felecia Stratton.
IT Matters: Logistics & Supply Chain TechnologyNigel Hughes
Benchmarking Keeps Logistics IT Outsourcing On Track
By highlighting the differences between an organization’s performance and a comparative reference standard, benchmarks can identify improvement opportunities and identify activities required to achieve superior performance.
Viewpoint: Logistics & Supply Chain AnalysisCharles Myers
Load Boards Evolve Into Social Networking Tools
Trucking load boards have evolved from bulletin boards in truck stops to sophisticated social networking-style tools on handheld computers. Charles Myers of uShip.com outlines the benefits of the evolved load board.