Big Picture

With energy prices spiking, going with green warehouse operations and automation makes strong financial sense. The methods to get to an energy-efficient, more sustainable warehouse are many, from features like solar to automation like high-density storage, while new analytics layers are capable of energy-saving insights.

As fulfillment centers and warehouses become more highly automated facilities with multiple types of automation, software’s role looms larger. Issues like coordinating multiple systems around cut-off times and service levels, as well as knowing when and how to scale automated systems to accommodate peaks in demand, are two leading reasons why.

Regardless of the type of materials handling equipment you install, the next big decision will be to go contract or in-house for maintenance. Getting it right requires some thought and typically depends on your circumstances.

Last summer, we heard from supply chain executives from three small to mid-sized companies on the challenges faced by their organizations and how they’re addressing them.

A Big Picture look at the inroads women are making in the supply chain field and what still needs to happen to increase their numbers in employee and senior leadership roles.

Amid demands for innovation and customer service, public refrigerated warehouses are challenged to provide flexibility and efficiency for a fickle customer base.

Five views on how materials handling and other activities within the four walls are changing right in front of us.

Established guidance systems can now have been joined by new game-changing technologies. Instead of simply moving from Point A to Point B, AGVs and other automatic vehicles now can determine their own route and easily adapt to changes on the facility floor. That opens up a new world that might fit your future.

Several years ago, executive editor Bob Trebilcock proposed a series of feature stories called The Big Picture—articles that would break out of our traditional equipment-centric and best practices coverage and focus on the broader role materials handling plays in driving larger company initiatives.

The modernization of healthcare distribution in many ways mirrors the omni-channel revolution and stands to benefit from similar solutions.

Experts make the case for elevating the humble roles of pallet and packaging design from a fragmented race for savings to a central part of an optimized supply chain.

Cisco says the warehouse of the future will focus on automation and integration across the supply chain. That doesn’t necessarily mean automated materials handling.

Today’s highly automated systems demand technicians with new skills and new training. The industry is beginning to respond.

For years the materials handling industry has focused on providing great solutions for its customers. Maintenance services are the next area of focus.

North American manufacturers are expanding operations and increasing output. Here’s how the materials handling industry is enabling the emerging comeback.