Warehouse & DC Management

While adoption remains low, savvy managers are putting engineered labor standards and related labor management systems to work to jumpstart productivity and gain a new level of operational visibility. Here’s how they’re getting it done.

More savvy lift truck fleet managers are realizing that buying, renting, or leasing practices set the tone for future savings.

More companies are looking to materials handling automation to improve processes, streamline shipping operations, and lower supply chain operating costs. We asked 10 leading systems integrators what the future of automation holds in store.

In every issue of Logistics Management (LM) we devote an article to the growing importance that warehouse and distribution center (DC) operations are playing in transportation and overall logistics management.

With a few simple prescriptions, lift truck fleet managers can plan for the unplanned, reduce costs, and ramp up productivity and safety measures.

Our 2012 exclusive study finds that overall market uncertainty has curtailed materials handling infrastructure spending and has increased facility consolidation and engineered process improvements. Cost containment has returned as the most important issue of the day.

With a bit of creativity, a lot of planning, and the latest in automated sortation technology, the retailer’s impressive DC retrofit increased merchandise-processing speed to its stores, improved accuracy to 99.5 percent, and significantly reduced transportation costs.

Held for the first time ever, Modex 2012—the nation’s newest expo for, supply chain, and logistics solutions—threw open its doors in Atlanta on February 6 at The Georgia World Congress Center.

Most companies’ manufacturing strategies involve decisions relating to landed cost per unit, cost/quality balance, and various SKUs’ compatibility with supply chain parameters—transportability, packaging, serviceability. However, one thing is often missing: insights for connecting manufacturing operations with business results. Few companies excel at understanding and optimizing the business value of their manufacturing decisions.

Mobile and wireless technology is making a measurable impact on today’s warehouse & DC operations. Savvy users are going multi-modal, pulling multiple technologies and software capabilities together to increase productivity, cut pick-rate errors, and increase inventory accuracy.

In everything it does, this New Jersey-based manufacturer is steadfast in providing the highest standards of excellence - particularly when it comes to its supply chain. The medical technology giant’s new 720,000-square-foot hyper-sustainable DC has ushered in a 9 percent improvement in two-day service times along with subsequent reductions in transportation and facility costs.

Lift truck owners want it and are ready to spend money on it—but they’re not sure exactly what it means. These guidelines will help take the mystery out of implementing a comprehensive fleet management program from start to finish.