April, 20188 logisticstechoutlook.comWith warehouse efficiency being so closely tied to customer satisfaction for retailers, e-commerce shippers, and many other enterprises, we're seeing a growing number of companies and logistics providers integrating, existing, and emerging technologies into their long-range supply chain strategies. Focused on optimizing workflows, enhancing picking, and packing accuracy, improving inventory management, and making better use of labor, these firms know that warehouses aren't built "just to store a bunch of stuff."In fact, they're viewing their warehouses and distribution centers (DCs) as critical links to profitability, supply chain efficiency, and overall business success. Knowing this, Schenker Inc., has been experimenting with, investing in, and implementing a host of new technologies that support shippers' increasing needs for a streamlined logistics process. At the heart of these efforts lies the warehouse, where these innovations are supporting and optimizing management both within the four walls and across the entire global supply chain: Simplified Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)Charged with managing the operations of a warehouse or distribution center by orchestrating processes like receiving, put-away, stock locating, inventory management, cycle counting, task interleaving, wave planning, and other activities, WMS works best on a zero-modification strategy. In other words, the fewer the software customizations and tweaks, the better. So, while there's still a lot of custom WMS-building taking place, we're actually moving in the opposite direction and created a WMS environment where users can take updates much like their desktop or smartphone apps via a single "push" from a vendor (and, out into the field) versus having to be subjected to costly upgrades. We've already pulled this off to some degree, but there's certainly opportunity to do more of this via a simplified deployment strategy. For example, our deployment teams build "companion apps," for smart phones or web portals that allow users to use WMS commands and controls directly through those channels. This also helps to support the case for using a third-party logistics (3PL) provider versus investing in and maintaining an internal WMS. When the 3PL owns the software, for example, it pays for all of the upgrades and manages all of the intricacies of running it. The technology is always current and the shipper always has the latest and greatest technology at its fingertips. Warehouse Robotics Come of Age Focused on improving productivity, increasing order accuracy, reducing safety incidents and/or speeding up cycle times, a growing number of companies are exploring the notion of robots in the warehouse. And while the technology is still fairly new, few can argue the merits of infusing mobile, autonomous 4 Ways Technology is Revolutionizing the WarehouseBy Michael Schoenfeld, SVP, Head of Contract Logistics USA, DB SchenkerIn My OPINION
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