The pandemic-driven acceleration in e-commerce has brought both unprecedented opportunities and enormous challenges to global FMCG businesses. If there’s anything that the phenomenon has taught the logistics industry, it’s that the “just in time” approach simply doesn’t work anymore in this new environment.
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Growing FMCG businesses will inevitably reach the point where their existing logistics operations will no longer be able to handle increasing buyer demand.
At some stage, limitations in space, a growing number of SKUs or other bottlenecks, will stretch the capacity of existing picking and distribution systems until a solution needs to be found.
The e-commerce sector continues to grow exponentially and promises rapidly increasing sales. However, at the same time, the number of returns is constantly rising, which puts a strain on margins. The fashion industry suffers from this development, as it wants its products to be available for the customer as quickly as possible to prevent loss of value in the seasonal business. Automation is an effective solution of meeting this ideal.
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The Barry Callebaut Chocolate Box
The extremely rapid progress of technology has opened the door to numerous innovative concepts. Especially in the field of logistics, where fully automated high bay warehouses are becoming increasingly popular. This solution is also the main focus of ‘The Barry Callebaut Chocolate Box’. Thanks to SSI SCHAEFER, a world player and pioneer in this field, it has become a powerful piece of technical ingenuity. Steve Vercammen from SSI SCHAEFER Belgium gives an insight into this project.
In intralogistics, the term "retrofit" refers to the modernization of machines, equipment, and software systems. It is a cost-effective alternative to buying new, ensures sustainable operation, and goes hand in hand with increased system efficiency. But what exactly does it mean when a software system in a warehouse is modernized? What impacts on ongoing operation can be expected?
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The challenges wrought by 2020 have proven the importance of future proofing—or, in other words, protecting a business against the push and pulls of consumer demand, anticipating future events and minimising the effects of supply shocks.
Recent changes in consumer purchasing behaviour have turned the logistics industry on its head—and the effects of this is far-reaching. For example, The Guardian newspaper predicted that online supermarket product sales would increase by a quarter due to the pandemic—but that is not the surprising factor. In relation to this upswing, Forbes also indicated that 82 percent of consumers are now more interested in buying products online instead of brick and mortar stores, with or without the looming pandemic.
Freshness, timeliness, and service quality are the challenges of the food retailing industry in the classic, stationary retail trade. Due to the changing consumption patterns and the online boom in the food retail industry, new logistics challenges arise, which can only be met with state-of-the-art software.
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A leading company specialized in the design and manufacture of a wide variety of labelling and functional materials enabled to increase the storage capacity for higher production.
A global Fortune 500® corporation, Avery Dennison is a global materials science and manufacturing company specializing in the design and manufacture of a wide variety of labelling and functional materials. The company is headquartered in Glendale, California, and is the global leader in pressure-sensitive and self-adhesive labels for consumer and commercial products like shower-gel bottles and syringe labels.
Intralogistics is all about complex, long-term relationships with multiple personal contacts at every stage, from warehouse layout design to implementation to lifetime service. To achieve operational efficiency, maximum availability and rapid response are essential. Service providers in all industries consider their top priority to be making customers' everyday lives easier. The standard service package for intralogistics includes 24/7 technical support, call out support, preventive maintenance, reactive support and a long list of other services. With the introduction of Industry 4.0 and also remote tools, such as SSI Augmented Support, communication became clearer and respond times became shorter.
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... Even When the Temperature Rises in Frozen Food and Fresh Produce Logistics
Special requirements are the order of the day, particularly in fresh produce logistics. Fresh produce logistics comprises fresh fish, dairy, and fruit and vegetable shipments from countries all over the world, as well as frozen food shipments straight to the consumer – and always in the shortest time possible. Frozen food and fresh produce require uninterrupted cooling in order to preserve their maximum shelf life. It goes without saying that this also involves adherence to all legal provisions regarding the cold food chain.
Fully automatic concepts that are integrated seamlessly into intralogistics processes, provide the ideal basis for tailor-made, gentle and reliable product handling. For this purpose, SSI SCHAEFER offers tailor-made, modular solutions for robot-supported palletizing and picking as well as high-performance robotics applications for single-piece picking in the warehouse.
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To manage such seasonal shifts in demand, combined with the expectation for e-commerce to continue growing upwards within the region and beyond, we’re looking at establishing an integrative, collaborative effort between the labour force and automation.
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In times of e-commerce, digitalization and automation, continuously increasing requirements towards performance and efficiency in warehouses are on the daily agenda. In order to achieve top performance rates despite increased requirements, SSI SCHAEFER applies their in-house warehouse management system WAMAS® for the administration of automated warehouses.
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To stay competitive in a pandemic climate, many food and beverage businesses might have considered, researched and even strategized co-opting automation solutions to their operations. For many of them, the term automation still implies machines or robots taking over manufacturing plants. While there is a space and need for such solutions, automation can also further enhance efficiency side-by-side with human labour. Further, manufacturers could also incorporate software solutions that help ensure product quality and safety that Labour would struggle to keep up with.
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No matter whether it is due to rapid growth, supply bottlenecks or absence of employees – the importance of flexibility in small parts storage becomes apparent in cases of unforeseen events. How do you ensure delivery capacity, even in dynamic times? If automation is the solution, what measures can be implemented in a small parts warehouse with only minor investment? How flexible and scalable are these systems?
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Deriving Recommended Courses of Action from Valid Material Master Data
‘Data is the new oil’. This now widely used quote was coined by Meglena Kunevas back in 2009. With regard to oil, certain developments such as combustion engines or specialty chemicals were required in order to make full use of this precious resource. Similar considerations apply to the warehouse, where data runs all ongoing processes. But it takes more than just data. Only if the quote is extended with ‘...but information is the new gold’, can the circle be successfully closed. Ultimately, the goal is to derive actions from data on the basis of information.
The everyday role of e-commerce in retail, wholesale, and fashion industries, becomes also more important for pharmaceutical and cosmetics companies with the growth of online pharmacies. Increased consumer health awareness, coupled with self-medication trends, is leading to higher online demand for over-the-counter products and beauty and care orders.
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Valid Material Master Data as a Basis for More Efficient Material Flow Processes
When it comes to innovative warehouses and logistics centers, SSI SCHAEFER is a strong partner who delivers and realizes solutions from a single source on demand. Its extensive and at the same time high-end products lay the foundations for complete customized solutions. A complete solution by SSI SCHAEFER generally also covers the migration of a considerable amount of data to the IT systems, which are installed with the new warehouse.
The new hazardous goods container by SSI SCHAEFER meets the special safety requirements for transporting solid dangerous substances.
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Striking the right balance between Standardization and Individuality
In an age of increasing digitalization and growing e-commerce, the challenges of volatile markets and unforeseeable environmental and societal events – along with fluctuations in demand that are virtually impossible to plan for – make flexibility a vital top priority. We all aim for individuality in both our personal lives and in business. However, to gain efficiencies in material handling (with the associated software), one must look for the right balance of custom flexibility and standardization.
Manual picking methods in material handling have always been physically demanding. In addition, the aging demographic and decreased physical ability of older employees put further strain on operations. For these reasons, ergonomics plays a central role in the development of logistics systems. Ergonomic workplace design is also critical for younger employees, in order to avoid damage to health and to minimize sick leave. This is why SSI SCHAEFER develops solutions for innovative storage systems and high-performance conveying systems with the guiding principle of healthcare.
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Felix Lütkebomk, Head of Product Sector Dynamic Systems at SSI Schaefer explains how existing storage solutions can be made more efficient and transparent.
Digitalization, automation, industry 4.0, and smart logistics are buzzwords that are discussed in many companies. Material handling has numerous examples of well implemented digitalization strategies. In sectors where storing and picking items is not yet part of the core business, there are still longstanding structures with manual registration tasks, little transparency, and no interconnectedness. Making a future-proof warehouse requires digitization, which is now a prerequisite in order to stay competitive. One can achieve modernization through a gradual implementation of flexible upgrades and retrofits.
How we deal with lack of space, high energy costs and rising property values with an individual and adaptable rack system
Mr. Frank Matysiak, Head of System Planning at SSI Schaefer, explains how the appropriate rack solution can solve typical warehouse challenges, and how SSI Schaefer provides customers with individual and future-oriented support in finding the most suitable racking system.
Java programmer for complex warehouse logistics software and proud mother of twins. Does not work? Sure, it does! I am telling you about my everyday experiences, not only in my professional, but also in my family life. These small insights illustrate the compatibility of family and work. It shows how both worlds cross over and co-exist and reveal points in your life, where you feel like you are hitting a wall.
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The initial situation for Robert and "Freizeit Handels GmbH" was extremely tricky, when they reached the joint decision to make changes to stock handling and therefore also to warehouse management: Due to the rising demands and constantly increasing throughput, the same work required comparatively greater effort than before. The increasing costs of storage began to eat into additional profits. However, this is now water under the bridge and the customer – with Robert at the helm – appears thoroughly delighted with the results of this decision.
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Interview with Dr. Armin Vogel: how sustainable plastic containers are produced and used in logistics over the long term.
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A new compact “C” assembly group is now available, completing the range of proven SSI Exyz storage-retrieval machines from SSI SCHAEFER. SSI Exyz C automates the pallet rack processes in existing buildings in heights of up to 13.5 m. Without any need to upgrade floor slabs or perform extensive modifications - implementation during ongoing operation is also possible. Learn more about the energy-efficient solution.
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Learn more about how SSI SCHAEFER increases efficiency in manual or semi-automated processes with our AGV portfolio.
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How volume reduction helps to reduce CO₂ emissions and what returnable container options SSI SCHAEFER provides.
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When planning a new logistics building – and for retrofits too – green building and sustainability factors gain in importance. SSI SCHAEFER offers several green solutions. Moreover, the company offers further services from energy consulting and planning, certification and monitoring, and subsidy consulting. Johannes Zimmermann, Director Construction Management at SSI SCHAEFER, provides deeper insights in the following interview.
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Intralogistics systems are becoming larger and larger and increasingly complex. Today’s computing power of a modern warehouse IT infrastructure is breaking new ground in terms of size and complexity, thus reaching dimensions that would have been unimaginable just a couple of years ago. In the following article Markus Klug, Team Leader Data Analysis & Simulation, explains how SSI SCHAEFER enables sustainable logistics with and through IT.
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Everybody is talking about climate protection. Discussed in-depth in society and linked to global campaigns, the topic of sustainability is also increasingly becoming a decisive criterion in logistics to ensure whether the offered solutions are viable. This is nothing new for SSI SCHAEFER as the topic corresponds to the long-term view on Green Logistics that was firmly engrained at an early stage. This is part of our Think Tomorrow. philosophy according to which we plan logistics solutions that are tailored to our customers’ needs and continually optimized with a view towards long-term criteria - this is the basis of our success.
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In the area of Integrator Business Automation, SSI SCHAEFER applies a product-based approach to supplying the market. Our day-to-day business involves delivering intralogistics components to a general contractor. How this business sector works and the role that SSI SCHAEFER plays is explained by Arnold Lanz, Vice President of Hub Development & Integrator Business Automation.
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India is the world’s fifth-largest economy, with a population of 1.35 billion, the country has demonstrated itself as one of the quickest growing IT hub in South Asia. However, India has also long branded itself with its lower wage structure and access to a vast labour market; and on the other side, it has a pool of young technology enthusiasts and innovators. According to the Global Innovation Index, India’s ranking went from 81st in 2015 to 52nd in 2019. Notably, Indian start-ups and companies are continuously making significant steps to further improve technological innovation.
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Digitalization is on the rise also finding its way into warehousing. Unlike most Industry 4.0 images suggest, this (r)evolution is not always achieved via automation. Digitalization also involves illustrating and controlling intralogistical processes in a software while executing processes manually. This task can be easily assumed by WAMAS, the warehouse management system by SSI SCHAEFER.
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Demand for cold storage facilities has never been higher.
In the US, the spike in online grocery is spurring growth for cold stores. Real estate services and investment firm CBRE Group Inc. expects that up to 100 million sq. ft. of cold storage warehouse space will be added in the US by 2023. Here in Asia, the rise in consumer demand for perishable food items and the need to maintain the quality and shelf life of food, cosmetics are driving industry growth.
Automated vertical lift modules (VLMs) were developed in the 1980’s specifically for small to medium parts storage rather than the lighter commercial applications of the vertical carousel.
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Social media, streaming services, and search engines – more and more services and systems are benefiting from the advantages of cloud computing. With the increasing complexity of IT and software infrastructures within and between companies, professional cloud solutions can help with the development of efficient and flexible company processes.
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One of the biggest challenges in warehouse management and operations is effective use of floor area. Since warehouse operation is increasingly more complex in the digital age, it is important that storage areas take up as little floor area as possible but also maintain an effective storage and retrieval system.
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An activity is carried out efficiently and effectively when it comes easy and follows clear processes. In order to meet these requirements, as part of the ergonomics@work!® program, we implement special picking stations designed to motivate employees, promote peak performance and significantly improve ergonomics at the work station. Movements such as lifting and carrying are assisted with ergonomic pulling and pushing. This means optimization of workflows and work heights. The goal is to create “feel-good work stations” that feature intuitive operator guidance using intelligent communication and display systems. The solutions are specifically tailored to the customer’s needs.
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Nowadays, timely service for customers with intralogistics solutions goes far beyond the provision of spare parts and the maintenance of systems. Every day, customers are confronted with new challenges in their business environment which need to be dealt with as quickly as possible; this is made all the more essential due to e-commerce and the rapid shortening of delivery times.
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In the following interview, Elie Zita provides an overview of how digitalization has revolutionized customer service, guaranteeing maximized system availability and sustainability as a result of customized, predictive maintenance.
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With its sleek design and clean lines, the vertical lift emanates positive vibes. Unlock it and you find trays upon trays stacked up in layers right to the top. With the touch of a button, the automated storage system designed on the tried-and-tested Ferris wheel principle swings into action.
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The name "Leonardo" is most commonly associated with the multi-talented Leonardo da Vinci, who 600 years ago used his wide range of skills to develop pioneering inventions and make groundbreaking discoveries[i].
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New and increasingly demanding market requirements mean that companies are facing increasing pressure to improve their performance. This pressure also causes extra challenges for intralogistics, such as constantly growing quantities of goods that need to be handled during warehouse operations or additional tasks that need to be carried out in the warehouse, as well as short delivery times.
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Storing small parts or products can be challenging, especially when the number of SKUs a company has to store run into the thousands. Thankfully, a comprehensive range of shelving systems supported by software is now available to meet different requirements and price points to help companies store and organise small parts for easy retrieval.
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Artificial intelligence, Industry 4.0, big data – just some of the buzzwords we hear every day in relation to intelligent, digitally networked systems. As well as the availability of the overall installations, the issue of security is becoming ever more prominent when it comes to the IT components. Protecting the integrity and confidentiality of the data stored on the IT systems is of particular importance.
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Flexible solution for a wide range of applications
With the SSI Order Verifier, items from an already picked customer order can be identified, counted, checked, verified, and documented in a single step – regardless whether the article is cubic or cylindrical, packaged in a blister pack, tube, or bag.
With conventional storage systems, only a single – albeit important – aspect of the system is shown: the purely technical situation. Traditional visualization systems are not capable of meeting the current and future requirements of an intralogistics system and are therefore no longer adequate sources of information upon which to operate an installation. Other important aspects, such as the material flow or the comparison of key performance indicators (KPIs), are not usually considered in sufficient detail.
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Everything has a limited lifespan, including intralogistics systems. While steel and iron are less susceptible to the ravages of time, control and IT systems are rather more exposed to the effects of advancing years. Even processes themselves grow long in the tooth and require an overhaul to bring them back to cutting-edge relevance. We call this "retrofitting" – in other words, turning old into new.
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The SAP logistics suite already goes back a long way. Logistics processes were first covered in the R/2 ERP software up to the early 1990s, before being developed in the R/3 software when Warehouse Management (WM) and Transport Management (TRM) were introduced in their own modules as part of the ERP. This marked the launch of the first-ever embedded warehouse management and control system. WM is still maintained as an embedded module in the era of S4/HANA, although SAP will stop providing official support by the end of 2027. However, there is a delimited workaround available in the meantime with “Stock Room Management” that can be used beyond 2027.
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Computers can be used to quickly process and analyze large volumes of data in complex settings. Self-learning machines can recognize and remember patterns, and then react as we would when new situations with similar patterns arise, provided that we have defined the ideal result.
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In 2007 we saw the launch of the iPhone, heralding a new digitalera. Since then, our personal lives have undergone dramatic change.We are always connected, and able to communicate with the rest of theworld anytime and anywhere, generating huge volumes of data.
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Warehouse management systems find routes that will minimize the distance covered between storage and picking points. Parameters can be adjusted to apply various strategies that will boost efficiency levels while still ensuring that goods are handled correctly.
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Warehouse automation has many advantages: It increases efficiency and speed in order processing and, compared to purely manual processes, reduces costs and the susceptibility to errors. However, sometimes concerns are raised whether full automation is necessary in a particular case.
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The wide range of modular, scalable automation solutions by SSI SCHAEFER covers the steadily growing requirements for goods handling in the healthcare and cosmetics industries. Modern piece picking robots with integrated scan functionality ensure efficient picking as well as precise identification and verification of products to conform with regulations for tracking and tracing.
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The starting point: A sudden increase of orders and a broken pallet led to major delays in the warehouse. In the example of Ines and Max, there are a number of ways in which the system can take action.
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Ines and Max are sitting in the warehouse control center monitoring the operating states of the material flow systems on the screens that surround them. The visualization does not show any incidents, everything appears to be running smoothly. In fact, it looks like today is going to be a pretty boring day...
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The Enterprise Solutions business segment at SSI SCHAEFER is defined as the logistical control instrument between warehouse, transport, and customer. In short, it is about sustainably and holistically fulfilling customer requests. EVP Enterprise, Hannes Neubauer, explains how this works in practice and what is behind these intelligent solutions.
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The challenges facing the industry require tailor-made solutions for complex material flows in production-related warehouses. Holistic concepts, which can be represented by manual, partially automated, or fully automated systems, are essential for intralogistics processes.
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Online retail sales are expected to buck the trend because of the confluence of new technologies, new entrants and new consumer demands. With annual sales totalling US$3 trillion globally, and growing in strong double digits, it has huge implication for retail.
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Intelligent solutions for individual shopping carts
The rapidly growing sector of online retailing places a high demand on intralogistics for grocers. Constant cost restraints, the growing demand for order today and deliver today, along with the need for higher process efficiencies, mandate companies apply the dynamics of e-grocery to their supply chain.
HUMAN CREATIVITY AND ANALYTICAL AI — A SUSTAINABLE COMBINATION
Artificial intelligence (AI) is opening up new possibilities for us in both the private and industrial spheres.
Every sector has peak seasons where planning and preparation need to happen. In the supply chain, major events and peak seasons such as 11.11 Singles Day, Black Friday or festive season shopping means large volume of goods and items are moving in and out of a distribution center.
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Where do traditional IT systems and state-of-the-art AI differ?
Conventional IT systems are rule-based and correspond with static messages. In other words, we define functions and decision trees that machines then implement.
In 2007 we saw the launch of the iPhone, heralding a new digitalera. Since then, our personal lives have undergone dramatic change.We are always connected, and able to communicate with the rest of theworld anytime and anywhere, generating huge volumes of data.
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Since the global boom of smartphones and smart devices, e-commerce and online shopping has been on a steady rise; and it’s slowly changing the way people purchase goods and the way they are distributed from Distribution Centres to customers. This poses a big challenge for warehouses as the movement of goods to and from warehouses become more rapid.
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Technology is always evolving, which drives change both in what consumers purchase and how they receive their purchases. Technology also drives change in the logistics industry, especially over the past few decades.
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If you’re a mid-size or smaller company, you may be operating a manual or man-to-goods warehouse. And like any category of companies, while operating a manual warehouse has benefits such as flexibility and accessibility, it also comes with its own set of challenges.
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The unique thing about time is that we all need it, but regardless of how much material wealth we have—we can’t buy it.
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While profits have traditionally been the top concern for businesses, safety and sustainability have become mainstream issues of focus for companies. However, both of these goals are achievable with reusable packaging. Now more than ever, manufacturers and distributors should examine how warehouse safety can be improved by utilizing reusable plastic packaging and pallets.
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The warehouse labor market is evolving. Three Positive Changes from Automation.
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At the start of the New Year, it is a time honored tradition to crystal ball gaze. Since we can’t claim to be soccer experts we shall leave prediction for the FIFA World Cup to those who know better and keep our piece to what we know best. Here’s our take on what we expect to see for our industry this New Year.
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We have heard all about it – how e-commerce is changing the face of retail. As online shopping takes off, shops are emptying out and malls are experiencing lighter footfalls.
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It’s that time of the year again when our bank accounts take a hit as we go on the hunt for festive bargains. Businesses promote their best deals of the year and many of us find it impossible to resist, driving us to order vast amounts of selected lines in a very small period of time.
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The sharing economy is gaining ground, as owners are putting their excess capacity to good use, whether they are cars or rooms. So successful is the business model that the word uberization, after pioneering car sharing platform Uber, has been incorporated into the modern lexicon. Collins Dictionary defined uberization as the adoption of a business model in which services are offered on demand through direct contact between a customer and supplier, usually via mobile technology. The logistics industry could well be next.
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As warehouses look and feel safe, it is so easy for warehouse employees to be lulled into a false sense of safety. Unlike shipyards or construction sites, the potential for life threaten accidents appear limited.
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Operating one with additional requirements can further complexities that companies need to manage as they ensure product quality and adhere to regulations. For many manufacturers, retailers, and third parties, these complexities continue to be a challenge as the market expands.
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Not knowing can be a nightmare, but all too often, it’s the case in a manual environment. Couple that scenario with multiple manual facilities, and you have double the frustration. Without a system in place, it is difficult to track inventory and even more so to accurately forecast what’s needed to fulfill orders in the pipeline. With a warehouse management software (WMS) solution, inventory accuracy and traceability is a given. However, there are several features that you need in order to ensure a smooth operation.
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Promotional sales, discount codes, loyalty cards, and free shipping are the latest trends in retailers vying for e-commerce consumer spend. However, there is another opportunity even of greater importance to get right—customer experience.
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The Warehouse Management System (WMS) is the backbone of modern logistic distribution.
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The emergence of Internet and mobile technology is changing the way we live and shop. From Brazil to Vietnam online shopping is gaining traction. The rise in millennial spending power is accelerating the pace.
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Gone are the days when warehouses are cavernous buildings in obscure locations of interest only to people who work in them. Today warehouses are hot attracting the attention of many, from young entrepreneurs to industrial property giants.
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It is well acknowledged within the industry that of all the products, grocery is more challenging to manage. Not only are there many more items per order as compared with electronics, apparels, toys or books, the demand placed on e-groceries is also higher. The products they have to handle are often bulkier and heavier, the margins are lower compared to other consumer products and some are perishables where losses are incurred due to product damage or product expiry. On time reliable delivery is therefore critical in ensuring customer satisfaction.
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In the case of Industry 4.0 (or the Fourth Industrial Revolution, as it is more commonly known outside Germany), it is legitimate to ask how much is genuine innovation, and how much is simply clever marketing.
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The Internet of Things (IOTs) is changing the way we live and work. With smart aircons, lights and vacuum cleaners, which can be remotely controlled from the mobile, you can come home after a day at work to a cool, clean place.
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Easily the most widely used storage equipment in the industrial world, pallet racking system can be found in most warehouses and manufacturing facilities. By stacking up pallets in an organized and efficient manner, it ensures goods stored within the warehouse are readily accessible.
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Anyone who has tried to manage order processing for B2B and B2C from a single DC can appreciate the complexity. Requirements for B2B of B2C order fulfilment are so different.
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You can’t manage what you don’t measure may be an old management adage but it rings true even today. What quantifiable measures should DCs track?
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Fast and efficient, the shuttle system is a welcome addition to the modern warehouse. This innovative technology increases speed, accuracy and throughput in warehouses and distribution centres quite significantly.
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SSI Schaefer’s Weasel® automated guided vehicle (AGV) was presented with the IFOY Award 2016 in the “Intralogistics Solutions” category on the first day of the CeMAT exhibition in Hanover.
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The pharmaceutical industry is subjected to a web of rules and regulations governing the patenting, testing, safety, efficacy and marketing of medicines. Keeping track of the developments can be a challenge.
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The e-commerce boom is the biggest factor driving growth. E-commerce sales have spiked, whether it is Asia, America or Latin America, while same store sales have remained largely stagnant.
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While TV home shopping has some similarities with e-commerce, the requirements are quite different. E-commerce fulfilment is complex as companies have to wrestle with multiple products pick to very small orders, with delivery made within tight timelines.
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So what can we expect for 2016? Here are some thoughts on what this year will bring for the economies within Asia and the impact on the industry we are in.
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For years the standard warehouse systems remained the same – the racks are aligned vertically, and pallets, cartons or totes are transported by storage and retrieval machines or lifts to the front of the warehouse for retrieval.
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Distribution centres (DCs) are scaling up in size with some of the largest of on-line fulfilment centres being over 1 million sq. ft. Trying to navigate these behemoths is a struggle without the requisite automation. From rumblings on the Internet from disgruntled staffers, we gathered that some order pickers have had to walk over 15 kms. in a single shift. They have our sympathies. It is exhausting and not terribly productive.
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It is a challenge confronting warehouse managers everywhere: How can you improve your warehouse efficiency?
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