Today’s global supply chain complexity creates many blind spots - whether you're managing environmental and political uncertainty, multi-enterprise business networks, the pressures of e-commerce, or multi-modal shipping. Proper visibility has become crucial to mitigating the impacts of disruption and optimally choosing between multiple sources, delivery points, and logistical processes to consistently ensure profitability and customer satisfaction - no matter the situation.
Control towers are taking on an increasingly vital role in modern-day warehouses, powered by advances in artificial intelligence, says Kevin Reader, director of business development and marketing with Knapp.
"The delivery economy" describes the transformation of retail, driven by customer demands for the highest possible level of service. But can companies provide it in an economic fashion? Christian Piller, vice president of value engineering with Project 44, offers a perspective.
The coronavirus pandemic has made it clear that humans make supply chains vulnerable to failure. Greater reliance on automated solutions will be a given from here on out.
Today's distribution centers face huge challenges in ensuring compliance with complex packaging and labeling requirements, especially in the age of big data and SKU proliferation, says John Dwinell, CEO and founder of Siena Analytics.
Automation is impacting warehouse operations in multiple ways, promising dramatic efficiencies in labor, hardware, software and order fulfillment, says Chris Arnold, president and chief operating officer of Trew.
