Automation is the buzzword of the moment when it comes to distribution. But many small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) feel that automation is cost prohibitive - that it's something for the big guys. An investment in automation, however, doesn't have to be an all or nothing proposition.
Luxury leather furniture company Poltrona Frau Group has begun deploying a radio frequency identification system to reduce time and errors related to the receiving of leather upholstery material from its suppliers, and to inventory checks at its own storage area and third-party storage offsite.
Orbis Corp., a manufacturer of sustainable reusable packaging, has introduced what it says is the first plastic, reusable corrugated box to work seamlessly with automated packaging lines.