Contrary to popular belief, automation doesn't spell an end to the presence of humans in manufacturing and distribution environments, according to Mark Juelich, president of Industrial Procurement Services.

In automated cold-storage warehouses, WMS, automated receiving technologies, computer vision systems, algorithms, visibility platforms and machine learning capabilities all work in tandem to create end-to-end process automation.

Rugged devices are complex amalgamations of hardware and software, each reliant on the other for optimal performance. Achieving harmony between these elements can be a difficult task.

In order fulfillment and many other supply chain functions, artificial intelligence is now an indispensable asset in improving the quality and efficiency of returns for high-volume direct-to-consumer operations.

It’s time to dispel the notion that data science is purely abstract and theoretical: In fact, it can and should be applied to make a practical difference in evolving warehouse performance.  

U.S. e-commerce sales are expected to surge 9.3% this year to $1.14 trillion, faster than overall retail spending growth.

Managers of manufacturing and training operations will need to see a faster ROI if this technology hopes to become a staple of supply chains.

Nick Maffucci, strategic account executive with OX, describes the state of warehouse automation, and where it might be going in the years ahead.

Noah Maynard, principal solutions architect with Berkshire Grey, discusses how leading warehouses are deploying robotics and automation for competitive advantage.

This year, among the most challenging curveballs that warehouses will face is getting the equipment they need when they need it.