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3 Key Factors in Goods to Person Throughput Design

Brent Davis
January 10, 2024
From a mechanical standpoint, a goods-to-person system certainly can attain the tote delivery rate...Read More
Tags: automation, goods to person, picking, system design
Posted in General Blogs, System Automation, Business and Consulting

Warehouse Data Analysis: Time Consuming but Vital

Jason Tenorio
August 02, 2023
“Garbage in, garbage out”; that’s the typical mantra for simulation and consulting studies as it...Read More
Tags: consulting, consulting studies, data, data analysis, data integrity, material handling consulting, premier automation integrator
Posted in General Blogs, Business and Consulting

5 Methods for Reducing Product Loss in Your Warehouse

Andy Eckerle
July 20, 2022
There are a few major concerns in distribution system design that need to be consistently...Read More
Tags: Kaizen, Lean, Lean Six Sigma, Material Handling Equipment, process improvement, product loss
Posted in Business and Consulting, Material Handling Equipment, The Supply Chain

Lean Warehousing: The 5S Method

Landon Mumbower, Matt Adsit
April 13, 2022
Developing a Lean culture in your organization is a multi-step process and, in this article, we...Read More
Tags: Lean manufacturing, lean optimization, warehouse optimization, lean management
Posted in Business and Consulting

The 8 Wastes of Lean Manufacturing Applied to Warehouse Operations

Landon Mumbower, Matt Adsit
February 16, 2022
Using lean manufacturing principles to increase efficiency and productivity in warehouse operations...Read More
Tags: improving efficiency, increasing efficiency, Kaizen, Lean manufacturing, productivity, warehouse efficiency, warehouse optimization
Posted in Business and Consulting, Education

Accurately Visualize Robotic Systems with Computer Simulations

Michael Cunningham
June 09, 2021
As industrial robotic technology has improved over the years, so has related simulation software. ...Read More
Tags: 3-D simulations, goods to robot, Industrial Robotics, Order fulfillment, Robotic Simulations, systems integration
Posted in General Blogs, Business and Consulting, Industrial Robotics, Material Handling Equipment, The Supply Chain

4 Steps for Evaluating and Deciding on DC Automation

Brent Davis
May 26, 2021
If your distribution center has grown in both SKUs and order volume or your typical order has...Read More
Tags: distribution center automation, ecommerce order fulfillment, goods to person, automation solutions
Posted in General Blogs, System Automation, Business and Consulting, The Supply Chain

Adapting Manufacturing Strategies for Direct to Consumer Fulfillment

Chris Bratten
March 31, 2021
The internet, since its adoption in the 1990s, is an amazing place that consistently opens new...Read More
Tags: goods to person systems, omni-channel distribution, omnichannel, wave picking, unit sortation, manufacturing order fulfillment
Posted in General Blogs, Business and Consulting, The Supply Chain

Modernizing DC Operations: Automation Requires Management

Sheila Dooley
March 24, 2021
More companies are starting to prioritize automation while those that had already put a lot of...Read More
Tags: automation software, distribution center automation, employee training, operational efficiency, project implementation, Project Management, warehouse automation, automation training, operational management
Posted in General Blogs, System Automation, Business and Consulting, Controls & Software

7 Ways to Help Your Warehouse Employees Work at Peak Performance

Justin Willbanks
December 29, 2020
For years, logistics consultants, material handling engineers , and supply chain execution...Read More
Tags: Employee performance, Employee productivity, good project managers, Project Management, Warehouse Management Systems, warehouse employees
Posted in Business and Consulting, Education, The Supply Chain

Goods to Person Systems Stretch Beyond Social Distancing Benefits

Greg Conner
December 09, 2020
Various goods-to-person technologies have risen to the challenge of social distancing by creating...Read More
Tags: AutoStore, consulting studies, goods to person systems, Perfect Pick, scallog, Social distancing
Posted in General Blogs, System Automation, Business and Consulting

Black Friday Prep: Peak Season Trends

Matt Kuper
November 06, 2020
Although 2020 has been an unpredictable year with unprecedented commerce demands, this year...Read More
Tags: automation, Black Friday, peak season
Posted in System Automation, Business and Consulting, Material Handling Equipment

5 Order Fulfillment Technologies to Keep an Eye On

Greg Conner
October 28, 2020
As an independent systems integrator, Bastian Solutions is constantly evaluating the latest...Read More
Tags: Automated Guide Vehicles (AGVs), goods to person, robotic shuttle systems, vertical lift module
Posted in Business and Consulting, Material Handling Equipment, New Trends and Technologies

Hyper-Local Fulfillment 101: Permanent Changes in Buyer Behavior

Alex Haines
October 14, 2020
This supply chain evolution has created the need for hyper-local fulfillment, which also comes with...Read More
Tags: AutoStore, retail automation, supply chain, covid 19, microfulfillment
Posted in System Automation, Business and Consulting, Education

Breaking the Ice on Cold Storage Automation

Robert Humphry, PE
October 08, 2020
Bastian Solutions’ Supply Chain Explained: LIVE webinar series continued with Robert Humphry,...Read More
Tags: automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS), automated systems, cold storage, cold chain
Posted in System Automation, Business and Consulting, Education

B2B Warehousing: Automation to Transform your Operations

Jason Tenorio
September 30, 2020
Our second webinar of the Supply Chain Explained: LIVE series featured advice from Bastian...Read More
Tags: autonomous vehicles, goods to person systems, sortation, warehouse automation
Posted in System Automation, Business and Consulting, Education

Microfulfillment Part 2: Pros and Cons

Greg Conner
July 29, 2020
The term “microfulfillment center” has quickly become one of the top buzzwords in material...Read More
Tags: automation, AutoStore, ecommerce, Perfect Pick, retail, micro-fulfillment, warehouse, microfulfillment, robot, electronics
Posted in General Blogs, System Automation, Business and Consulting, Industry News, Material Handling Equipment

Microfulfillment Part 1: What is Microfulfillment?

Ahmed Arif
July 22, 2020
Without a doubt, microfulfillment is one of the hottest trends in supply chain. The ability to get...Read More
Tags: AutoStore, retail, retail automation, Robots, supply chain, micro-fulfillment, t-Sort, microfulfillment
Posted in System Automation, Business and Consulting, Education, Industrial Robotics, The Supply Chain

Promoting Warehouse Worker Safety Post-COVID-19

Jason Nowak
June 23, 2020
During this global coronavirus pandemic, people are concerned with protecting themselves and their...Read More
Tags: AutoStore, Perfect Pick, covid 19, pandemic, t-Sort, employee safety, warehouse
Posted in System Automation, Business and Consulting, Industry News, Material Handling Equipment, New Trends and Technologies, The Supply Chain

How to Properly Select a Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor

Robert Shenon
June 17, 2020
With skyrocketing warehouse real estate prices in many parts of the country, Bastian Solutions is...Read More
Tags: case conveyor, pallet conveyor, vertical conveyor, vertical lift
Posted in General Blogs, Business and Consulting, Manufacturing, Material Handling Equipment

Throwing Good Money After Bad: Addressing Failed Operational Investments

Brian Shepherd
June 09, 2020
Throwing good money after bad often happens without the realization that it’s being done. We’ve...Read More
Tags: business advice, supply chain, warehouse automation
Posted in General Blogs, Business and Consulting, Material Handling Equipment

Using a Gaming Engine for Agile Supply Chain Optimization

Michael Walters
May 12, 2020
How embracing agility and operational responsiveness in supply chain modeling and network design...Read More
Tags: consulting, consulting studies, material handling consulting, network design, supply chain optimization, distribution network study
Posted in General Blogs, Business and Consulting

Questions to Expect From a Material Handling Integrator

Michael Pesce
May 05, 2020
In any material handling project or consultation, the first step is getting to know your business...Read More
Tags: business, independent integrator, integration partner, integrator, material handling consulting
Posted in General Blogs, Business and Consulting

The Importance of Validating AGV Design with Simulation

Jiayao Zhang
March 05, 2020
AGVs have some pretty impressive benefits, but only if implemented correctly. Here's how simulation...Read More
Tags: 3-D simulations, AGV, Automated Guide Vehicles (AGVs), material handling system simulation
Posted in System Automation, Business and Consulting

Replenishment: The Hidden "Traffic Cop" of Distribution Operations

Mike Prince
February 27, 2020
Without a solid, well-designed replenishment strategy as part of a fully integrated operation,...Read More
Tags: automated systems, Receiving operations, order picking, warehouse operations, replenishment
Posted in System Automation, Business and Consulting

Six Reasons to Simulate Your Operations

Pablo Pozas
February 26, 2020
Six reasons you should consider simulations to help address some of the challenges in your...Read More
Tags: 3-D simulations, material handling system simulation
Posted in Business and Consulting

Weathering the Storm, Part 2: The Balancing Act of Supply Chain Risk Management

Justin Willbanks
February 19, 2020
It's impossible to predict where or when a disaster may occur, but these tips can help mitigate...Read More
Tags: supply chain planning, contingency planning, preparedness, weather
Posted in Business and Consulting, The Supply Chain

Weathering the Storm, Part 1: Preparing Operations for Natural Disasters

Justin Willbanks
February 18, 2020
Understanding how your operation could be affected in the wake of a natural disaster can help your...Read More
Tags: supply chain planning, contingency planning, preparedness, weather
Posted in Business and Consulting

The "Final 50 Feet" of Ecommerce Delivery: Trends, Challenges, and Technology

Mike Senuta
February 13, 2020
While the “last mile” has long been a focus for retailers and carriers, one particularly...Read More
Tags: ecommerce, ecommerce order fulfillment, logistics, same-day delivery
Posted in Business and Consulting

Staffing For Peak Season: What Went Wrong?

Justin Willbanks
February 11, 2020
If your operations hired additional staff over peak season and it was still a struggle to keep up,...Read More
Tags: consulting, holiday prep, warehouse operations, peak season
Posted in Business and Consulting

Building the Business Case for Distribution Center Automation

Dustin Crandall
February 06, 2020
While there is often a compelling ROI for automating your DC operations, there are several other...Read More
Tags: automation, business growth, Return on Investment (ROI)
Posted in Business and Consulting

Importance of Communications in Supply Chain Management

Bastian Solutions
February 04, 2020
From timely deliveries to employee morale, communications touch every aspect of any business. These...Read More
Tags: business advice, communication, employee education, employee engagement, employee morale
Posted in Business and Consulting

How Automated Material Handling Systems Impact Warehouse Facility Design

Mike Clemens
January 30, 2020
Automated material handling systems often have requirements that exceed typical warehouse design...Read More
Tags: facility design and layout, facility planning, warehouse automation, warehouse design
Posted in Business and Consulting

Planning Your Future DC

Wayne Lewis
January 14, 2020
Planning for a future distribution center can be a daunting task, but these tips for developing a...Read More
Tags: distribution center design, facility planning
Posted in Business and Consulting

Why Your Material Handling System Is Only as Good as Your After-Sales Support

Robert Shenon
December 12, 2019
When it comes down to it, after-sales support is about making the customers’ lives easier. We...Read More
Tags: service and support
Posted in General Blogs, Business and Consulting

5 Reasons to Study Your Supply Chain Network

Jose Bejarano, Michael Walters
August 07, 2019
Whether a company has established supply chain optimization as a competitive advantage or is just...Read More
Tags: supply chain optimization, distribution network, supply chain network, supply chain planning, distribution network study
Posted in Business and Consulting

Joint Process Improvement: How to Find the Right Partner

Ahmed Arif
July 11, 2019
A joint process improvement program should reduce costs and improve quality - if you choose the...Read More
Tags: improving efficiency, integration partner, material handling partner, process improvement
Posted in Business and Consulting

Why You Don't Need a Consultant

Dean Starovasnik
June 28, 2019
Not sure whether you need a consultant? This quick guide should help you decide if hiring one is...Read More
Tags: consulting, Engineering Consulting, material handling consulting
Posted in Business and Consulting

Creating a Successful Cross-Docking Operation

Carlos Minjares
June 26, 2019
One of the best options to reduce waste is to implement cross docking, but it requires careful...Read More
Tags: Lean manufacturing, process improvement, project implementation, cross docking
Posted in Business and Consulting

Creating a Culture of Continuous Improvement: Part 2

Rob Schabinger
June 20, 2019
While every organization is unique, the steps required to build a continuous improvement culture...Read More
Tags: continuous improvement
Posted in Business and Consulting

Creating a Culture of Continuous Improvement: Part 1

Rob Schabinger
June 17, 2019
Creating a culture of continuous improvement requires commitment, investment, and empowerment....Read More
Tags: continuous improvement, lean optimization, process improvement
Posted in Business and Consulting

Choosing your Material Handling System: A Quest for the Right Solution

Benton Graff
May 14, 2019
Your business is starting to take off and orders are coming in faster than you can keep up. It’s...Read More
Tags: automated systems, Bastian Material Handling, business advice, business growth, conveyor system design, system upgrade
Posted in Business and Consulting, Material Handling Equipment

The Rise of the Urban DC

Jeff Snyder
April 23, 2019
More and more people, especially young adults, are moving into cities. To reach this increasingly...Read More
Tags: distribution center automation, distribution center design, ecommerce order fulfillment, logistics, network design, omni-channel distribution, omni-channel fulfillment, retail distribution, retail supply chain
Posted in Business and Consulting, New Trends and Technologies

Distribution Facility Selection: It’s Not Just About Location and Cost

Wynn Watson
March 06, 2019
Cost and location are important factors when selecting a new distribution facility, but don't...Read More
Tags: distribution center design, facility design, facility design and layout, facility planning
Posted in Business and Consulting

La importancia de utilizar un Consultor en Logística en México

Carlos Minjares
February 07, 2019
Mexico needs consultants to get to the next level. To get there, Mexican companies need to trust...Read More
Tags: consulting, Spanish
Posted in Bastian Mexico, Business and Consulting

Trends Driving the Case for Distribution Center Automation

Mike Senuta
January 31, 2019
An overview of the economic and technological trends that are increasing demand (and ROI) for...Read More
Tags: automation, distribution center automation, Return on Investment (ROI), supply chain trends
Posted in System Automation, Business and Consulting

Which Products Should Go into a Goods-To-Person System?

Ahmed Arif
January 03, 2019
Considering a goods-to-person system, but not sure which one to choose or what to put inside? Start...Read More
Tags: automation, goods to person
Posted in System Automation, Business and Consulting

Trends in Supply Chain Network Software Stack

Mike Prince
December 27, 2018
Supply chain network software tools that can help optimize inventory, facilities, and...Read More
Tags: supply chain software, consulting, supply chain consulting
Posted in Business and Consulting, Education

Adopting Automation and Change Management: What to Expect and How to be Prepared

JD Stumpf
May 23, 2018
Whether its automating the picking process with goods-to-person (GTP) technology or the...Read More
Tags: automation, change management, supply chain consulting
Posted in Business and Consulting

5 Tips for Attending Trade Shows Like an Expert

Kayla Wohldmann
March 16, 2018
If you’ve never attended a trade show before, they can be a bit daunting; however, with proper...Read More
Tags: material handling, MODEX, trade shows
Posted in Business and Consulting

Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe: Picking the Best Supply Chain Trade Organizations

Amanda Bomar
March 02, 2018
Welcome to the world of distribution…or is it supply chain….or maybe logistics? Whatever you call...Read More
Tags: MHI, supply chain, trade organizations, WERC
Posted in Business and Consulting, The Supply Chain

The Highway to Success – Enhancing the Value of the Workforce through Automation

Chris Graver
February 28, 2018
Last year, MHI published its “Material Handling & Logistics US Roadmap 2.0”. The Roadmap explains...Read More
Tags: automation, business, economy, MHI Roadmap, trends
Posted in Business and Consulting, The Supply Chain

Industrial Real Estate Considerations for Goods-to-Person Technologies

Blake Bearden
February 21, 2018
Just as the internet has been an enabler for e-commerce, today’s modern goods-to-person (GTP)...Read More
Tags: automation, goods to person systems, industrial real estate
Posted in System Automation, Business and Consulting

How to Select a Warehouse Management System

Marvin Logan
February 06, 2018
Searching for a new warehouse management system (WMS) can be a complicated matter. It is very...Read More
Tags: software, supply chain consulting, warehouse management system, WMS
Posted in Business and Consulting, Controls & Software

5 Ways to Optimize Your Warehouse Processes with Microsoft Access

Wade Brown
January 03, 2018
If your warehouse management system provides countless amounts of raw data, a database management...Read More
Tags: database management, Microsoft Access, warehouse management system, warehouse optimization, warehouse software
Posted in Business and Consulting, Controls & Software

10 Common Warehousing Mistakes to Avoid This Year

Greg Conner
December 28, 2017
Constraints such as omni-channel distribution and speed to delivery have really put a strain on...Read More
Tags: supply chain software, consulting, process improvement, warehousing
Posted in Business and Consulting, The Supply Chain

Zone Skipping Your Way to Increased Profits in Ecommerce Distribution

Greg Conner
October 05, 2017
Zone skipping is a logistics technique where companies ship their products directly to sorting...Read More
Tags: parcel handling, sortation, supply chain, zone skipping
Posted in Business and Consulting, The Supply Chain

A 3-Step Method to Warehouse Optimization

Wade Brown
September 27, 2017
While there are many different areas and processes you can focus on when attempting to optimize...Read More
Tags: Material Handling automation, warehouse management system, warehouse optimization
Posted in System Automation, Business and Consulting

Information Security and Its Beneficial Role in Warehousing

Kyle Creekmore
August 21, 2017
If you think information security only applies to encrypting sensitive data and protecting against...Read More
Tags: information security, risk management, software
Posted in Business and Consulting, Controls & Software

4 Tips for New Engineers Starting Their First Job

Shelby Shay
July 27, 2017
So you just graduated from an engineering school, and you had a couple interviews with a company...Read More
Tags: college, engineering, graduates, new employees
Posted in Business and Consulting, Education

The Death of Brick and Mortar Retail…Not So Fast!

Greg Conner
June 29, 2017
Never in our lifetimes have we seen such as change in the retail supply chain. The traditional...Read More
Tags: brick and mortar, e-commerce, Order fulfillment, retail supply chain
Posted in Business and Consulting, The Supply Chain

A Review of the Distribution Automation Landscape in Mexico

Carlos Minjares
June 16, 2017
We all know and believe that automation is the future (and in some cases, the present), but what’s...Read More
Tags: automation, consulting, economy, LATAM, Mexico
Posted in Bastian Mexico, Business and Consulting

Click and Collect: Stores Become Retail Distribution Centers

Greg Conner
March 17, 2017
Today’s retail stores are evolving, but what does the future hold? Could AGVs or augmented reality...Read More
Tags: Augmented Reality, Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV), click and collect, order fulfillment automation, retail distribution
Posted in Business and Consulting, New Trends and Technologies

4 Benefits of Material Handling System Simulation

Tim Duket
March 08, 2017
Modern material handling systems employ increasingly complex hardware and software to optimize...Read More
Tags: material handling system simulation, simulations, supply chain consulting, system validation
Posted in System Automation, Business and Consulting

Y tú ya has comprado por internet? Como estar preparado para el Boom del e-commerce en México

Roberto Zarur
January 16, 2017
Cada día vemos como están llegando nuevos servicios de comercio electrónico a los retailers que ya...Read More
Tags: distribution, e-commerce, ecommerce order fulfillment, Mexico, Spanish
Posted in Bastian Mexico, Business and Consulting

The Whole 9 Yards on E-Commerce

Bastian Solutions
December 21, 2016
With an unprecedented ability to compare prices and shop around without ever leaving the house,...Read More
Tags: customer experience, e-commerce, support
Posted in Business and Consulting, The Supply Chain

5 Passos para uma Implementação de Automação Logística bem Sucedida

Alexandre Araujo
December 09, 2016
O sucesso de uma solução de manuseio de materiais bem implementada depende de alguns passos...Read More
Tags: consulting, material handling system integration, Material Handling Tips, Portuguese, system integraton
Posted in Bastian South America, Business and Consulting

How to Select and Optimize Cost Effective Material Handling Systems

Adam Cole
September 20, 2016
In any distribution or manufacturing operation, material must be moved from point A to point B. ...Read More
Tags: material handling consulting, Material handling systems
Posted in System Automation, Business and Consulting

5 Tips on Project Requirements Definition

Nancy Hauer
August 04, 2016
It would be nice if you could download the ideas for your next project to someone else, but today...Read More
Tags: communication, Project Management, requirements
Posted in Business and Consulting, Controls & Software

How to Choose and Work with a Robotics Integrator

Matt Kohler
July 07, 2016
Choosing the proper integrator to partner with to accomplish an organization’s strategic goals for...Read More
Tags: integrators, RFP, robotics
Posted in Business and Consulting, Industrial Robotics

Buying Versus Leasing Industrial Equipment

Jason Nowak
April 20, 2016
When it comes to procuring industrial equipment, we have to look at what option is best for our...Read More
Tags: industrial equipment leasing, procurement
Posted in Business and Consulting, Material Handling Equipment

5 Ergonomic Products Employees Will Love

Sarah Fronczak
February 24, 2016
As we wrap up the month of love and get even farther into 2016, maybe you’re asking yourself, “What...Read More
Tags: carts, ergonomics, Lift Tables, safety
Posted in Business and Consulting, Material Handling Equipment

Competitive DC Growth Nationally Drives Need for Space Efficiency

Thomas Cutler
January 26, 2016
The Journal of Commerce reported that big-box distribution facilities of 500,000 to more than 1...Read More
Tags: industrial real estate, space efficiency, warehouse layout
Posted in Business and Consulting, Industry News, The Supply Chain

Examining the State of Logistics Report

Bastian Solutions
January 14, 2016
Every year the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals produces a “State of Logistics...Read More
Tags: freight, logistics, warehousing
Posted in Business and Consulting, The Supply Chain

#RelationshipGoals in the Material Handling Industry

Irving Suero
December 16, 2015
When selecting a material handling integrator, remember to consider who you are, where you are, and...Read More
Tags: business, material handling, time management
Posted in Business and Consulting, Project Management

Get the MOST from Your Workforce

Nathan Busch
November 19, 2015
Do you or any of your clients have processes where employees’ expected rates are unknown, based on...Read More
Tags: MOST, consulting, labor standards, motion time studies
Posted in Business and Consulting, New Trends and Technologies

Complicated vs. Complex Automation Systems

Ahmed Arif
October 22, 2015
At first glance, complicated and complex systems might sound the same, but a closer look at your...Read More
Tags: conveyor systems, e-fulfillment, Material Handling automation, SKU seasonality
Posted in System Automation, Business and Consulting

Warehouse Storage Myth Debunked - Equal Space Strategy versus Equal Time Strategy

Lauren Noyes
May 07, 2015
Ask any warehouse manager how to stock a forward pick area, and you may get one of these two...Read More
Tags: re-stocking, slotting, Storage, warehouse consulting
Posted in Business and Consulting

ROI Factors in a Material Handling Automation Project

Danny Watson
April 08, 2015
Introducing automation into a business can be a large and intimidating project. A good deal of time...Read More
Tags: automation, Return on Investment (ROI), space savings
Posted in System Automation, Business and Consulting

Giving Thanks for Great Customers

Matt Kohler
December 19, 2014
It’s always good, especially around the holiday season, to give thanks for all our good fortunes...Read More
Tags: customer service
Posted in Business and Consulting, Industrial Robotics

Project Management: Who is to Blame?

Dave Hoyle
November 12, 2014
I came across an article about the GT Advanced Technologies bankruptcy and thought, who is actually...Read More
Tags: Project Management
Posted in Business and Consulting, The Supply Chain

4 Signs a Small- to Mid-Sized Company Needs Order Fulfillment Automation

Stefanie Hardy
August 25, 2014
You don’t need a giant distribution center rivaling Amazon or Wal-Mart to benefit from automation....Read More
Tags: BHFO, e-commerce, order fulfillment automation, Perfect Pick, Petzl
Posted in Business and Consulting, Industry News, New Trends and Technologies

How to Create a Better Warehouse Layout

Marvin Logan
August 20, 2014
It is important that a warehouse has enough space to operate efficiently. However, it may be even...Read More
Tags: consulting, design, engineering, warehouse layout
Posted in System Automation, Business and Consulting

5 Communication Tips for Better Project Implementation

Damir Kantardzic
August 12, 2014
During a project implementation, it's important to speak the same "language" as your customer....Read More
Tags: ERP, Microsoft AX, project implementation
Posted in Business and Consulting, Controls & Software

The Final Step in the DMADV Decision Making Process: Validation

Marvin Logan
July 30, 2014
For several weeks, we have discussed the DMADV process for decision making. The first four (4)...Read More
Tags: consulting, engineering, system design, system validation
Posted in Business and Consulting

Design: Step 4 in the DMADV Process for Supply Chain Improvement

Mike Clemens
July 16, 2014
In this article, we continue our review of the DMADV 5-step process for improving your supply...Read More
Tags: consulting, DMADV, facility design, material handling system design
Posted in Business and Consulting

Analyze: Step 3 in the DMADV Process to Improve Your Supply Chain

Jose Bejarano
June 30, 2014
In previous editions of this article series the Define and Measure stages of the Five Step Decision...Read More
Tags: analysis, consulting, DMADV, suppy chain
Posted in Business and Consulting, The Supply Chain

Measure: Step 2 in the DMADV Process to Improve Your Supply Chain

Marvin Logan
June 05, 2014
DMADV stands for: Define, Measure, Analyze, Design, and Validate. It is a problem-solving approach...Read More
Tags: consulting, data, DMADV, measurement
Posted in Business and Consulting, The Supply Chain

Defining the Problem: Step 1 in the 5-Step Decision Making Process to Improve Your Supply Chain

Marvin Logan
May 22, 2014
In a previous article, we started the discussion on the 5-step decision making process, DMADV, and...Read More
Tags: consulting, decision making, DMADV, supply chain improvements
Posted in Business and Consulting, The Supply Chain

The 5-Step Decision Making Process to Improve Your Supply Chain

Marvin Logan
March 03, 2014
Sometimes it can be hard to make a decision, especially when that decision will cause major changes...Read More
Tags: decision making process, DMADV, Engineering Studies, supply chain consulting
Posted in Business and Consulting, The Supply Chain

Why Did You Become an Engineer?

Stefanie Hardy
February 20, 2014
In honor of Engineers Week, we asked some of our team members why they choose an engineering...Read More
Tags: DiscoverE, engineering, engineering careers, Engineers Week
Posted in Business and Consulting, Industry News

5 Reasons Designing a Distribution Center is like Shopping for a New Home

Bastian Media
February 06, 2014
Designing your distribution center is just like shopping for your perfect home. When you shop for...Read More
Tags: distribution center design, Material Handling automation, warehouse design
Posted in System Automation, Business and Consulting

How a Project Go-Live Compares to Having a New Baby

Bastian Solutions
January 23, 2014
My wife and I were recently blessed with a newborn baby, and the during labor and week after, I...Read More
Tags: PMP, project go-live, Project Management
Posted in Business and Consulting, The Supply Chain, Controls & Software

5 Critical Items to Share with an Integrator When Requesting a Proposal

Rodger Katter
November 07, 2013
When a client comes to us for assistance in solving facility issues, they walk the fine line...Read More
Tags: communication, project criteria, request for proposal
Posted in System Automation, Business and Consulting

Measure Twice, Cut Once: Getting the Most Out of Your System Data

Marvin Logan
October 23, 2013
In junior high I’d taken a "Shop" class. Here I honed my love for building, creating and also...Read More
Tags: consulting studies, data analysis, Engineering Consulting, Material Handling Equipment
Posted in System Automation, Business and Consulting

Why Your Company's Data is Important and Tips to Ensure Its Integrity

Craig Hendrix
August 16, 2013
Everyday, everyone, everywhere is bombarded by data. Nowhere is this more evident than in business...Read More
Tags: Big Data, customer relationship management, data integrity, ERP System
Posted in Business and Consulting, Controls & Software

Major Sporting Events Require Better Logistics

Guillermo Albaladejo
July 31, 2013
Major sporting events such as the World Cup and Olympics are a critical time for players and teams,...Read More
Tags: Brazil, logistics, sporting goods, World Cup
Posted in Business and Consulting, The Supply Chain

Brick and Mortar in E-Commerce 2.0

Blake Bearden
May 15, 2013
With the recent release of the Samsung Galaxy S4, I finally reached the tipping point and tossed my...Read More
Tags: brick and mortar stores, ecommerce, market trends, retail
Posted in Business and Consulting, New Trends and Technologies, The Supply Chain

6 Helpful Tips when Working with CAD

Jim Sutherin
May 02, 2013
Computer-aided design programs have become a staple in many engineering practices, but sometimes it...Read More
Tags: AutoCAD, computer-aided design, tips and tricks
Posted in Business and Consulting, Controls & Software

From New Hire to Part of the Team

Brandy Kinser
March 14, 2013
Have you ever started a new job and felt like a small fish swimming alone in a big new pond? Here...Read More
Tags: employee engagement, new employees, training
Posted in Business and Consulting

Girl Scout Cookie Sales vs. Material Handling Sales

Steve Durcholz
March 08, 2013
What do Girl Scout Cookies have to do with material handling? Everything! Cookies are made with...Read More
Tags: business skills, Conveyor, Girl Scouts, material handling, sortation systems
Posted in Business and Consulting

Size Does Matter...When It Comes to SKUs

Derek Cribley
February 28, 2013
I just had a discussion with a colleague in our consulting group about a client who wanted him to...Read More
Tags: distribution center automation, precubing, slotting, warehousing
Posted in System Automation, Business and Consulting, The Supply Chain

5 Basics of Good Customer Service

Nancy Hauer
February 21, 2013
Any organization providing products and services should have a solid, if not excellent, customer...Read More
Tags: communication, customer engagement, customer service, Louisville, service habits
Posted in Business and Consulting

3 Essential Traits of Good Project Managers

Jason Nowak
February 20, 2013
All project managers are NOT created equal. Some are more schedule-focused, while others are more...Read More
Tags: good project managers, Industrial Robotics, Project Management
Posted in Business and Consulting, Project Management, The Supply Chain

Quality Through Innovation Builds Lasting Relationships

Jason Coffey
February 07, 2013
Have you ever heard the saying “You get what you pay for”? This is usually synonymous with the...Read More
Tags: BAE, design, engineering, manufacturing, quality
Posted in Business and Consulting, Manufacturing

Independent Integrator – What Does This Mean?

Brent Davis
January 24, 2013
When describing ourselves to potential customers as an independent material handling integrator, we...Read More
Tags: independent integrator, material handling, systems integration
Posted in Business and Consulting, Material Handling Equipment

8 Steps for Improving Employee Engagement

Shelby Shay
December 21, 2012
If you ask human resource specialists for the most desired trait in an employee, they are likely to...Read More
Tags: employee engagement, human resources
Posted in Business and Consulting

5 Tips for Choosing the Right Automation Proposal

Mark Colzani
December 05, 2012
You spent years trying to get this new automation project in the budget, and you just found out...Read More
Tags: BAE, business proposals, industrial automation, Material Handling automation
Posted in System Automation, Business and Consulting

Seismic Conditions vs. Material Handling System: What You Should Know

Greg Conner
November 21, 2012
Planning for your racking and ceiling hung conveyor projects is a critical first step no matter...Read More
Tags: ceiling hung conveyor, industrial racking, seismic pallet rack
Posted in Business and Consulting, Material Handling Equipment

Material Handling Automation in Brazil: New Rules for a Changing Market

Guillermo Albaladejo
August 27, 2012
Brazil, and South America in general, is a very good market as it is expanding, resourceful,...Read More
Tags: Brazil, BRIC, Material Handling automation
Posted in System Automation, Business and Consulting

The Beauty of a Team-Based Sales Presentation

Bill Bastian II
August 09, 2012
In the strategic selling cycle, we are often faced with the decision to sell to a customer...Read More
Tags: better sales presentations, team-based selling, teamwork
Posted in Business and Consulting

Manufacturing Renaissance in the U.S.?

Mark Colzani
July 26, 2012
It wasn’t all that long ago U.S. manufacturing prowess was the envy of the world, but then numerous...Read More
Tags: BAE, Industrial Robotics, manufacturing, supply chain
Posted in System Automation, Business and Consulting, Industrial Robotics

Do You Know the Difference Between SaaS and Cloud Computing?

Chris Bratten
June 27, 2012
When talking about software as a service (SaaS) and cloud computing, people tend to use the two...Read More
Tags: automation software, cloud computing, SaaS, intralogistics software
Posted in Business and Consulting, Education, The Supply Chain

5 Steps to Eliminate the “Madness” of Your Next Project

Nancy Hauer
March 12, 2012
March Madness is finally here, and there's a reason it's called "madness." The unexpected often...Read More
Tags: Kentucky, Louisville, March Madness, Project Management
Posted in System Automation, Business and Consulting, Project Management, The Supply Chain

Is Leasing an Option for Automating Your Distribution Center?

Mark Colzani
March 01, 2012
Leasing larger, higher priced equipment is a very common practice for all sorts of companies, large...Read More
Tags: capital equipment, Industrial Robotics, leasing, Material Handling automation, St. Louis
Posted in System Automation, Business and Consulting, Industrial Robotics

Manufacturing and Logistics Facts about Valentine's Day [Infographic]

Eric Brunkow
February 14, 2012
Behind all those flower bouquets, candy hearts, and jewelry boxes, there's a manufacturer and...Read More
Tags: Indianapolis, infographic, logistics, manufacturing, Valentine's Day
Posted in Business and Consulting, The Supply Chain

Poetry, Process Improvement, and Stepping Out of the Rut

Aaron Jones
February 10, 2012
Recently, I attended a meeting where a consultant was presenting his recommendations for a project...Read More
Tags: industrial automation, Ohio, process improvement, reshoring
Posted in Business and Consulting, The Supply Chain

The Art of Project Management

Blake Bearden
January 31, 2012
Project management is more or less the art of making things happen, or moving a project forward to...Read More
Tags: California, Pamona, Project Management Insititute, Project Management Professional (PMP), project management skills
Posted in Business and Consulting, Project Management, The Supply Chain

Help Me, Help You -- A Project Engineer's Take on RFPs

Ahmed Arif
January 19, 2012
In this day and age, it's absolutely crucial to develop a sound request for proposal, or RFP. There...Read More
Tags: Indianapolis, project engineering, Project Management, request for proposal, RFP
Posted in Business and Consulting, Education, Project Management

20 Awesome Gifts to Get an Engineer This Holiday Season

Stefanie Hardy
December 20, 2011
If you're anything like me, you've probably procrastinated on this year's holiday shopping. And if...Read More
Tags: 2011 holiday shopping, best gifts 2011, gifts for engineers, Indianapolis, shopping guide
Posted in Business and Consulting

Safety First: A Review of OSHA Violations and Penalties

Bastian Solutions
October 21, 2011
In my last blog article, What's the True Cost of Your Corporate Safety Program , I discussed the...Read More
Tags: Indianapolis, OSHA, OSHA violations, workplace safety
Posted in Business and Consulting, Education, The Supply Chain

Hurry Up... So We Can Save Some Money

Blain Cook
September 30, 2011
It's always puzzled me as to why so many companies spend months and years planning and designing a...Read More
Tags: bid process, Indianapolis, material handling integrator, project proposals
Posted in Business and Consulting, Material Handling Equipment, Project Management

It's a Great Day to Be an Engineer

Shelby Shay
September 26, 2011
Despite the economic downturn, engineering has been one of the least affected professions. In fact,...Read More
Tags: engineering careers, engineering degrees, Indianapolis
Posted in Business and Consulting, Industry News

Evaluating the Economics Behind Your Project Investment

Marvin Logan
September 14, 2011
As consultants and material handling system integrators, we are often asked to evaluate the...Read More
Tags: Indianapolis, material handling consulting, payback period, project financials
Posted in Business and Consulting, Education

How the Material Handling Industry Sparked a Marketing Craze

Stefanie Hardy
August 18, 2011
As surprising as it might seem, the material handling industry was the founder of today's current...Read More
Tags: B2B marketing, DC Velocity, Hytrol, Indianapolis, QR codes
Posted in Business and Consulting, Education

22 Factors that Can Affect Employee Motivation & Engagement

Bill Bastian II
August 02, 2011
The magic ingredient to a winning team is their commitment, motivation, and engagement to each...Read More
Tags: employee engagement, employee motivation, leadership
Posted in General Blogs, Business and Consulting

The #1 Way to Increase the ROI of Your Automation System

Jason Nowak
July 20, 2011
So you're planning to invest, or have already invested, thousands or millions of dollars in your ...Read More
Tags: employee education, increasing ROI, industrial automation, Missouri, skill-based training, St. Louis
Posted in System Automation, Business and Consulting, Education

Who You Gonna Call? A Sales Engineer!

Roger Wilke
July 07, 2011
If your business is in manufacturing or distribution, you are likely faced with a common dilemma in...Read More
Tags: Engineering Consulting, Engineering Studies, field sales engineers, Missouri, St. Louis
Posted in System Automation, Business and Consulting

Warehouse Safety Profile: Southern Wine and Spirits

Bastian Solutions
June 28, 2011
The following is list of just some of the safety solutions Southern Wine and Spirits uses to...Read More
Tags: industrial safety equipment, Southern Wine and Spirits, warehouse safety
Posted in Business and Consulting, Material Handling Equipment, The Supply Chain

Change Management: 8 Tips to Successfully Implement a New Technology

Aaron Jones
June 21, 2011
Planning, implementing, and managing change is undoubtedly a difficult task if left to...Read More
Tags: change management, Michigan, Novi, supply chain consulting, The Supply Chain
Posted in Business and Consulting, The Supply Chain

Engineering Consulting Studies: A Road Map to Success

Bastian Solutions
May 25, 2011
Athletes train tirelessly to master their chosen skill. Countless hours are dedicated to perfect...Read More
Tags: Engineering Consulting, Engineering Studies, Material Handling Systems Consultation
Posted in Business and Consulting

3 Ways to Reduce Supply Chain Costs

Aaron Jones
May 18, 2011
Whether you believe the peak oil theory or not, the cost of crude oil continues to rise causing a...Read More
Tags: Cincinnati, logistics, Ohio, Peak Oil Theory, reshoring, supply chain consulting, The Supply Chain
Posted in Business and Consulting, Green Material Handling, The Supply Chain

Creating Effective Safety Training for Your Employees

Derek Cribley
May 03, 2011
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) mandates that business owners must provide...Read More
Tags: Indianapolis, OSH Act of 1970, OSHA, OSHA training, workplace safety
Posted in Business and Consulting, Education

Thinking Outside the Box is Key to Innovative Solutions

Matt Kohler
April 28, 2011
In today's business world, many employees--including myself from time to time--wear multiple hats...Read More
Tags: Bastian Robotics, conventional palletizing, innovation, Missouri, Robotic Palletizing, St. Louis
Posted in Business and Consulting, Education, Industrial Robotics

From Military Satellites to Material Handling, Engineering Processes are Key

Guillermo Albaladejo
February 25, 2011
In the past several months, I have been making the (more or less) smooth transition between my...Read More
Tags: aerospace engineering, Brazil, engineering processes, material handling industry, South America, systems engineering
Posted in Business and Consulting, Manufacturing, The Supply Chain

Let Your Material Handling System Define Your Building

Bastian Solutions
February 03, 2011
I want to challenge anyone involved in the leasing, acquisition, or development of industrial real...Read More
Tags: commercial real estate, industrial real estate, material handling system, optimizing building space, rack supported building ASRS
Posted in Business and Consulting

The Importance of Hiring the Right People

Shelby Shay
October 04, 2010
Bastian Solutions recognizes that our talented and driven employees are responsible for the success...Read More
Tags: BMH Robotics, careers, Employees, engineers, Indianapolis, robotic engineer, Rose-Hulman
Posted in Business and Consulting, Industrial Robotics

Functional Specification Documents – Do We Have To?

Bastian Solutions
September 16, 2010
Writing specification documents and listing requirements is not typically a favorite task for a...Read More
Tags: controls engineering, customer communication, functional specification document, job specifications, operational requirements, system requirements
Posted in Business and Consulting, Controls & Software

What to Expect from an Engineering Study

Marvin Logan
April 17, 2009
For those of you in the material handling or manufacturing industry, there is a good chance that...Read More
Tags: Engineering Studies, Indianapolis
Posted in Business and Consulting
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