The Material Handling Blog

Zone skipping is a logistics technique where companies ship their products directly to sorting facilities close to the final ship-to destination.  Zone skipping can result in a significant savings as the costs associated with multiple sort and transfer points by the carrier are eliminated.

As consumer needs get more demanding, material handling companies must keep pace and stay competitive.  There is a plethora of unique technologies for developing a warehousing solution, and with all of these, the ability to monitor the system and make meaningful decisions is crucial. Enter business intelligence...

Time to impress upper management with four picking technologies you should know when beginning a career in the supply chain.

Never in our lifetimes have we seen such as change in the retail supply chain. The traditional process of regional distribution centers shipping to brick and mortar stores has been significantly altered by online fulfillment from the likes of Amazon.com and an ever-growing list of online retailers.

The evolution of supply chain management has introduced a new breed of supply chain software, but what are the differences between the "big three"? Let's examine the functionality of WMS, WCS, and WES. Read: A Supply Chain Software Comparison: WMS vs. WCS vs. WES

Warehouse picking technologies have developed immensely over the past 15 years. Offerings range from paper pick lists and light directed picking, all the way to goods-to-man technologies. Depending on throughput, budgets, and space requirements, each of these have their place in the warehouse logistics world.

Large companies have teams of statisticians, data scientists and engineers to solve complex logistical problems. Companies like Amazon invest millions of dollars for small improvements to their already lean and efficient operations. But what about companies just starting off in warehouse distribution? How can these companies plan for growth while maintaining small, budget friendly operations?

The ever-increasing need to satisfy customers in the world of order fulfillment is causing the warehouse and distribution industries to consider more efficient and cost-effective solutions to satisfy the need. This has lead many companies to implement, or consider, higher-automation solutions that include goods-to-person technologies. Read: Key Considerations When Designing Goods-to-Person Systems

A movie, pizza, pair of shoes, microwave…your new material handling system. All these things and anything else you can think of are now available with a few keystrokes and a click of a mouse. All this buying is not only driving the retail market, but also growing other businesses.

With an unprecedented ability to compare prices and shop around without ever leaving the house, more and more people are utilizing E-commerce. So how are successful E-commerce companies setting themselves apart? Read on to find out.

A customer who is ready and willing to take ownership of their new automation system is more likely to be successful

As Thanksgiving approaches, I would like to admit that I am very thankful for same day shipping. Yes, of course this comes behind my family, friends, home, etc. However as part of a two-working-parent household with two young boys, this convenience is a lifesaver. Continue Reading: I am Thankful for….Same Day Shipping!