Do You Need a Forklift?

The forklift is one of the most essential and useful pieces of equipment across multiple sectors, so if you are considering the titular question, chances are that you need one.

To know if you and your company really need a forklift right now, simply answer the following questions.

Continue reading “Do You Need a Forklift?”

Pop Up Distribution Centres – A Logistics Crisis Solution!

The concept of Pop Up retail stores have been around for a long time. Whether testing a new brand or serving a short season like Halloween or Christmas a Pop Up store is a temporary solution to satisfy a short term need.

Right now we are faced with a global logistics crisis. Container ships are back logged at ports and truck drivers and transportation equipment are in short supply. And businesses are scrambling to get their inventories positioned to satisfy demand for Holiday and beyond.

One potential solution to help through the Logistics crisis is to start deploying Pop Up Distribution Centres. This concept can help mitigate the impacts of crisis and help companies salvage their businesses during the Holiday season and beyond.

Continue reading “Pop Up Distribution Centres – A Logistics Crisis Solution!”

Evolution of Warehouse Scanning Technologies in the Digital Era

The Warehouse is a central part of Supply Chain Management in any organization. The majority of companies where physical warehouse operation forms a bigger component of the total labor cost are primarily concerned about achieving the dual goals of warehousing cost optimization and the improvements in labor productivity.  Automation, such as scanning technologies, is a boon to achieve these two important goals in any warehouse operations. 

Over the years, warehouse automation has seen huge tectonic shifts, especially in the recent era of digital modernization. Scanning various labels on the products and materials during receiving, storing, picking and shipping processes is witnessing a tremendous technological changes over the past decades. Scanning is considered as the most labor intensive operation in the warehouse. 

Continue reading “Evolution of Warehouse Scanning Technologies in the Digital Era”

From Click to Ship in 4 Minutes! Ultimate Principles for World Class Fulfillment!

The capability we had in E-Commerce order fulfillment was rather basic.  We had employees manually pushing carts up and down standard warehouse racking aisles picking goods off of shelves.  And when they had completed an order or a set of orders they would then push the entire cart back to a centralized order packing station.

As a Supply Chain Services company we needed a dramatically better capability if we were wanted to have customers trust their growing E-Commerce business with us.  Pushing carts around a warehouse is both inefficient and lacks innovation.

We had to go back to the drawing board.  But in doing so we would end up with a World Class solution!

Continue reading “From Click to Ship in 4 Minutes! Ultimate Principles for World Class Fulfillment!”

To DC Or Not To DC? That is the Warehouse Design Question!

The fast growing E-Commerce channel makes it an attractive avenue for most companies to participate in.  The tremendous amount of investment required to participate in online product sales requires explicit decision making as to how a company is going to fulfill those orders.  

You need a warehouse design strategy to provide your fulfillment solution.

The E-Commerce Fulfillment solution you choose must take into account your customer’s demands, your competitive pressures, and the financial constraints that most companies have to deal with.

Continue reading “To DC Or Not To DC? That is the Warehouse Design Question!”

Understanding the Role of a Loading Bay Dock House!

A loading bay dock house is the complete solution for loading in busy warehouses and industrial settings. As a stand-alone pod, they can be installed directly onto the external building face to create a weatherproof environment to load and unload vehicles.

Continue reading “Understanding the Role of a Loading Bay Dock House!”

What’s the Difference Between Logistics and Distribution?

What is the difference between Logistics and Distribution?

On the surface some people may consider them synonymous.  Without consulting a dictionary both Logistics and Distribution suggest imagery involving the movement of  goods.

But to anyone who works in Supply Chain, in particular with a title including either the term Logistics or Distribution, or if you work in a Distribution Centre or for a Logistics company, then there are distinct differences between these words.

But are there also commonalities?

Continue reading “What’s the Difference Between Logistics and Distribution?”

Clear Span Buildings Buying and Leasing Guide!

What are clear span buildings?

These are large structures designed to maximize space for companies, showrooms, and other companies that need a high volume of space. These structures are required to meet certain standards, and specifically, those in the UK have to meet BS6399 standards.

Most clear span buildings are made using a variety of materials with steel frames and fabric covers being the most common. However, high-quality and durable PVC covers are also used by some companies.

If your business needs tall structures with a width of up to 60 meters, then clear span buildings will be a perfect choice. The options available are either to buy or lease from a reputable temporary structure solutions provider.

So, how do you go about this?

Continue reading “Clear Span Buildings Buying and Leasing Guide!”

6 Considerations in Selecting a Warehouse Conveyor System!

Anyone who owns or operates a warehouse knows that running one is no easy task. From product transportation and storage to material handling to a conveyor system, a lot goes into keeping a warehouse operating like a well-oiled machine.

However, in the midst of managing all the various moving parts, many businesses overlook one important detail, which is how the packages and products will be transported within the warehouse.

The most obvious answer here is a conveyor belt system that warehouses often opt for, allowing them to easily move goods within the depository.

However, there are many things to consider before selecting a conveyor system for your setup. 

Continue reading “6 Considerations in Selecting a Warehouse Conveyor System!”

How Omnichannel Fulfillment Improves Customer Experience and Sales!

Omnichannel fulfillment is the foundation of retailing in the contemporary world, where convenience creates loyalty. Firms must get their products just right, wherever and whenever the customer wants them.

With 71% of consumers expecting personalized and frictionless cross-channel experiences, simply having products available isn’t enough. Brands that want to stay competitive must deliver a unified, streamlined experience across every touchpoint — from website to store, mobile app to social media.

Read on as we explore what omnichannel fulfillment is, why it matters, and how it transforms both customer satisfaction and sales performance.

Continue reading “How Omnichannel Fulfillment Improves Customer Experience and Sales!”

3 Common Distribution Challenges and Solutions!

A company’s distribution and warehousing operations consist of multiple functions and distribution challenges. It is not just about having workers picking items off shelves, packaging the products, and placing them on delivery trucks.

It also involves tracking shipments before they reach the warehouse or distribution center, handling customers, placing inventory in the right locations, managing inventory levels, forecasting customer demand, accepting returns, and more.

Trying to manage all of these processes daily creates a range of obstacles that could delay or disrupt the supply chain.

Here are common supply chain challenges and the modern technology that can offer cost-effective solutions.

Continue reading “3 Common Distribution Challenges and Solutions!”

Efficient Warehouse and Vehicle Fleet Management for Businesses!

For businesses with inventory to oversee, efficient warehouse and vehicle fleet management is crucial. By streamlining operations and implementing best practices, businesses can save time and money while ensuring that their products are properly taken care of. 

Continue reading “Efficient Warehouse and Vehicle Fleet Management for Businesses!”

World Class E-Commerce Fulfillment Principles! (Infographic)

E-Commerce is the fastest growing avenue for doing business anywhere.  It has been for many years and it will be for many years to come.  In support of this your operations need to be World Class.

It is certainly a challenge to establish the sales, marketing, merchandising and transactional infrastructure to offer an efficient and effective E-Commerce solution to your customers.

At the core of the Supply Chain an enormous challenge is to have a highly competitive and compelling E-Commerce Fulfillment solution.  So what are the key principles that you must have in place to design, construct and deliver a leading E-Commerce Fulfillment solution?

Continue reading “World Class E-Commerce Fulfillment Principles! (Infographic)”

Apparel Fulfillment – A Sneak Peek!

The process of completing clothes orders is known as apparel fulfillment. The process begins with the creation of the product by the designer or garment manufacturer. The delivery of clothing purchased by clients is the result of apparel fulfillment.

When a consumer placed an order and pays for it, the business is responsible for completing the order. This is where logistics play a role. Fulfillment is the process of transferring items from a supplier to a warehouse and then to a customer’s address.

Multiple stakeholders, such as designers, merchants, manufacturers, and distributors, must work together to fulfil an order. The product that will be sold to the buyer is usually provided by a vendor.

Continue reading “Apparel Fulfillment – A Sneak Peek!”

What to Consider When Choosing a Warehouse Service Provider!

Selecting warehousing services is an important choice that must be carefully considered. This decision can have a big influence on the productivity, profitability, and success of your company.

This blog will explore the key factors you should consider to make an informed decision. Remember, selecting a warehouse service provider strategic partner that shares your aims and interests as a business is more important than simply keeping goods.

Continue reading “What to Consider When Choosing a Warehouse Service Provider!”