Let's get back to basics
This month's Modern is a reminder that if you want to improve processes, increase productivity and drive down operating costs, the best place to start is with the basics.
Bob Trebilcock, Executive Editor -- Modern Materials Handling, 3/1/2009
It's easy to forget that life—and materials handling—is about the little things. This month's Modern is a reminder that if you want to improve processes, increase productivity and drive down operating costs, the best place to start is with the basics.
Take our cover story on Wilton (page 16). The 80-year-old manufacturer of cake decorating supplies consolidated several DCs into one. Yes, there's a great conveyor and sortation system, but layout and slotting—and re-slotting—were every bit as important as the hardware and software systems.
Want to get more from your workforce? Check out this month's Information Management feature on labor management software (LMS) and learn why facilities using an LMS system are 20% to 30% more effective than a non-LMS site (page 29). And don't forget packaging. In our story on pallet standards (page 34), you can read how River Ranch Foods reduced shipping costs and improved their carbon footprint by using pooled pallets.
Last, but certainly not least, the economy is on everyone's mind, including Jim Haughey, Modern's chief economist. Our Industry Outlook (page 22) examines how the president's stimulus plan may affect the economy in the coming months and shares the results of our annual reader survey. And after you plow through that data, visit our Web site and take part in our Industry Outlook Webcast (www.mmh.com/outlook09). Haughey, along with a panel of experts from VDC Research and AMR Research, put the current economic picture into perspective and look at what's ahead for software and data collection.
As always, Modern is providing you with the tools to get back to the basics and get back to work.
Industry Outlook 2009 Webcast
02/26/2009Materials handling rock-steady in 2008
02/03/2008
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