Topic: Features

Modern’s annual reader survey shows how trends in pallet use point to priorities around cost control, customer compliance and operational efficiencies. More customers are asking for pallet type changes and having minor availability issues with used wood pallets, while pallet cost and durability continue to be dominant decision factors.

Experts make the case for elevating the humble roles of pallet and packaging design from a fragmented race for savings to a central part of an optimized supply chain.

Whether mobile, stationary or collaborative, piece-picking robotic solutions are gradually learning the ropes in warehousing and distribution.

Moving from an afterthought to a key component of e-commerce and omni-channel facilities, today’s packing stations are unclogging bottlenecks and improving order fulfillment productivity.

The ability to ship anything from anywhere—to anywhere—within a short timeframe isn’t the only trend that’s shaping the retail supply chain. Modern explores the key trends taking place in 2015 (and beyond).

New paperboard packaging cuts labor costs and eliminates product damage for long and narrow products.

Hospital system reorganizes medical supply room to improve patient care through new supply chain practices.

Vertical lift modules ensure accurate and secure access to thousands of critical maintenance parts.

Narrow and very narrow aisle storage systems should strike a balance of costs and productivity, even as new solutions expand what’s possible in a limited amount of space.

Don’t overlook these key strategies when taking ownership of a highly automated system for your company’s warehouse.

Modern spends 60 seconds talking to the president and CEO of PMMI—The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies about packaging and materials handling.

Remote monitoring services aren’t just for big, integrated installations anymore; these applications are emerging in subcomponents all around the warehouse/DC.

In the midst of continuous change, third-party MRO providers are helping manufacturers and distributors save both time and money.

Lift trucks used to be about brawn. The lift truck of the future will be about intelligence, automation and software. And, the future is closer than you think.

Currency conversions obscure some sizable revenue gains among foreign companies, but overall growth in unit sales matches 2013’s strong performance.

Lift truck purchases remain steady in 2015 as companies look to upgrade or replace vehicles while also putting more into their training, technology and maintenance programs.

Data collection devices for the warehouse have long been RF enabled and mobile, but heavily focused on simple data capture routines. Now tablets, smart phones and other devices are supporting richer apps and management activity, while wearable, wireless printers give warehouse workers the capability to perform efficient, on-demand printing.

Having sprouted from mere lift truck maintenance, fleet management is now budding into a powerful and integral part of labor management.

Manufacturer transports materials with near-lights-out automatic guided vehicle system.

Cold storage facility saves $100,000 annually with LED lighting upgrade.