Year in Review: 2014 System Reports

Modern’s system reports in 2014 offered readers a look at the business model and system designs that serve as a tangible example of how end users have put the equipment to work to increase productivity in their facility. Across manufacturing, warehousing and distribution facilities, e-commerce and omni-channel capabilities were a common through-line. Even more pronounced was the focus on uptime, preventive maintenance and accurate speed. Solutions this year celebrated automatic guided vehicles, lift trucks, supply chain software, voice technology, conveyor and sortation, automation and more.

Fanatics: Fanatical about e-fulfillment
In its new Ohio distribution center, sports apparel distributor Fanatics has created a state-of-the-art e-fulfillment center.

DSW sorts it all out
For DSW, a cross-belt sortation system has reduced labor costs, improved productivity and increased in-stock levels in the store. More importantly, it is setting the stage for future growth.

The heart of production at ODU
Thanks to a new WMS and a complete modernization of its mini-load AS/RS, ODU is reliably pumping work-in-process to the assembly area and getting orders out the door.

Wyoming Liquor rolls out voice
With a new voice-directed picking system, Wyoming Liquor Division is handling more split-case picking, additional SKUs and higher customer service levels.

Tech Data: Taking WCS to the next level
WCS is transforming operations at Tech Data’s Fort Worth, Texas, facility.

Diversity Vuteq: Bringing visibility and mobility to the shop floor
Diversity Vuteq’s associates rely on a highly visual, iPad-friendly WMS to verify the accuracy of orders going to Toyota’s assembly plant.

CN: Mobile cranes help train keep a rollin’
Canada’s largest rail operator has developed a new parts management and maintenance program to reduce the downtime of mobile cranes at its intermodal terminals.

DrVita’s healthy take on automation
Most of us think of automation as only for the big guys. A dietary supplement start-up is turning that idea on its head with carousels, robotic extractors and goods-to-person picking.

Taking out the touches at BRG Sports
BRG Sports’ new DC was designed from the ground up as an omni-channel, omni-brand distribution and manufacturing facility. Most of all, the materials handling solution optimizes fulfillment and takes touches out of the process.

Papa John’s fresh take on WMS and voice technology
One of the country’s largest pizza makers turned to supply chain software and voice technology to streamline distribution processes and deliver fresh ingredients to its stores.

Sweating the details at lululemon’s Ohio DC
The yoga wear retailer’s new multichannel DC is speeding up time to market, streamlining e-commerce processes and reducing freight costs. Flexible automation is the key.

Click here for the 2013 System Report Year in Review.