Year in Review: 2015 System Reports

Modern’s system reports in 2015 offered readers a look at the business model and system designs that serve as a tangible example of how end users have put equipment to work to increase productivity in their facilities. Across manufacturing, warehousing and distribution applications, improved customer service and responsiveness took center stage. In nearly every case, end-users highlighted the importance of supply chain software to orchestrate dynamic fulfillment operations, ensure traceability and accuracy, and integrate disparate hardware and business activities. System reports this year touched on solutions including automatic guided vehicles, lift trucks, supply chain software, voice technology, conveyor and sortation, automation and more.

Magna’s T.E.A.M. Systems: Flexible automation on the assembly line
At Magna’s T.E.A.M. Systems Toledo plant, automatic guided carts move assemblies from one station to the next.

Working through the backlogs at M&F Western Products
The leading supplier of western wear accessories installed a WMS, conveyor and batch picking at its new facility. As a result, the company is no longer dealing with backlogs while accommodating growth.

eBay: Speed, flexibility and cost
eBay Enterprise’s Kentucky distribution campus puts a premium on flexible processes and absolute speed to the customer for e-commerce fulfillment.

Medline Industries embraces goods-to-person picking
At the healthcare distributor’s Libertyville, Ill., distribution center, mobile robots are handling totes, filling orders and enabling growth.

Southern Wine & Spirits of America: Top-shelf distribution
In Northern California, the nation’s largest distributor of wine and spirits has built a state-of-the art facility that sets a new industry standard for automated distribution.

AcuSport Corp.: Automation that’s right on target
A goods-to-person picking solution moved AcuSport from conventional to automated DC processes. The result is lower fulfillment costs and better customer service.

BHFO handles double-digit growth
High-fashion, e-commerce company automated fulfillment to meet the next-day shipping challenge.

The Home Depot builds an omni-channel supply chain
The Home Depot has remodeled its supply chain in recent years, building the foundation for a new type of fulfillment center intended to blend online and in-store shopping.

Mainfreight: Voice is better the second time around
In Auckland, New Zealand, 3PL Mainfreight took a second look at voice recognition technology. The result: a 25% increase in picking efficiency.

Grob: Getting the goods to the person
In its new logistics center, German machine manufacturer Grob installed automated storage technologies and goods-to-person picking to speed materials to the assembly line.

Click here for the 2014 System Report Year in Review.