Success with the last mile starts early
March 1, 2015
Fleet optimization and delivery tracking solutions improve “last mile” e-commerce deliveries, but success with final delivery depends on a solid process. Beginning upstream with DC network design, implementing fulfillment rules at the order management and WMS levels, and streamlining processes in the DC all pave the way for an efficient last mile.
Robotics: On a case-by-case basis
March 1, 2015
When their prowess in manufacturing proved a liability in warehousing and distribution, robots were forced to rapidly evolve.
Wine & spirits distribution: The right blend of automation
March 1, 2015
Though subject to unique constraints, advances in the distribution of wine and spirits holds lessons for the wider industry.
Food chain traceability supported by software
March 1, 2015
Manufacturers are deploying the latest software solutions engineered with advanced functionality to target, locate and isolate impacted product even faster in the event of a food chain recall.
2015 Productivity Achievement Award winners announced
March 1, 2015
Each year, Modern’s Productivity Achievement Awards honor those companies that made outstanding operational improvements through materials handling systems and related information systems.
ProMat 2015: We’ve got it covered
March 1, 2015
Considering that MHI is expecting more than 35,000 warehouse, distribution and logistics professionals at ProMat 2015 in Chicago this month, there’s a good chance that you’re reading this column while taking a break from walking the show floor—which just so happens to be the largest in the trade show’s 30-year history.
Lift trucks heighten comfort and throughput in grocery DC
March 1, 2015
As part of ongoing warehouse optimization, customized fleet increases productivity and cuts costs.
Two new sorters support omni-channel fulfillment
March 1, 2015
Replacing manual processes, automation moves as many as 380,000 units in a week.
Lift Truck Tips: Ergonomics in the details
March 1, 2015
Equipment manufacturers turn to operators for insight into everything from clipboards to chassis design.
60 seconds with Brian Gibson, Auburn University
March 1, 2015
Modern spends 60 seconds talking to Brian Gibson at Auburn University about supply chain education.
MRO comes to materials handling
March 1, 2015
For years the materials handling industry has focused on providing great solutions for customers. Maintenance services are quickly becoming the next area of focus.
Reader survey: Maintaining the automated warehouse
March 1, 2015
Modern Material Handling’s first-annual Maintenance Study reveals fairly high adoption rates for automated warehouse systems and an ongoing need for quality maintenance support and skilled technicians to manage these setups.
Lift truck maintenance programs set a new course for efficiency
March 1, 2015
New fleet maintenance practices see users and service providers working together to identify and reduce each lift truck’s total cost of ownership.
Technician Spotlight: Brian Lentz, Swisslog
March 1, 2015
Modern asks Brian Lentz from Swisslog a few questions about MRO and technician training.
The Home Depot builds an omni-channel supply chain
February 1, 2015
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.
The Home Depot: Flexible picking processes achieve same-day order fulfillment
February 1, 2015
Using conventional technologies coordinated in real time, The Home Depot’s direct fulfillment center supports omni-channel capabilities for the Eastern United States.
The new role for supply chain technicians
February 1, 2015
Today’s highly automated systems demand technicians with new skills and new training. The industry is beginning to respond.
Advanced WMS meets mid-market ERP
February 1, 2015
ERP vendors who focus on the SME market seek to rival Tier 1 WMS vendors on deeper warehouse management functionality, while playing “suite card” on e-commerce and ERP foundation.
Conveyor/Sortation: Moving from a fixed path to a flexible future
February 1, 2015
End-users detail the success of their new conveyor or sortation systems, each of which shrugs off the past and stares down the future.
ProMat 2015 show planner
February 1, 2015
Celebrating 30 years as an industry mainstay, ProMat 2015 is set to open with more than 800 exhibitors and a comprehensive educational program. With an additional 25,000 square feet of exhibition space, this will be the biggest ProMat ever. Here’s a guide to every inch.