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E-Food: Farmy Switzerland Continues its Growth with Scallog Robots

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Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, Warehousing

E-Food: Farmy Switzerland Continues its Growth with Scallog Robots

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The boom in e-food orders gives an ongoing boost to Farmy, the swiss online shop for regional and organic products. In the city of Winterthur, Farmy clients benefit from now on from free deliveries. Warehouse robots from Scallog support the order preparation specialists in the central logistics hub in Zurich. 

Farmy continues to increase its activities. Following a sales rise during the Covid lockdown, the order numbers keep on growing for the swiss company. Most clients that have realized an order for the first time last year got convinced by the high quality of Farmy products – even beyond the Covid period. The constant progression of the sales turnover confirms that consumers trust in the eFood shop.

Free deliveries in Winterthur region 

Farmy enlarges its cost-free shipment zone (Zone A).  Electrical vans supply customers as well in the Winterthur region with the ZIP codes 8400, 8404, 8405, 8406 and 8408. This area is principally without delivery fees.

Support by Scallog robots in the warehouse

The skyrocketing orders require more storage capacities. In order to obtain a densification of the available warehouse space, Farmy has opted for Scallog’s solution. Since spring 2021, the eFood company is assisted by robots in its central HUB in Zurich. Scallog proposes an efficient and innovative goods-to-person system. This solution permits automation in the warehouse zone for dry products with long conservation duration.

In a conventional warehouse, employees have to walk many kilometers to pick an article. In Farmy’s hub, from now on Scallog robots are executing this task. They transport mobile shelves with products to the order preparation specialists. This principle allows a densification of the existing storage space and an important easing concerning the physical work of the warehouse staff. Thus, Scallog enhances ergonomy and security for warehouse employees.

Each morning, fresh products – vegetables and fruits, meat and dairy products  – are delivered by local producers that are partners of Farmy. The packaging of these products is realized manually.

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More about Farmy

Farmy proposes more than 14’500 carefully selected products. They are provided by 1’200 authentic producers. With a performant logistics concept, Farmy ensures the quick and eco-friendly delivery of these products straight to the consumer’s front door. Deliveries are realized by a fleet of nonpolluting electrical vans. In the metropole regions of Zurich, Winterthur, Lausanne and Geneva they are even free of charge. Farmy’s product range contains a big variety of fruits and vegetables (most of them are organic), countless cheeses from swiss cheese manufacturers, a big offer of fresh meat directly from the butcher, crispy delicacies and sweet temptations made by real bakers and patissiers. Articles for the pantry and even sanitary products are proposed too.   www.farmy.ch

More about Scallog 

Scallog is a french entreprise specialized in the development, production and distribution of automation systems for the warehouse sector. With a sound know-how in logistics and engineering technologies for software and hardware, Scallog proposes efficient solutions for the complex needs of logistics professionals in various sectors.  

Scallog was founded in 2013. The headquarter and R & D centre is in France. Subsidiaries exist in several countries, such as Germany, Spain, Brazil and Singapore.  

This article originally appeared here. Republished with permission. 

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Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, International Trade

5 Business Innovations Changing Supply Chain Management

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Efficient supply chains help businesses to be more competitive in the logistics market. One study shows that 57% of companies have admitted supply chain management gives them an edge over competitors and enables them to develop their business further. With the advent of data analytics and automation, supply chain processes have become more streamlined than ever.

The incorporation of technological solutions such as artificial intelligence, autonomous robots, and RFID is rapidly transforming supply chain processes. With the integration of technology, logistics has become faster and efficient than ever before.

The use of technology in supply chain management has completely changed the structure in which businesses operate.

In this post, I’ll list five key innovations that are transforming the supply chain industry.

Let’s dive right in.

1. Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence

Big Data Analysis and Artificial Intelligence are making a significant impact on Supply Chain Management. Automation in data processing allows supply chain managers to get vast amounts of information in real-time and make smarter decisions based on that information.

Additionally, the internet of things (IoT) devices provide supply chain companies with reliable data on consumer inclinations and logistics trends. The best part about artificial intelligence is that it transforms raw data into actionable information without the need for human interference. According to McKinsey, after incorporating AI into their supply chains most executives reported an increase in revenues, whereas 44% reported a reduction in costs.

IoT is also helping supply chain companies in effective fleet management by automating their day-to-day business operations. For example, devices like ELD solutions allow managers to record driver logs, Hours of Service, browse engine data, and perform vehicle Inspections with a few clicks.

2. Impact of 3D Printing On Global Supply Chain

With advances in 3D printing, companies are manufacturing and delivering products quickly. 3D printing allows manufacturers to produce customized products and spare parts according to the needs of consumers. As manufacturing processes are customized and fastened, supply chains are becoming shorter, and the demand for goods supply is changing.

To stay competitive in the logistics market, supply chain companies are also turning to 3D printing to deliver products quickly. By adopting this technology, manufacturers produce goods closer to consumers, resulting in lower inventory levels, reduced shipping costs, and economical warehousing. According to a survey by Gartner, 65% of global supply chain managers are already using or plan to invest in 3D printing.

3. Autonomous Robots

The use of autonomous robots in supply chain management is improving the speed and accuracy of routine tasks, increasing productivity, and decreasing management costs. The bots are particularly helping in warehousing and manufacturing. Besides increasing efficiency by working side by side with human labor, the bots also reduce the risk of injury in dangerous situations.

Robotic process automation (RPA) helps supply chain managers locate and enhance inefficiencies across the chain. RPA also allows managers to run a smooth operation by responding to queries 24/7 through artificial intelligence.

Some supply chain giants are also investing in autonomous vehicles to cut payroll costs, eradicate the risk of human injury on the road, increase fuel efficiency and reduce vehicle wear and tear. All this ultimately increases Return on Investment (ROI).

4. Use of Logistics Software

Supply chain management companies extensively benefit from logistics software, such as the Transport Management Software, or TMS. TMS offers a digital platform for supply chain managers to optimize fleet operations by efficiently tracking inventory and materials across the supply chain in real-time.

In traditional supply chain management, fleet tracking was a time-consuming manual task with a high chance of error. Logistics software systems have automated warehousing and inventory tracking. This ultimately improves accuracy and minimizes operating costs while ensuring transparency between the businesses and the consumer market.

5. Radio Frequency Identification

Like most other businesses, Radio Frequency Identification or RFID is contributing effectively to supply chain operations. RFID is a wireless technology that uses radio signals to tag objects. These tags look like barcodes and are used to automatically identify, follow and trace goods in real-time without human intervention. This significantly improves data accuracy and traceability throughout supply chains.

The RFID technology offers several supply chain benefits, including efficient material handling, enhanced asset management, and improved merchandise availability. It is particularly beneficial in managing supply disruptions by reducing workload and eliminating human errors.

Final Word!

Technology, especially automation, is transforming every industry around the globe. Technological advancements are making a significant impact on logistics and supply chain management as well. With these innovations already in use by the industry giants, it is high time that small businesses also integrate them into their supply chain processes to ensure lasting success in the industry.

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Craig Stobbie is the Director at Endura Private Wealth. With over 12 years’ experience in the industry, both in Australia and in the UK, and holding the internationally recognised Certified Financial Planner™ designation, the highest qualification within the Financial Planning Association of Australia, he specializes in helping people with transition to Retirement planning, Superannuation, Investments and meeting their Insurance needs.

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Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily

Rise of the Machines: Two Factors Driving Automation

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Today I want to talk a little about automation. I’ve talked earlier about the future of work, and there are some obvious trends like remote work and digital transformation. But automation is a significantly growing field, especially in retail markets. Trends in the industry respond to market pressures that affect the supply of and demand for labor. When human labor is cheap, automation will be used less. When human labor is scarce or expensive, automation will be used more. Today, I want to focus on two key market pressures that are driving demand for more automation.

First, declining birth rates are signaling potential labor shortages in the future. According to the CDC, in 2020, the total fertility rate (TFR) for the U.S. dropped to 1637.5 births per 1000 women, a decline of 4% compared to 2019. While some might blame the pandemic for the decrease, the 2020 number follows a downward trend that started in the 1970s. With fertility below the replacement rate of 2100 births per 1000 women, the U.S. labor force may be starting to decline. With an aging population and fewer workers, companies will likely be forced to increase automation or increase pay to attract and retain employees.

Second, rising labor costs are already encouraging companies to experiment with more automation. Depending on which pundit you ask, you will get very different answers as to why labor costs are rising now, but whatever the reason, businesses are grappling with higher personnel costs. As an article in Forbes recently noted, “The law of supply and demand says this scarcity makes existing workers more valuable, letting them insist on higher pay and better conditions.” As a result, some companies are turning to automation.  Fast-food chains are experimenting with automated fry cooks. The drive-thru is also poised to see more automation. Other experiments include cashier-less grocery stores and last-mile delivery.

Retail automation, therefore, seems poised for growth, but automation likely will not be a good fit for every job. Peanut the robot, for example, demonstrates that automation cannot effectively replace wait staff yet, but you may have noticed an increase in self-checkout lines in many stores. Kiosk ordering at restaurants has also been rising in popularity over the last few years, and as noted above, fast-food restaurants are experimenting with highly automated systems. In many cases, automation has the advantage of driving down operating costs. Robotic systems, for example, may have high capital costs, but they do not tire or want health benefits like human workers. Therefore, robotic systems can reduce long-term costs and save companies money.

All of these automation systems build on technology trends that have been growing for years: voice recognition, touchscreen interfaces, online shopping, and robotics, to name a few. Companies investing in these spaces will likely do well once retail automation really takes off. Some may worry that automation will eliminate jobs, but that likely will not become a serious problem. Throughout history, automation has eliminated some jobs while creating others.  I recommend worrying less about the jobs that automation will eliminate and instead focusing on what new kinds of jobs will be enabled by the new technologies.

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Louis Lehot is an emerging growth company, venture capital, and M&A lawyer at Foley & Lardner in Silicon Valley. Louis spends his time providing entrepreneurs, innovative companies, and investors with practical and commercial legal strategies and solutions at all stages of growth, from the garage to global.

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3pls, Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, Warehousing

Top 7 Supply Chain Trends to Optimize in 2021

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Ever since the coronavirus pandemic, there have been several trends changing in the market across the world. Supply chains have become a crucial part of businesses today as there are exciting strategies put in place that enhance a business’s performance. Due to COVID-19, supply chain practitioners face a post-pandemic recovery armed with a set of new systems and practices. Supply chain management ensures that consumer demands are met and the different components of your business run smoothly. The pandemic made it even more important for businesses to stay on top of the latest trends and development especially in supply change management.

Being up-to-date with the latest changes will ensure that you stay resilient with the ever-changing market. Supply chain management (SCM) consists of a wide range of components and activities that require attention to every single detail. SCM is all about being able to make sound business decisions and quick to source out alternatives to stay on top of business trends. Digitization of the supply chain has been crucial in the post-pandemic era. Having an excellent web hosting provider can improve your online marketing performance. If you are looking for a hosting service with the best feature, read the reviews on Hosting Foundry.

In this article, you will learn about different supply chain trends you must optimize in 2021 to improve your company’s productivity and performance.

Blockchain technology

Blockchain technology has been incredibly essential for businesses to minimize disruption of the supply chain and improve customer service. The worldwide spending on blockchain is expected to rise upt0 11 billion before 2022. Over the last few years, this trend has integrated different streams of your business such as shipping lines, carriers, logistic providers all into a single platform. It also allows businesses with logistic operations to efficiently process data by cutting out waste. The transparency offered by blockchain technology helps supply chain managers to identify issues even before they occur.

Internet of Things (IoT)

Businesses have understood how to leverage the power of IoT, extensively in warehouse automation. By implementing IoT devices, businesses can improve supply chain visibility that can provide businesses to optimize their assets and ROI. It is considered one of the most vital supply chain trends as it allows logistic companies to connect digitally and transfer data efficiently. IoT technology in warehouses and retail outlets can also improve visibility in production, inventory management, and predictive maintenance.

Elastic Logistics

Market fluctuations can make or break a business during a crisis. Having supply chains that are responsive, effective, and stable will ensure that businesses can still thrive during this tough time. This is where elastic logistic trends come into play and enhance the ability to expand or shrink according to current market demands. This technology helps companies manage and adjust potential issues with minimal disruptions. The flexibility of elastic logistics can improve your business performance and optimize it to greater heights.

Robotic Automation

Even though robotics automation is still in its infancy when it comes to supply chain operations, it has shown its effectiveness for many businesses. It can play a huge role in upgrading your process leaving little to no room for errors. Many companies have already integrated robotic automation to streamline logistics by using drones and driverless vehicles for various purposes. The technology is focused on speeding tasks through machines and empowering your human workers to focus on strategies that enhance customer experience and improve your business productivity.

E-commerce Logistics

Ever since the pandemic, e-commerce sales have skyrocketed as people have been quarantined at home. E-commerce logistics is expected to expand to €557 billion by 2025 as consumers are constantly looking for companies providing value-added services. Great e-commerce logistics will optimize your transportation and distribution hubs to specific retail partners who can provide picking, packing, shipping, and even real-time updates. Digital fulfillment is one of the important components of e-commerce logistics as it ensures consumers that their product reaches its destination.

Gamification

Gamification is one exciting supply chain trend in 2021 that boosts productivity amongst warehouse workers. Gamification offers employees to have healthy competition using digital tools that can be integrated into real warehouse processes. This technological trend can track your employee’s accuracy, speed, and progress time all contributing towards improving skills and work performance. It also enables companies to reward workers with bragging rights through their fun and interactive tasks. This trend is highly effective that can encourage employees to work smarter and harder.

Green Logistics

In the past few years, we have seen eco-friendly communities and consumers searching for environmentally conscious companies that responsibly push the supply chain. The main objective of optimizing green logistics for a company is to make the warehouse eco-friendly which reduces their carbon footprint on the earth. Due to the rise in demand, more and more companies are opting to switch their supply chain management into going green that can benefit the environment. Some of the essential factors of this trend would include consuming less energy such as gas, water, electricity, etc which can directly benefit the environment. Electric vehicles or solar-powered vehicles is another factor that companies can take into consideration. Companies that use climate-smart supply chains can benefit more through these resources which can help the company gain profit and customer loyalty through these practices.

Supply chain trends are constantly evolving as they are interconnected with the growth of the market. Any sort of disruption can cause havoc in the management which can affect workflow and productivity. Focusing on these 7 supply chain trends you can improve your overall performance at work.

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Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, Warehousing

Goods-to-Person Robotization is Key in Meeting the New Logistics Challenges Facing the Cosmetic Industry

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The cosmetics industry in France is a major driver of the economy. Despite the drop-off in exports caused by the pandemic, the sector achieved total revenues of over €15.7 billion in 2020 and leads the world with a 24% share of the global cosmetics market. The exceptional circumstances over the past year have had another effect on the industry – they have amplified consumer trends and pre-existing purchasing practices such as personalization, transparency and the boom in online sales. The net effect has been the total disruption of the product mix occasioned by, for example, the surge in demand for natural, healthy products and a fall in the demand for lipstick.

Against this background, in addition to its usual challenges – time to market, the growing demand for personalization and the management of peaks in activity – the cosmetics industry is being compelled to change and adapt its logistics model. Warehouses are having to automate storage and order picking without losing sight of the particular nature of personal care products – high unit values, tight technical specifications, critical shelf life and low individual despatch unit volumes – in order to be fully effective strategic assets, delivering products increasingly quickly and meeting new consumer expectations.

The benefits of Goods-to-Person robotization in meeting new logistics challenges

As new trends coalesce into a dynamic that demands a response, Goods-to-Person robotization – where robots transport shelf units containing goods to operators – is set to revolutionize logistics in the cosmetics industry.

– Given the change in consumer behaviour and habits: In response to new consumption trends, today’s cosmetics industry is setting its sights on omnichannel sales and distribution together with digital technology. Consumers are demanding a simplified buying journey in every channel, from next-day delivery by e-commerce sites to click-and-collect, and a smooth item return process for online purchases. In warehouses, this rapid omnichannel delivery is translating into an exponential increase in retail order picking activity, which is both time- and resource-consuming.

Advantages of Goods-to-Person robotization: Besides reducing storage space by up to 30% using mobile shelf units where many products can be economically stored in small quantities, the Goods-to-Person robotics solution guarantees quicker picking of retail orders. It eliminates unnecessary movement and actions by operators to ensure the careful handling of fragile products. The gain in picking productivity can be as much as 40%.

– In this age of hyper-personalization: The other great challenge facing the cosmetics industry is the advent of hyper-personalized cosmetics where the ingredients and packaging are adapted to match consumers’ individual requirements. To this is added a boom in kits that allow consumers to make their own beauty products. The impact of these developments on warehouses is an increase in the range of products to be stored and picked, the need for short or on-demand production runs complying with the regulations on cosmetics (which are particularly demanding in Europe) and the need for personalized packaging combined with adherence to tight delivery times.

Advantages of Goods-to-Person robotization: Goods-to-Person robotization enables small quantities to be picked rapidly and moved seamlessly to areas where orders are personalized in terms of labeling, preparation and/or packaging.

– Ever-increasing trackability and transparency: Another fundamental trend rapidly becoming established in the cosmetics industry is the demand for natural products and the consumers’ need for transparency, reinforced by the Covid-19 crisis. Consumers now want sustainable products, in phase with their concerns, together with all the necessary information on their ingredients, origin and manufacturing process. Their desire to care both for themselves and the environment looks set to continue as “clean” beauty, eco-friendly packaging, short supply circuits and products made in France gain in popularity. Trackability of products in the warehouse is a key factor in meeting the consumer-driven demand for transparency.

Advantages of Goods-to-Person robotization: Scallog’s Goods-to-Person robotics solution makes it possible to optimize locations according to batches, expiry dates etc. and to ensure flawless trackability throughout the picking process.

– And therefore security: This demand for trackability is linked to that of security. Cosmetics products are recognized for their high monetary value, which increases the risk of theft. Cosmetics manufacturers must mitigate the risk of products “flying away” from warehouses that run a multitude of processes and are often staffed by a high proportion of temporary staff. Any solution that helps to combat theft and shrinkage improves the manufacturer’s margin.

Advantages of Goods-to-Person robotization: The Goods-to-Person system is based on a fully enclosed and secure storage area in which robots operate, moving shelf units. In addition, when picking orders, operators are guided and monitored in everything they do.

– Many triggers that cause peaks in shopping activity: The cosmetics industry today offers consumers many incentives to shop in order to boost its sales. To the traditional festive season, always a time of high shopping activity, are now added promotional offers, Valentine’s Day, Black Friday, Cyber Monday and similar “special” events that result in booming sales of perfumes and cosmetics over a few days. Warehouses must once again cope with a significant increase in order picking over a short period.

Advantages of Goods-to-Man robotization: Scallog’s Goods-to-Person robotics solution absorbs peaks by smoothing order picking efficiently and cost-effectively. It handles increases in order picking requirements by extending its operating times, only needing limited additional human resources.

A competitive and dynamic sector, the cosmetics industry is having to reinvent itself and its logistics model in response to today’s unusual situation. The main post-Covid-19 challenges, wide-scale sustainability and “naturalness” – natural ingredients with recyclable, zero-waste packaging – all represent sources of growth for the industry. Goods-to-Person robotization can play an important role in maximizing this opportunity as its flexibility, adaptability, productivity and sustainability are guaranteed!

This article originally appeared here. Republished with permission.

transforming logistics
Archives, Global Logistics, Warehousing

How Start-Ups are Transforming Logistics

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It’s hard to imagine life in a world as globalized and interconnected as ours without logistics. Logistics ensures that all materials and products get from the point of origin to the point of consumption, which could be on the other side of the world. So it’s fair to say that the logistics business is not going away any time soon. However, it may be changing. Young innovators and entrepreneurs are coming up with new and modern solutions to some of the industry’s most significant issues. And the ways in which start-ups are transforming logistics may make the industry better in the future.

Start-ups are transforming logistics by introducing new modes of transportation

For decades, the logistics industry has relied on traditional modes of transportation. And there are certainly benefits to maritime shipping, long-haul trucking, and speedy air freight, but there are also serious downsides. It’s becoming increasingly clear that the way logistics operates today is not sustainable in the long run. Start-ups are here to change that.

Use of drones

Although drones likely won’t replace standard delivery methods just yet, more and more companies use them as an alternative way to reach their customers quickly and easily. They are convenient for local and last-mile deliveries, but as drone technology evolves, they will undoubtedly be used elsewhere as well. There’s some speculation about their suitability for warehouse inventory sorting, for example.

Software, digital platforms, and online solutions

Specialized software can do wonders for logistics. It can make relevant information easier to gather and interpret, reveal underlying problems you aren’t aware of, encourage better communication, and streamline efficiency. What is more, digital solutions can easily evolve with the business. As the needs of the business evolve, the software can be updated to meet them. This makes it a flexible solution that works in the long run too.

Anticipatory logistics

Any business that has worked with a start-up marketing agency has seen first-hand how important it is to anticipate the customers’ needs if you want to please them. The same principle can be applied in logistics itself. The idea is to predict demand before it occurs.

This way, logistics companies become more proactive and less reactive. By analyzing market trends and anticipating their customers’ needs, logistics providers can transport and deliver goods to distribution hubs early. By the time the consumer orders something, the only thing left is last-mile delivery. Anticipatory logistics like this could cut delivery times significantly. It would also be more cost-effective as fewer vehicles would be traveling empty on their way back. Instead, they’d carry the goods expected to be needed by the time they get back.

Automation and robotics

Although automation and robotics are frequent topics in sci-fi dystopias, they’re not something to be afraid of. In fact, automation could significantly improve the logistics industry. It could eliminate human error, speed up packing and sorting, and improve workplace safety. And with recent strides in machine learning, a world in which robots man warehouses and trucks may not even be that far.

Start-ups are transforming logistics by raising the standards

One of the most remarkable ways start-ups are transforming logistics is by simply doing better than industry giants. A business that has just started out must offer quality service and novel solutions to attract customers, and start-ups are doing that. They are finding ways to spend less money, be more efficient, keep their customers happy, and even be better for the environment. In doing so, they are setting the standard for everyone in the business. By being better, they are inspiring others to be better too. And that benefits the entire industry and everyone who relies on it.

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Emily Peterson is a software developer who specializes in digital marketing for small businesses and start-ups. Her interest in global logistics stems from her work with businesses in the industry during which she witnessed first-hand some of the issues that logistics companies face today.

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Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, Warehousing

Reduce Fatigue and Stress in the Warehouse by Combining Productivity with Ergonomics

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Fluctuating flow rates and the faster pace of work in warehouses can be a source of stress for workers, who often suffer from musculoskeletal disorders. Reducing the need for movement and repetitive gestures is becoming essential to preserving the health of the men and women who prepare orders. Goods-to-person robotics offers a way to combine ergonomics and safety with productivity.

Today’s logistics professionals must cope with the surge in e-commerce and the focus on omnichannel retailing while addressing emerging needs among both professional and residential consumers. As warehouses become increasingly functional and sprawling, that means unpredictable peaks in activity and an unprecedented increase in retail order picking – time-consuming operations that require resources, handling and travel through the
warehouse.

In order to coordinate and absorb those retail flows as effectively as possible to meet demand, logistics engineers must become more efficient and productive, beyond trading off their resources as an adjustment variable. Automation, and specifically goods-to-person robotics, is one critical element for ensuring productive logistics without compromising on operator safety and well-being. Improved working conditions in the warehouse that eliminate repetitive handling and movements will inevitably lead to lower turnover, reduced absenteeism and better productivity!

Goods-to-person robotics for reducing operator stress and exertion

Repetitive gestures and the need to cover several kilometres and handle heavy loads can all lead to fatigue, impaired efficiency and musculoskeletal disorders, the primary cause of occupational disease in France. By preventing and reducing those ills, firms can address both human and financial concerns for improved logistics performance.

Goods-to-person robotics, in which goods come to people, significantly reduces stress and exertion for operators in three areas: number of kilometres travelled, repetitive movements and the need to carry heavy loads.

With a goods-to-person robotics solution in place, operators conduct order picking from an ergonomic workstation – eliminating the time spent walking more than 15 kilometres per day on average, the need to pick up anywhere from 1 to 8 tonnes of weight a day, and improper handling. Roaming the warehouse looking for products not only results in lost productivity and stress, it can account for up to 70% of idle time in an operator’s day! Eliminating those tasks helps to improve logistics efficiency.

Goods-to-person robotics for improving personnel safety

In the face of the pandemic, warehouses have had to implement new safety rules to maintain physical distancing and limit movement and prolonged contact among operators. On top of those requirements for protecting health, it’s important to safeguard the physical well-being of operators, regardless of the work environment and the products being handled.

In addition to eliminating worker traffic through the warehouse, which can lead to collisions and falls, goods-to-person robotics guarantees a safe distance between the operator and the most hazardous products. The most sensitive products are tracked and stored on shelves in an enclosed area; operators handle those products with the necessary know-how. Errors and improper handling are a thing of the past among both experienced and temporary operators, who are guided through every step.

Goods-to-person robotics for unmatched workstation ergonomics

Goods-to-person robotics not only optimizes retail flows and improves order-picking efficiency; it also guarantees unmatched workstation ergonomics compared to traditional equipment.

The goods-to-person workstation occupies a smaller space and can be customized to ensure workers use the best posture when picking orders; the height of the shelves is configurable for easy access and handling, as are the container dimensions. Everything about the workstation has been designed to reduce repetitive movements and operator fatigue.

Moreover, it allows for rotating teams. Goods-to-person robotics provides for employee versatility: workers can be trained in a few hours and can work on a variety of tasks.

Scallog is constantly collaborating with employees to identify the optimal workstation configuration: thanks to a 3D environment, they can see themselves as they make virtual movements. Like exoskeletons, goods-to-person robotics represents one of the best technological solutions for reducing musculoskeletal disorders and arduous working conditions in the warehouse without compromising on productivity, which increases an average of 40%!

In conclusion, goods-to-person robotics does more than simply reduce worker stress and improve safety; ideally, it can be one component of a strategy by logistics specialists to address Workplace Quality of Life for warehouse operators. Improving working conditions and tracking day-to-day activity more effectively promotes greater employee engagement and motivation on behalf of logistics performance. In that sense, goods-to-person robotics helps to strike a better balance between faster production rates and employee well-being to ensure sensible warehouse productivity!

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Founded in 2013, Scallog is a French company that designs, manufactures and markets robotics solutions for the logistics sector to boost warehouse agility and productivity for 3PL, e-commerce, distribution and manufacturing companies. In light of changes in B2C and B2B consumer demand patterns, particularly in terms of product availability and delivery, the Scallog solution helps companies accelerate order picking and absorb peaks in activity whilst reducing tough working conditions for employees and smoothing investment. Scallog’s Goods-to-Person range includes the best ‘smart’ decision-making and execution software and mobile robotics, meeting the need of logistics operators to increase order picking flexibility and integrate automation more widely in their warehouses. With over 30 different clients to its name and substantial funds raised, Scallog – the pioneer of scalable, flexible logistics robotics – is now aiming to boost its growth across Europe and internationally. www.scallog.com

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Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, Uncategorized, Warehousing

THE ADVANCEMENT OF DC FULFILLMENT TECHNOLOGIES

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The transition to advanced automation is well underway in distribution and fulfillment (D&F) operations. Within the four walls of distribution centers (DCs), traditional labor-intensive process and material handling strategies are being replaced by more automated alternatives. Retail leaders are beginning to automate and upgrade specific aspects of their DC operations that are bowing under the weight of e-commerce pressures.

Retailers at the forefront of this transition are driven by a desire to mitigate risks to profitability and business continuity by:

-Reducing the dependency on labor

-Increasing throughput rates to meet service level agreements (SLAs)

-Enabling the flexibility to adapt to peak seasonal fulfillment demands

-Keeping pace with year-over-year growth forecasts

New automation investments are focused on achieving strategic supply chain advantages in critical picking, inventory storage and retrieval processes — where peak labor efficiencies are no match for escalating e-commerce fulfillment complexities and SKU proliferation. As throughput levels rise, delivery windows shrink and labor becomes more unpredictable, retailers will find it more difficult to sustain productivity and grow profit margins.

At the same time, emerging advanced automation solutions with integrated software offerings continue to improve, presenting operators with attractive and attainable returns on investment (ROI).

PROGRESS CONTINUES ALONG KEY FUNCTIONAL AREAS

High-speed sortation equipment still plays an essential role in large DCs with high throughput levels, high-level order volumes, and associated shipping and receiving requirements. But while the prospect of unbolting traditional sortation and conveyor equipment is still largely unfeasible, integrated automation systems offer opportunities to upgrade the core of many DC operations: picking, inventory storage and order fulfillment orchestration.

Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS)

AS/RS can be deployed within existing DCs to maximize throughput and improve receiving, order consolidation, and shipping efficiencies. These flexible solutions offer higher storage densities within reduced operational footprints and the flexibility to adapt to a variety of configurations.

High-speed AS/RS shuttle systems are ideally suited for replacing manual picking in high-volume operations. The modular design of racking and storage frameworks enables the addition of new levels and aisles to accommodate future growth in storage demand. Shuttle systems are typically designed with goods-to-person (GTP) and goods-to-robot (GTR) configurations to eliminate picking travel times and allow fewer labor resources to be more productive.

When full pallets are required for wholesale distribution, AS/RS unit load systems rely on one crane per aisle to pull pallets from storage racks and stage them for truck loading.

Robotics Integration

The increased integration of robotics is also helping DC managers alleviate growing e-commerce fulfillment pressures. Robotics strategies are focused on replacing undesirable, unsafe and repetitive manual tasks to free up available labor resources for more thoughtful, high-value roles. And in many cases, retailers are turning to robotics to drive productivity levels beyond human capabilities.

While the vision of a fully autonomous robotic fulfillment operation is far from being realized, recent advancements in robotics are helping to transform a multitude of critical workflows, processes and applications:

–Truck loading and unloading

-Sorter induction

-Each, case and pallet picking

-Palletizing and depalletizing

-Case packing and unpacking

-Transportation of materials (pallets, goods, cartons)

These flexible robotic options can be adapted to benefit DC operations in a variety of ways:

-They can be activated or deactivated as needed to supplement manual resources and flex for peak seasons.

-They can be quickly reprogrammed for new routes and tasks.

-They can be orchestrated into a variety of automated workflows with a modern warehouse execution system, such as Honeywell Intelligrated’s Momentum™ WES.

In addition, modern robotics solutions operate using universal control platforms — such as the Honeywell Universal Robotics Controller (HURC) — allowing them to continually adapt to changing DC conditions via robot-to-robot, machine-learning technologies.

SMART SOFTWARE AND SIMULATION

As D&F operations become more automated and complex in order to keep pace with demand, the integration of advanced warehouse automation software is playing an increasingly important role. Historically speaking, warehouse software was designed to serve very specific functions, which ultimately has added to DC operational complexities. These problems can typically be traced to the presence of multiple software vendors for various automation systems and robotics platforms, which can result in disconnected islands of automation and a continual cycle of obsolescence and upgrade challenges.

Often, this traditional, multi-vendor approach to software makes full DC fulfillment system orchestration next to impossible. Today, retailers and DC operators need to rethink their software strategies and deploy smart warehouse automation software platforms designed to reduce complexities by:

-Unifying disparate automation systems

-Orchestrating all automation systems for full warehouse execution

-Simplifying software support and upgrade management

Modern warehouse automation software like Momentum is designed to provide a single, unified platform for enabling advanced automation in complex DC environments. Momentum gives DC managers the tools to:

-Leverage operational data for workflow optimization and business insights

-Apply machine learning for intelligent decision-making

-Align order release and processing with customer SLAs and priorities

-Maximize AS/RS storage and inventory availability

-Ensure labor productivity and utilization

-Orchestrate advanced AS/RS and robotics into DC workflows

WES systems are even beginning to assume upstream, inbound warehouse management system (WMS) processes and may potentially eliminate the need for separate WMS and WES systems.

BEGIN YOUR TRANSITION

Honeywell Intelligrated is providing advanced technologies and integrated software to help retailers transition from traditional fulfillment workflows to fully integrated automation strategies. We’re leveraging multiple AS/RS solutions, state-of-the-art robotics and our Momentum warehouse automation software to create robust, scalable and supportable technological infrastructures that lay a strong foundation for continuous growth.

Powered by a unified approach to software and advanced data science techniques, these tools can provide complete automation system orchestration while minimizing integration complexities. With decades of material handling industry expertise, we take a consultative approach to develop automation solutions that help forward-thinking companies solve their biggest fulfillment challenges and achieve rapid returns on their investments.

Wherever you are on the continuum of automation, we can help you achieve robust fulfillment capabilities today and accelerate your progress toward an ever-more automated future.

SIMULATE WHAT’S NEXT

Among the cutting-edge features of modern WES software platforms include the capabilities to deliver extremely accurate projections of advanced automation and system performances — before, during and after implementation

— with simulation, emulation and digital twin models.

Simulation benefits include the abilities to:

-Evaluate full system and individual robotic cell prototypes

-Test automation system interdependencies

-Validate and refine operations to improve layout and product flow

-Identify where AS/RS and robots will provide the greatest ROI

-Create a fully functional digital twin of a live fulfillment operation:

» Enable scenario-based testing and response planning

» Save time and money during the physical commissioning stage

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Archives, Global Logistics Planning Guide, Global Trade Daily

GLOBAL TRADE’S ANNUAL LOGISTICS PLANNING GUIDE PUTS YOU IN THE POWER POSITION AGAIN

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2020 was a historic year from politics to a pandemic, but professionals working in logistics, in particular, faced huge challenges and had to dramatically pivot their strategies. As 2021 kicks off, professionals working in logistics, notably 3PLs and 4PLs, will need to remain flexible as some of the changes from 2020 are here to stay.

To prepare you for what lies ahead, here are 10 supply chain and logistics trends to watch for in 2021.

1. Shorter Contract Terms

As we all witnessed, capacity was incredibly tight throughout the year, giving carriers more negotiating power for higher rates, especially leading up to the holiday season. Contract trucking rates are heavily influenced by spot market movements so instead of conducting an RFP in Q3 or Q4 for the year (which is typically RFP season) and locking in a yearly rate, shippers created shorter contract terms, hoping rates will improve in 2021. While this helps shippers to lock in rates in the short term (and helps them budget), it is still a gamble because rates could remain steady or increase. 

This year, I anticipate that this trend will continue. Shippers and carriers want and need more flexibility in this volatile market. Shippers are hoping for lower rates in the future, and carriers want to take advantage of a hot spot market without rejecting previously contracted freight. 

2. Tech Investment for Shippers

Unless new technology investments are truly essential to running the business, many shippers will not be investing heavily into new technology until the pandemic is over. While technology will be a good investment in the long run, it’s often a “want” over a “need,” and it takes a lot of human capital, research, and time to invest in the right technology that will pay off for your business. Right now, every professional working within the supply chain has their hands full running the business, so I anticipate less money and time spent on tech investments in 2021.

While shippers may be hitting the pause button, logistics companies, especially 3PLs, have an opportunity right now to leverage their greatest asset: people. What is most important in our current environment is trusted relationships and human touchpoints. The industry is still scrambling to keep up with the demand for a constantly changing global supply chain, and handholding and relationships will go further than flashy new technology. 3PLs can capitalize on this by spending time discussing with carriers and customers how they can solve their current challenges with best-in-class customer service. If your company is leaning on a new technology or making an investment into this area, this is the year to publicize your innovation widely because there will be less technology noise in the marketplace. Have a technology story that got your company through 2020? Now is the time to tell it. 

3. Consumer Buying Behavior Will Remain A Top Stat for Logistics

3PLs are tracking consumer behavior closer than ever. Due to the pandemic, consumer buying behavior changed dramatically, disrupting the supply chain in ways not previously seen. Because of consumers’ impact on the supply chain and demand of freight, 3PLs, in particular, will continue to follow key consumer buying behavior data. 

Additionally, in 2021 I expect continued steady growth in-home delivery services (from retailers to foodservice) so all eyes will be on final mile demand. This year, we’ll see more online marketplaces and innovation within final mile delivery. With new companies and offerings entering the industry, 3PLs have an opportunity to forge new relationships and add core competencies with these businesses to gain an advantage over their competitors. 

4. Spot Market Will Likely Stay Hot in 2021 

We might call 2021 the Capacity Games–may the odds be ever in your favor. Carriers are entering 2021 with negotiating power. Amidst one of the most volatile marketplaces in recent memory, the growing disparity between driver supply and truckload demand has resulted in increasing tightness. When this is the case, we expect upward pressure on truckload rates, just as we did throughout the back half of 2020. We may have hit the peak of inflated spot rates, but with the pandemic still raging, carriers have the upper hand on rates and may decide to take fewer contracts this year to reap the benefits of the spot market. When some form of normalcy does return, we will see another round of shifting capacity and supply chain volatility; 3PLs that can navigate the chaos and guide their customers through it are going to come out on top with relationships and case studies that will speak volumes. 

If you’re a shipper or a 3PL, this means you have to think about the whole carrier experience beyond just rates. Carriers want to get paid quickly and treated well, so if the facility they are servicing is difficult to navigate or doesn’t offer any driver amenities, your freight is far less desirable compared to previous years. To entice carriers, shippers and brokers need to be creative, reliable and more than anything, flexible. 

5. Carriers Focus On Diversifying Their Book of Business

Prior to the pandemic, most carriers specialized in one or a handful of specific industries. This was a sound strategy because specialization allowed carriers to set themselves apart from the competition by tailoring their vehicles, routes and service to the needs of shippers (who all have different needs, depending on their industry). COVID disrupted this strategy. When the pandemic struck, certain industries completely shut down. From automotive to restaurant services, carriers can no longer focus on one niche industry as the pandemic showed how having all of your eggs in one basket is ripe with risk in these times.

This year, I anticipate more carriers will diversify the industries they support. 3PLs have an opportunity to help and should look for opportunities to offer freight to their trusted carriers who previously may not have considered that type of freight before. By partnering closely with carriers to educate them on the needs of that particular freight and help them enter a new industry, 3PLs will be able to solidify their carrier relationships while also problem-solving for shippers who are desperate for capacity. 

6. Reefer Capacity Will Be Tough To Come By 

People are still working from home. COVID numbers are at an all-time high, and many cities/states are under curfews and restrictions to discourage people from leaving their homes. But people still have to eat. Groceries stores and food delivery will continue to be in high demand, translating to huge demands on reefer capacity. Add to this the reefer capacity needed to effectively distribute the vaccine and the grip on capacity tightens. This isn’t news. This has been the case since March 2020, but it’s only going to continue. 

3PLs have to remain nimble and creative to source reefer capacity and make sure the service they offer those carriers is top-notch to ensure those carriers will continue to partner with them. 3PLs who are able to keep reefer carriers moving and maximize the efficiency of their assets will be the ones who benefit on both sides of the customer/carrier relationship. 

7. Regional Distribution

Because of the supply disruptions in 2020, there was a renewed focus on regional distribution. Amazon led the way during COVID, relying on their regional distribution network when drivers were hesitant to drive long hauls far from home. This will continue to be a go-to strategy for many shippers, and I anticipate we will see many retailers investing more into their regional distribution strategy. This shift will create two demands: final mile and long haul. 3PLs that are able to competitively source and seamlessly provide these two modes to their customers at varying degrees of volume will be the heroes of 2021. 

8. Opportunities for Mid-Size to Small Carriers To Get Access To New Customers

With the COVID vaccine distribution, many large carriers, seasoned in pharmaceutical freight, have been tapped to move this critical freight which means they will not be able to fulfill previous contracts. So, who is going to move that freight? Mid-size to smaller carriers have an opportunity right now to get in with the companies left in a lurch. 

This may not be the strategy for every carrier, but with so much capacity going to the vaccine (as well as all the implementation needed to distribute a vaccine), carriers have an opportunity to service freight previously unavailable to them. 

3PLs, keep this in mind. Follow which large carriers are transporting the vaccine and take advantage of opportunities to follow up with their known customers who may be hurting for capacity. While historically technology, integration, volume commitments, etc. were barriers for mid-size to small fleets in providing service to large shippers, 3PL relationships should be providing access to these large customers as need for capacity widens. 

9. Relationships Continue to Be King

As isolated as many of us have been in 2020, relationships and personal connections mean more than anything. Both individuals and companies want to work with people they know and trust and can rely on to deliver in a time of need. Logistics is truly a people business. No matter what role you play in the supply chain, if you focus on building and deepening your professional relationships, you are investing in your future. 

10. Greater Focus on the Value of Drivers/Carriers

I’m hopeful 2021 will be the year that drivers/carriers will finally get the full respect they deserve. From keeping our grocery stores stocked to distributing the COVID vaccine, carriers/drivers have been on the frontlines of this pandemic. The past few years, the industry has talked about a driver shortage with the narrative focused on a lack of talent entering the industry. But if we take a step back, the problem isn’t people’s interest, it’s because these essential, frontline workers deserve a better wage. 

If we truly want to solve the driver shortage and respect the people who have been front and center in this pandemic, the industry must reward carriers/drivers with better pay, benefits, and support. 

As we continue to progress into 2021, it’s clear that many of the supply chain impacts from 2020 are here to stay. Flexibility and a commitment to relationship building should be a priority for any logistics company looking to navigate the challenges ahead.

_____________________________________________________________________

Aaron Galer serves as senior vice president of Strategic Accounts at Arrive Logistics, “a carrier and customer-centric” logistics company that is headquartered in Austin, Texas, and has offices in Chicago and Chattanooga, Tennessee. Aaron is focused on growing and strengthening partnerships with Arrive’s enterprise shippers and carriers as well as tailoring unique solutions specific to their needs, industry and logistics challenges. He also serves as an internal resource to the entire Arrive team.  Prior to joining Arrive, Aaron helped launch the Amazon Freight program and has nearly a decade of logistics experience with Fortune 500 companies including Expeditors and Starbucks. His past responsibilities include building and overseeing transportation teams that manage large transportation spends and developing technology for large shippers. Aaron is active in the supply chain communities in the Greater Grand Rapids and Greater Seattle areas; he holds certifications in Lean Six Sigma and with ASCM and has a degree in Supply Chain Management from Michigan State University.

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Archives, Executive Education, Global Trade Daily

MAJOR LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN EVENTS GO VIRTUAL BUT MAINTAIN QUALITY AND IMPORTANCE

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Editor’s note-This feature highlights what are currently scheduled as virtual events in 2021. For an overview of 2021 in-person events, see this issue’s Datebook page.

Industry events, conferences and exhibitions have not been immune from COVID-19, as witnessed by the number of gatherings canceled due to global travel restrictions and social distancing measures.  

However, many event organizers looked to digital solutions, quickly pivoting away from in-person and toward virtual events to keep the momentum going from their previous well-attended shows and conferences. According to Eventbrite, a global self-service ticketing platform, business and professional online events increased 1,100 percent when comparing April 2020 with April 2019.

Indeed, some believe virtual conferences and exhibitions will be the “new normal,” although in-person events are not going away altogether (see our Datebook page), and combo platters that allow participants to attend in the flesh or over the internet are also being served.

Organizers and trade associations need not consider all-virtual events as lacking. “When done right, virtual events offer a personalized branded experience, are highly cost-effective and enhance the audience reach of an organization,” reads a press release from W7Worldwide, a Saudi Arabian marketing communication agency that focuses on the supply chain industry. “. . . Transitioning from physical to digital can be a difficult choice, but unlike live events, virtual events allow you to accommodate audiences who otherwise would not have been able to attend due to budget or travel limitations.”

 

W7Worldwide director and co-founder Abdulrahman Inayat extends the notion further when he says, “The value of face-to-face interaction will never go away, but in the current times going virtual must be a necessary part of your event program.”

He continues: “Thanks to today’s technology, major industry events, conferences and exhibitions can continue to take place by pivoting to a virtual format. Treat your virtual event with the same thought and strategy that you apply to live events. While the means for achieving your goals may be different virtually, if you lead with strong content, facilitate engagement, and keep your audience in mind, you cannot go wrong.”

Putting those words into action, W7Worldwide released a guide with “the seven key steps to creating a successful virtual event in the COVID-19 era and beyond.” Read the full report here.

What follows are virtual events that are aimed at Global Trade Magazine’s audience and are scheduled throughout 2021.

IMTS Spark

Now through March 15

imts.com/spark/

One of the manufacturing industry’s most anticipated events, the International Manufacturing Technology Show, has, because of the COVID crisis, gone from being an in-person event to becoming an ongoing, fully virtual showcase of leaders in manufacturing technology. 

Midwest Association of Rail Shippers Annual Winter Meeting 

January 20

mwrailshippers.com 

The typical MARS Winter Meeting would draw more than 800, in-person attendees, but these are obviously not typical times, according to the association’s president, Stefan Loeb. “Our highest priority is the health and safety of our members, so MARS decided that hosting a virtual Winter Meeting was the safest and most prudent choice. A concentrated meeting with an all-star agenda provides the best opportunity for creating value for our membership in these unprecedented times.” The half-day meeting’s “all-stars” include: Keith Creel, president and CEO, Canadian Pacific; Kathryn Farmer, president and CEO of BNSF; and Paul Titterton, senior vice president and COO of North American rail with GATX Corporation.

Temperature Control & Logistics Forum 

January 26-28

pharma-iq.com/events-temperaturecontrolledlogistics/

Presented 100 percent online for the first time, the forum includes a day of pre-qualified meetings and two days of thought-provoking keynotes, case studies and panel discussions.

Evolve: The Next Generation of Oil & Gas

January 27-28

live.freightwaves.com/evolve-the-next-evolution-of-oil-and-gas

Digital Wildcatters and Freightwaves present this one-of-a-kind virtual event for oil and gas professionals. Cutting-edge technologies, innovative startups and disruptive strategies will be discussed by some of the industry’s brightest minds. Despite being online-only, the event will include multiple opportunities to network with industry peers.  

International Conference on Supply Chain Management and Logistics

February 1-2

panel.waset.org

The digital program features scientists, academics and industry pros discussing the most recent innovations, trends and concerns as well as practical challenges encountered and solutions adopted in SCM and logistics.

Global Supply Chain Week

February 22-March 3

live.freightwaves.com/evolve-the-next-evolution-of-oil-and-gas

During this full week of supply chain insights, you’ll hear from different sectors of the supply chain universe: automotive; food and perishables; retail; manufacturing; consumer packaged goods and more. 

Omnitracs Outlook 2021 Virtual User Conference

February 23-24

omnitracsoutlook.com

“Redesigned with you in mind,” Omnitracs’ fifth annual user conference is expected to draw more than 900 professionals in transportation and fleet management. Thought-provoking sessions, great networking opportunities and exciting entertainment can be accessed from the comfort of your office or home.

GreenTech in Shipping Global Forum

February 24-25

10times.com/greentech-in-shipping-global-forum

Green technologies, green ports, green fuels and much more (green) are covered at the forum that comes direct from Hamburg, Germany.

Logistics 21

February 25-27

ietfindia.in/VirtualExhibition/index.html

The New Delhi, India, exhibition on logistics solutions is usually in-person, but the global pandemic has the supply chain management-focused event going virtual this time. Emphasis is placed on the industry’s direct impact on the efficiency of the business in India as well as newer technologies that cut costs and/or boost efficiency.

TPM21

February 25-March 5

events.joc.com/tpm/

The world’s largest container shipping gathering, the Transpacific Maritime Conference will explore COVID-19’s unprecedented impact on logistics and supply chains. With the theme “Redefining the Future,” TPM21 will include more than 70, in-depth sessions exploring how the future will be different and how you can be prepared.

Intermodal Summit

March TBA 

live.freightwaves.com/intermodal-summit 

After the chaos of 2020, find out what will rail and intermodal players will find this year. Here is a hint of what shippers, intermediaries and rail-reliant organizations may find if their reps attend this virtual event: Opportunities for success in 2021 and beyond.

2021 3PL Summit

March TBA

live.freightwaves.com/3pl-summit-2021

After two to three years of relative calm in the freight brokerage markets, 2020 took a hard turn. This virtual summit highlights the best technology and practices to guide you to success this year. Discussions on multi-modal optimization, customer relations, sales insights, market insights, pricing strategies and much more are delivered by industry leaders and innovators.

SCOPE Virtual Supply Chain Summit

March 1-5 

quartzevents.com/events/virtual/scope-supply-chain-virtual-summit-spring-2021/

“We’ve hosted hundreds of in-person summits, brought together countless executives, facilitated tens of thousands of news partnerships and transformed the supply-chain landscape. Now, we’re doing it all online.”

LOA Symposium

March 30-April 2

logisticsymposium.org

The Logistics Officer Association Symposium is dedicated to enabling interactive exchanges among logistics, acquisition and technology professionals from across the Department of Defense, defense industry and academia. For 2021, there will be a continued focus on Leadership, Innovation, Velocity, Excellence (L.I.V.E.) with the theme of the symposium being “Under Attack: Agile Logistics for the Future Fight.”

DroneWaves Summit

April TBA

live.freightwaves.com/dronewaves-summit

What role will drones play in the supply chains of the future and how will you prepare? Learn the answer from drone manufacturers, shippers and more that are utilizing these devices to completely revolutionize transportation at the first and last miles of supply chains. 

Enterprise Fleet Summit

April TBA

live.freightwaves.com/enterprise-fleet-summit

It’s a virtual examination of the components of a successful enterprise fleet. Solving the puzzle will include a look back at the most successful strategies that were used to manage the 2020 volatility. But attendees will also look forward at what the enterprise fleet landscape will look like in the future.

ProMatDX

April 12-16 

promatshow.com

For the first time in ProMat’s 35-year history, the annual event in Chicago was canceled. “However, because supply chains are more vital to global commerce than ever before,” report the organizers, “ProMat will continue to deliver the unrivaled solution-sourcing, education and networking it is known for through a state-of-the-art digital expo–ProMat Digital Experience (ProMatDX).” Industry professionals will come together to find manufacturing and supply chain solutions, problem-solve, connect with peers and learn the latest trends and innovations.

GreenTech in Shipping USA Virtual Forum

April 20-21, 2021

usgreentechshipping.com

This conference feature topics such as environmental regulations and sustainable development, ports and green technologies, future fuels, engineering solutions for better efficiency, repair, retrofit, and ship modifications, ballast water treatment solutions and more.

2021 JRC 

April 20-21

event.asme.org/Joint-Rail-Conference 

The international Joint Rail Conference is considered intermodal’s premier technical event in the U.S. as it includes all disciplines for freight and passenger rail transportation: mechanical, electrical, civil and systems engineering as well as rail safety, planning, design, manufacturing, financing, operations and management.

International Conference on Logistics and Supply Chain

April 22-23

panel.waset.org/apply/2021/04/new-york/ICLSC

The most recent innovations, trends, and concerns—as well as practical challenges encountered and solutions adopted in the logistics and supply chain fields—are discussed by academics, researchers, and industry professionals. 

International Conference on Procurement, Logistics and Supply Chain Management

April 22-23

panel.waset.org/apply/2021/04/boston/ICPLSCM

Leading academic scientists, researchers and research scholars exchange and share their experiences and research results on all aspects of procurement, logistics, and supply chain management during this digital event. 

FreightWaves LIVE @Home: A Virtual Experience

May TBA

live.freightwaves.com/live-home-spring-2021

Listen to pioneering entrepreneurs who can see opportunity on the horizon. Watch transportation and supply chain gurus dive into the lessons learned over successful careers. It’s billed as “the place to be for anyone looking to grow their career and their impact in the world of supply chains, logistics and transportation.”

World Class Supply Chain Summit

May 5

miltonchamber.ca

CN and Laurier, in partnership with the Milton Chamber of Commerce, had planned a fifth annual, in-person summit in Milton, Ontario, Canada, with the theme “Vision 2030: SCM for a new decade.” Though it will now be a virtual summit, the agenda remains the same: Leading academics, speakers and panelists provide their insights on supply chain and logistics–in Canada and throughout the world.

PS V-Forum

May 31-June 1  

worldbigroup.com/conference/pharma-supply-chain-v-forum/

The Pharma Supply Chain & Logistics V (as in virtual) Forum had, in its in-person form, been one of the leading conferences focusing on covering all the aspects of the supply chain and logistics and their integration with AI and blockchain. The online version aims to be the same thanks to another impressive lineup of industry leaders and one-on-one interactions.

Owner-operator Summit

June TBA

live.freightwaves.com/owner-operator-summit

In addition to being drivers—and the backbone of the logistics and supply chain industry because they keep shelves stocked across the country—truck owner-operators are also business owners who must manage their books day-in and day-out. This one-day virtual summit is designed to provide them with the knowledge and insights to improve operations. 

Logistics and Warehouses-A New Consumer Avatar?

June 10

ru.connectrealestateclub.com/event-info/logistics-and-warehouses-a-new-consumer-avatar

Over the next few years, the share of warehouses in the total investment in real estate in Russia is expected to grow. It’s a segment that has shown itself to be stable and reliable for investors, in contrast to offices and retail, which were more affected by the pandemic. Learn what the expectations are of market participants, the opportunities that might appear and more at this virtual meeting of the leaders of the real estate market.

ProPak Asia

June 16-19

Virtual and at BITEC in Bangkok, Thailand

propakasia.com/ppka/2020/en/z_coldchain.asp

The 29th International Processing and Packaging Exhibition for Asia is actually a “hybrid” event that can be attended in-person or virtually. ProPak Asia is the region’s top international trade event for food, drink and pharmaceutical processing and packaging technology, and it also includes the: 20th International Beverage & Brewing Processing & Packaging Technology Exhibition; 28th International Pharmaceutical & Cosmetics Processing & Packaging Technology Exhibition; 15th International Laboratory Equipment, Instrument, Test & Measurement and Quality Control Exhibition; 10th International Coding, Marking & Labelling Technology Exhibition; 9th International Packaging Materials Exhibitions; and 5th International Coldchain, Logistics, Warehousing & Factory Technology Exhibition.

IANA Intermodal Expo

EXPO: The Business of Intermodal is Here

September 12-14, Long Beach, California

intermodalexpo.com

This event will take place in person on September 12-14, 2021 at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center with the theme “The Business of Intermodal is Here.” Educational webinars, virtual panel discussions, market updates, and industry leader interviews round out the program to prepare you, your colleagues, and your business for the future of intermodal.

SCTECH2021 Conference

October 4-7

sctechshow.com

Registration for this European conference, which is billed as a vibrant meeting place for supply chain and technology decision-makers, not only includes entry to the virtual 2021event but access to a recording of the 2020 run. Learn about supply chain trends so you can make informed technology-selection decisions.