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How WMS Allows Yakima Chief Hops to Increase Customer Satisfaction

yakima chief hops
Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, Warehousing

How WMS Allows Yakima Chief Hops to Increase Customer Satisfaction

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As a 100% grower-owned network of family hop farms, Yakima Chief Hops is uniquely positioned to establish strong relationships between the growers who supply their super-premium hops and the innovative brewing customers who utilize their products in their beer. YCH are also committed to being an environmentally and socially responsible company as well as a responsible neighbor and asset to their communities.

 


YCH’s Supply Chain Needs

 

YCH comprises 59 users located in 3 campuses, which in turn are located in Sunnyside and Yakima in California, as well as a new one Belgium. Each of these facilities has its own warehouse. These facilities function with multi-channel distribution to supply a variety of clients, from private to commercial brewers, using eCommerce.

YCH’s commitment to safety and complete traceability of their ingredients requires precise inventory visibility,  control, and tracking elements from the field all the way to the transformation process. Inventory accuracy is the key for success and for YCH to reach their data visibility goals.

Generix Group’s WMS as a Solution

YCH decided to implement Solochain WMS to gain the inventory accuracy they needed. With the warehouse management system, YCH collected constant data on the movement of their products in their facilities. Thanks to this visibility, they cut losses from inventory mistakes that the system enabled them to avoid.

The Solochain WMS also integrated with the Sage X3 ERP and Magento eCommerce due to the flexibility of the WMS.

Goals Achieved

Automating: Opting for automation and switching to the WMS allowed YCH to reduce paper usage by shifting from a pen and paper process to scan guns, which also allowed them to store more data while being more efficient. In addition, automation enabled them to trace the hops to their original growers. This also makes recall management easier and the products safer.

Cost Reduction: The new system increased YCH’s precision and decreased losses related to inefficiency. Inventory visibility assured that YCH stopped experiencing the lost inventory cases they had prior to implementation.  Once the Solochain WMS was implemented, the company realized a net gain of 83,861 Cartons that did not have to be transferred prior to shipping out to the customers.

Increase in Customer Satisfaction:  YCH has been able to cut multiple days from their shipping time which has improved the satisfaction of their customers who received their orders much faster. They also achieved a 24-hour turnaround for eCommerce leading to satisfied customers.

Better Environment for Employees: Employees experienced a smooth change from the old system to the new one. The user-friendly Solochain interface helped the adaptation and provided a process that employees could use more comfortably and that allowed them to work more efficiently.

Solochain WMS helped Yakima Chief Hops in their strive for increased visibility, safety, and quality of service. The gained inventory visibility facilitated recalls when necessary, while the increase in warehouse management efficiency allowed YCH to offer a faster and more precise service to their customers.

As a 100% grower-owned network of family hop farms, Yakima Chief Hops is uniquely positioned to establish strong relationships between the growers who supply our quality hops and the brewing customers who utilize our products in their beers.

About Yakima Chief Hops:

“Operating for more than 30 years, we have become more than a hop supplier. We are a resource for brewers, providing solutions-based products and industry-leading research. We are advocates of sustainability and meaningful social causes, working to support the environment and communities around us. Through our commitment to continuous improvement, we aim to be leaders of innovation, quality and customer service.”

Generix Group North America provides a series of solutions within our Supply Chain Hub product suite to create efficiencies across an entire supply chain. From Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Transportation Management Systems (TMS) to Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and more, software platforms can deliver a wide range of benefits that ultimately flow to the warehouse operator’s bottom line. Our solutions are in use around the world and our experience is second-to-none. We invite you to contact us to learn more.

This article originally appeared here. Republished with permission. 

WMS
Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, Warehousing

Solving Manufacturers’ Pain Points with a WMS

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Generix Group is a global leader in warehouse and logistics solutions and based on internal research of customers around the globe, the 7 most common pain points that affect the manufacturing industry are:

-Inventory Visibility
-Quality Assurance (QA)
-Risks of miscommunication and disruptions often from incorrect and incomplete data
-Recalls
-Omnichannel Distribution
-Relying on predictive data
-Just-in-time-delivery

When choosing the right WMS for your business you should consider how a WMS will resolve your particle pain point and improve the rest of your warehouse. The right WMS should be both customizable and flexible enough to resolve any pain point in your operation now or in the future. It should also provide your business with the tools and resources to increase efficiency and expand.

Visibility within the warehouse

 

An essential tool of any WMS is traceability. For inventory, QA, and recalls the ability to locate the item in real-time anywhere within the warehouse whether it is in a location or with a worker is imperative. It’s also important to trace the history of your items. If an item is recalled or on QA hold the complete history of the item should be readily available, so that you can find a solution with as little interruption to the warehouse as possible.

Traceability is also the solution to minimizing incorrect and incomplete data. By tracing inventory through the warehouse in real-time the WMS has many data points that the user can quickly and easily view. This provides a roadmap to quickly locate and fix any error.

Using Predictive analytics

 

The right WMS should be capable of expanding with your warehouse and growing into new areas. For example, if you are adding a new sales channel such as ecommerce, you will need a WMS capable of managing different vendors and workflows. In addition, a WMS capable of collecting and analyzing predictive data is important for any business relying on consumer demand. In turn, consumer demand drives the industry, any warehouse that can predict the consumer has an advantage over the competition.

Businesses utilizing just-in-time delivery should look for a WMS that has automated full cycle order management, along with the features listed above. Automated order management can greatly reduce any error in order fulfillment by quickly and automatically order items necessary to fulfill any order. Combine this feature with predictive analytics and your WMS can expand your business tremendously.

Natesan Andiyappillai published an article in the International Journal of Computer Applications. According to his research data analytics play a key role in optimizing logistics. He concluded that “Logistics business becomes complex due to globalization and ever-changing market and consumer behavior. And it is critical for the business not only to use the sophisticated IT WMS systems to capture the right data as much as possible but also to analyze the data extensively and optimize the logistics channel accordingly to be competitive in the market.”

As omni-channel driven demands become the norm, with resulting customer satisfaction harder to achieve, supply chain professionals need to leverage advanced WMS technology to keep their operations nimble, efficient, and scaling – especially in these volatile times.

Given Generix Group’s completeness of vision and ability to execute, as recognized once again by the Gartner analyst community, our Solochain WMS is well positioned to help companies needing a modern, flexible, and agile solution that can easily adapt to their changing needs.

We invite you to contact us to learn more.

This article originally appeared here. Republished with permission. 

flexe warehouse technology
Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, Warehousing

6 Innovative Trends in Warehouse Technology

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Gone are the times when warehouses were simple hangars full of stuff. As technology progresses, new, ingenious solutions see the light of day. Some see daily usage across the globe. Others await further development to become viable. Yet, both have one thing in common: they’re revolutionizing the warehousing industry. Today, we’re focusing on innovative trends in warehouse technology already in use. The ones you can implement today to make your warehouse more efficient and effective.

Trend 1 – Goodbye, clunky Excell sheets!

People in the warehousing industry already know about Warehouse Management Systems (WMS). This is one of the innovative trends in warehouse technology already in widespread use. And not without reason.

WMS is a set of software and protocols designed to manage and optimize warehouse performance. It places complete control of your warehouse at your fingertips, thus helping you:

-Save money on labor and operating costs;

-Increase warehouse productivity;

-Improve accuracy and inventory visibility;

-Improve workforce management;

-Make inventory, shipping, and labor management more efficient.

However, WMS’s biggest strength is adaptability. You can either integrate it with existing systems or have it operate as a standalone unit. Therefore, whether you’re starting from scratch or you’ve been in business for years, you can definitely benefit from it.

Trend 2 – Automation and Robotics

The usage of automation and robotics isn’t new, per se. Various industries already use both to a larger or lesser extent. However, this trend wasn’t so popular in the warehouse industry up until recently. In the wake of the Coronavirus, many companies had to adapt their modus operandi. The focus shifted to reduce human contact while retaining efficiency. Automation and robotics were the logical choices. But, aside from keeping your warehouse operational, integrating both can help you:

-Reduce labor costs;

-Optimize the space;

-Increase productivity;

-Increase throughput.

When combined with employees, automation and robotics can dramatically increase the efficiency of your facilities. In some cases, even up to 100%. Now, that’s a productivity spike every prospective businessman dreams of.

Trend 3 – Picking matters

Order picking is an integral and indispensable part of operating the warehouse. It’s also tedious, inefficient, and prone to mistakes. Unless, that is, you integrate Wearables and Smart Picking Technologies. Aside from acting as a picklist, a combination of these technologies provides more convenience for both you and your customer. But, it also vastly increases the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of your warehouse. Furthermore, it eases the burden on your employees, thus allowing them to focus on more pressing matters.

Trend 4 – “Tell” your warehouse what you want it to do

The combination of previous technologies gives you unparalleled control over your facilities. As such, you’d think it’s efficient enough. Well – not quite. There’s always room for improvement, and, in this case, it comes in the form of Voice Activation Technologies. This technology is already seeing widespread use. It’s functional enough, easy to use, and super convenient. After all, why would anyone sit in the office, clicking and typing thousands of times, when they can simply tell the warehouse what to do?

Trend 5 – “Smartify” your warehouse

The advancement of smart technologies opened a world of possibilities for various industries. Of course, warehousing didn’t fall short, either. In fact, all innovative trends in warehouse technology we listed can utilize smart technologies, in one way or another. Today, with only the internet and a smart device, you can manage an entire industrial complex. Without even setting foot on the premises. But, comfort and convenience aside, smart technology comes with many more benefits. The most notable ones are:

-Ability to track cargo or product in real-time;

-Data accessibility and transparency;

-Visibility and access to operation(s) 24/7;

-Improved worker productivity;

-Lower equipment downtime.

When combined with mentioned trends, smart technology allows for incredible versatility and flexibility, the two things necessary for the growth and evolution of every business.

Trend 6 – Go renewable to remain profitable

Warehouses consume copious amounts of energy to operate, even more so if they run temperature-controlled or refrigerating units. And even more than that, once they start implementing other modern technologies from this list. Needless to say, this can lead to some serious utility bills. That’s why many warehouse companies today focus their efforts on renewable energy sources – mainly solar power.

A warehouse, as a structure, allows for the incredible use of solar panels. Huge roofs are an ideal place to install a not-so-small solar farm. This, in turn, lets you create a semi-self-sustainable operation, thus cutting your operating costs significantly. And, as a welcome side-effect, it also increases the value of the building itself. So, renewable energy sources are an excellent long-term investment.

Tomorrow starts today

Living in the age of information, we witness the birth of new, amazing technologies daily. Many of them contribute to our lives, both personal and professional. But only if we’re willing to accept, implement, and change with them. Because, as much as we depend on technology – it depends on us, too. Therefore, following innovative trends in warehouse technology is more than a whim. It’s the future of the industry and a necessity.

_____________________________________________________________________

Erik Waidhofer is a freelance author with over 15 years of experience in moving, warehousing, and shipping industries. When he’s not writing for Fairfax Transfer and Storage and other moving companies, he enjoys woodworking and watching old movies.

cameron's coffee
Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, Warehousing

How Cameron’s Coffee Tracks Their Products from Bean to Carton with a WMS

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Cameron’s Specialty Coffee and their Mission:

A smooth cup: Part of Cameron’s mission is to provide a smooth cup of coffee by handpicking the best beans in the world. However, their mission goes beyond that.

All around the world: Cameron’s Specialty Coffee is directly involved with the farmers supplying them with their coffee beans. Members of their team go around the world to meet farmers and their families to build a relationship based on social responsibility. Cameron’s is therefore dedicated to help their farmers grow in a healthy environment.

A Green Company: Cameron’s feels responsible not only for its partners but for the environment. Therefore, they strive for eco-friendly processes. They are dedicated to minimizing their footprint through big and small actions such as minimizing water consumption and using recyclable materials.

 

Cameron’s Specialty Coffee’s Supply Chain Needs

 

To accomplish their goals, Cameron’s Coffee had to overcome three challenges, all of which required a change to their inventory management.

-Responding to growing eCommerce demand

-Responding to growing expectations for traceability in the Food and Beverage industry

-Replacing their paper-based processes

By first replacing their paper-based process to an electronic one, we can simultaneously resolve their other challenges.  Adapting inventory processes enables employees to be more efficient, and the reduction in error would equip Cameron’s Specialty Coffee with the right strategy to satisfy their online customers. The same goes for satisfying visibility standards by tracing all ingredients, where use of real-time data instead of paper processes would yield greater inventory visibility and traceability.

Sustaining growth: Cameron’s saw much growth in the last few years. eCommerce grew particularly fast during the Covid-19 pandemic. Additionally, Cameron’s was purchased by a larger Colombian company, which also increased the scale of their operations.

 

Using a WMS

 

Cameron’s Coffee turned to Generix to automate their processes and implemented WMS Solochain.

Managing growth: As a result of a 50% growth in demand, they had to enlarge their warehouse space by more than 25% between 2018 and 2020. Switching from paper-based processes to a WMS and automation made sure that Cameron’s could absorb all this growth without being overwhelmed by it. The implementation of the WMS also enabled them to do more with less: they did not have to increase the headcount of their finance department. They simply made it more efficient.

 

Attracting the New Generation of Warehouse Employees

 

Opting for the WMS solution also allowed smooth integration of the new processes with the warehouse employees as well as with those from finance. Employees prefer using tablets and computers to stacks of paper because they are polyvalent and interactive. It also relieves them from having to carry around a lot of material such as pens, notepads, and clipboards and all while operating warehouse equipment such as forklifts. The tablet replaces all those objects and are easy to carry.

To maximize efficiency, the system also needs to be user-friendly. The employees from Cameron’s Specialty Coffee reported that they adjusted quickly and easily to their new tool. Learning the ways of the warehouse was also made easier on new employees since processes are clearer in the WMS display than learning every corner of the warehouse by heart.

Warehouse automation also made work easier for people in the finance team since they could easily understand all the warehouse workflows and processes. Gone are the times of having to read people’s handwriting on sheets of paper.

In the end, automating the processes by making everyone’s job easier, eliminated most errors, whether they be found in the production chain, inventory count, or in shipping.

 

Optimized Processes

 

Thanks to the visibility offered by the WMS, Cameron’s Coffee is now able to reduce waste in its production chain by repurposing coffee beans. For example, if by mistake a batch is over-roasted, it can be easily re-routed to be utilized in the production of a darker roast. The WMS helps ensure that the correct type of bean and roasting degree is respected.

Amy Fitzgerald spoke to us about the implementation process and how enthusiastic the end-users were about switching to a more automated process: “Everyone likes to use electronics, it’s just exciting”, she said. The switch to high tech was also welcomed by end-users since it provided more accuracy for their tasks, leading them directly to locations and preventing errors. This made everyone’s day brighter.

Cameron’s Specialty Coffee had goal-specific challenges which were solved by streamlining processes and optimizing their warehousing operations and production by implementing the WMS and MES.

Generix Group North America provides a series of solutions within our Supply Chain Hub product suite to create efficiencies across an entire supply chain. From Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Transportation Management Systems (TMS) to Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), such platforms can deliver a wide range of benefits that ultimately flow to the warehouse operator’s bottom line. Our solutions are in use around the world and our experience is second-to-none. We invite you to contact us to learn more. 

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

The Tech Bet is Essential for 3PLs in 2021

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It’s now clear that consumer expectations are changing at a much faster pace than ever before, especially in the B2C arena. The pandemic has made us realize that market evolution, while already familiar to industry professionals, can be much faster and more demanding than we might think, but undoubtedly irreversible.

Companies are faced with the challenge of adapting their distribution and production models to align their operations with the changes taking place. Being equipped with greater agility, efficiency and transparency is no longer a simple competitive advantage. Every day, new competitors emerge who are well prepared in terms of technology and perfectly able to manage new challenges. Relying on a 3PL capable of offering efficient, robust, and scalable solutions becomes a primary need.

The five key tools a 3PL must have to succeed

–Warehouse Management system

-Visibility Solutions (tracking)

-Electronic data exchange

-Web portals

 

key_tools

 

What does the customer look for in a 3PL partner?

Connectivity

The 3PL must be part of a logistics ecosystem capable of ensuring integration between customers and suppliers. Only in this way can it guarantee the visibility that is essential for a supply chain capable of offering a high-quality service to the end customer.

Collaboration between different partners is an added value for the logistics chain and avoids one of the endemic evils that have always afflicted the supply chain: the interruptions in the exchange of information. Having an integration platform to manage the electronic exchange of data has become an indispensable factor for today’s logistics operators.

On the other hand, it is important that the warehouse management system be capable of integrating with external automated tools, such as sorters, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), RFID, pick-to-light, robots for automated picking, and all solutions that optimize a wide range of processes within the warehouse.

Finally, it is important to emphasize the ability of logistics to provide visibility, both internally and externally, by making use of tools such as collaborative portals, where information related to warehouse operations and shipment tracking can be consolidated. In this case, through connectivity with transportation companies or mobility apps.

Intelligence

The 3PL must have access to information about the client’s operations so that they can make thoughtful decisions and direct interventions toward improving operations based on real and accurate data.

The information also speeds up the billing process for logistics services with tools that collect billable items and issue invoices in EDI or any other format.

Scalability

The 3PL needs to focus on Software as a Service (SaaS) tools. Businesses and markets can change in a matter of months, so it is essential to be able to adapt quickly. A SaaS operating model allows for scalability, but it also reduces “time to market” by allowing various information systems to be integrated in a shorter timeframe.

Speed

The 3PL must be able to respond in moments of peak activity.

Logistics has become an increasingly short delivery time, so it is essential to react quickly, not only to manage peaks in activity, but also to be able to adapt with agility to the different ways of preparing orders. In this sector, warehouse management software is an essential tool for achieving the degree of planning and process automation necessary for the rapid and efficient execution of activities.

What technologies do customers require from a 3PL?

Technology has now been implemented within the entire supply chain, and the technology is advancing rapidly. Current logistics operators are aware of this, just as they know that present and future economic investments will have to go in that direction if they want to remain in the market and compete with new operators, who are starting with the best technology.

A bit like a race where you never reach the finish line, in the future technologies will evolve and shift to Big Data, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Technologies that will profoundly transform logistics and, more importantly, allow whoever adopts them to have an advantage in quality and an unbeatable positioning. Providing the customer with a plus in service, such that they do not have to resort to strategies based solely on prices, which are the biggest threat to the profitability of the logistics sector.

Tools that can bring tremendous value to the supply chain are the adoption of a control tower that can provide greater visibility across the chain, the use of blockchain, automated warehouses and robots to manage repetitive tasks such as warehousing, order picking, and arranging goods on the loading docks.

Investing in this type of technology will:

-Provide quick responses to the consumer.

-Take advantage of excellent customer service.

-Focus on differentiating yourself from the competition, a goal that, from a pricing strategy perspective, will allow you to provide a service that others cannot.

-Have an unprecedented amount of data that enables comprehensive supply chain analysis.

-Improve warehouse storage density.

-Increase the productivity potential of different operations.

Generix software for 3PLs who want to adapt to customer needs

The Generix Supply Chain Hub platform, which is offered in SaaS format allows logistics operators to manage the supply chain in an integrated and efficient way through its various tools, which have already been mentioned throughout the article.
Warehouse Management System

Recognized in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant, it responds precisely to the needs of the main sectors of activity (retail, eCommerce, automotive, beverages, food…) by providing the flexibility and configuration power demanded by logistics operators.

Generix WMS allows managing multi-warehouse and multi-customer operations through a tool with complete standard functionality. Thanks to its more than 30 years of experience in the market, Generix offers solutions for the management of e-commerce flows, the invoicing of logistics services or the connection with automated systems.

Technology is the bet that the most competitive 3PL companies are making to keep up with market demands and to be able to meet their customers’ expectations. We are facing a difficult but exciting change that will undoubtedly transform the logistics sector in a very short time.

Generix Group North America provides a series of solutions within our Supply Chain Hub product suite to create efficiencies across an entire supply chain. Our solutions are in use around the world and our experience is second-to-none. We invite you to contact us to learn more.

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Archives, Global Trade Daily, News

WESCO Doubles its Robot-Enhanced Warehouse Zone with Scallog

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Wesco – a specialist for healthy child development with products such as furniture, games and school utensils  – is rapidly expanding its range and is therefore doubling the Scallog Goods-to-Person robot zone at its Cerizay logistics platform in summer 2021.

Wesco, a French SME established in 1975, creates, manufactures and distributes fun and innovative products for children: furniture, games, educational material, motor skills modules, etc. It markets its 15,000 products to families and professionals working with children via mail order and via its e-commerce website. Today, the company exports its goods to 60 countries.

In response to its growing activity, Wesco will be doubling the Scallog robotized storage area at its logistics hub in the West of France in the summer of 2021. The company’s growing B2B and B2C order flows require increased storage density, a boost to productivity and an accelerated order picking rate. This logistics expansion project will allow better product availability and shorter delivery times, thereby increasing satisfaction amongst Wesco’s wide range of customers.

Arnaud Gaborieau, Wesco’s Logistics Manager, states: “Our logistics performance must reflect our company’s image, which combines innovation and quality with the enduring aim of satisfying our clients. Building on the success of our first Goods-to-Person project with Scallog, we are doubling the capacity of our robotized storage zone to increase our productivity and responsiveness. Once again, Scallog is supporting us in our growth, helping us to absorb our ever-increasing order picking loads and the peaks in our activity that typically occur at the start of the new school year and in the lead-up to the end-of-year holiday season.”

In summer 2021, the robotized storage zone will double to 1,000 m2: it will include 20,000 storage locations and 24 Scallog Boby robots, which will service four ergonomic workstations. These workstations will be able to be used for both picking and replenishment operations.

Furthermore, Wesco has also worked with Diplex on constructing a mezzanine above the Scallog zone to increase storage density. 

In conjunction with the INFFLUX BEXT WS solution, Scallog’s warehouse control system will optimize orders and the management of storage locations, accelerating picking rates and the ability to handle the company’s ever-increasing number of products.

Guided by a Pick-to-Light system, each operator will be able to manage up to 100 orders in parallel at its workstation, which is coupled with a conveyor system that enables goods to be routed to a number of further warehouse zones.

Doubling the size of the existing simple and easy-to-install Scallog Goods-to-Person robot system will take less than a month. With the new facility, Wesco anticipates a 100% increase in the number of order lines processed per hour, and ensures optimum use of the warehouse area.

pharmaceutical
Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, Warehousing

5 Ways WMS can Benefit the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain

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Warehouse management software is a must for every supply chain, but for some industries, it can provide additional benefits. Craig Powell, Managing Director of Balloon One, shares his insight into how warehouse management software can be used to optimize pharmaceutical logistics.

Every supply chain is dependent on effective warehouse management, but for the pharmaceutical industry, there are additionally complex challenges to be overcome. Fortunately, many of the unique issues that handling drugs and medical equipment present may be benefitted by the implementation of warehouse management software (WMS).

Below, I’ll take you through just some of the ways that WMS can benefit your pharmaceutical warehouse.

FMD compliance

With WMS technology, it’s easier to process and securely transfer digital information so that transparency across the whole supply chain can be achieved. This is crucial for compliance with the Falsified Medicines Directive (FMD). The FMD states that every pharmaceutical package must have a unique barcode, containing the batch number, expiry date, and a unique serial number. WMS can read these and keep track of this information, improving efficiency. This also ensures that SecurMed UK, the national medicine verification organization, can be informed when stock is received, moved, and picked for dispatch — again, in compliance with the FMD.

Time sensitivity

One of the most important elements of pharmaceutical supply is tracking drug expiry dates. WMS can keep dates and product locations to hand, along with other important digital information, to help optimize your first expired, first-out (FEFO) system of inventory management. Not only will this further ensure the goods you store and move are safer, but it can drastically decrease what slips through the cracks and needs to be thrown away once expired. This can help you keep to waste output targets and saves your clients money too, and fewer resources are wasted. It also helps ensure that stock spends as little time in transit and storage as possible, so efficiency is further improved.

Pharmaceutical maintenance

According to the MHRA, almost one-third of critical and major deficiencies are due to improper storage temperatures (ABB). WMS can help you keep track of complicated storage information such as the need for temperature or climate-controlled warehousing, as well as contamination control. It can even alert you to urgent issues such as faulty fridges. All this can prevent medicines from spoiling, keeping wasted stock to a minimum, and accurate temperature control can help save energy while lowering heating and cooling costs too.

Eliminating security concerns

With data and information, such as stock levels, presented in a visual, easy-to-digest format, you can also far more effectively manage security issues such as theft. Digitizing processes such as vendor tracking and labeling can prevent both accidental and criminal mislabelling, reducing the risk of ‘salting’; monitoring motion-detection alarms and cameras can prevent tampering and criminal activity, and logging each step of your safe disposal practices can prove useful for meeting regulations — or if you come across any legal or environmental trouble.

Customizable solutions

WMS is designed to be customizable to suit all kinds of projects, so no matter what your needs are, you’ll likely find the technology or be able to personalize your software to better streamline your processes. For example, if you need tailored traceability and storage monitoring, or personalized picking and packing systems, don’t make do — research the options that are available to you. If you can’t find a solution for a particularly complex warehousing requirement, speak to your WMS provider about what packages, add-ons, and personalized services they can provide.

These are just some of the ways WMS is elevating the pharmaceutical supply chain. If your warehouse has complex requirements, you may be surprised by how easily you can streamline your processes with this technology.

ROI
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Figuring Out the ROI for Your New Warehouse Management System

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Figuring out return on investment (ROI) is a core exercise for anyone who is making an investment in software or hardware. “What’s the ROI?” is a common question that a warehouse or logistics manager will get when it comes time to justify a new software investment to corporate leadership.

A performance measure used to evaluate the efficiency or profitability of an investment or compare the efficiency of a number of different investments, ROI attempts to directly measure the amount of return on a particular investment, relative to the investment’s cost. To calculate ROI, the benefit (or return) of an investment is divided by the cost of the investment. The result is expressed as a percentage or a ratio.

Of course, ROI isn’t just about dollars and cents. There are other factors that must be considered in order to come up with an accurate estimate of exactly what a company will get out of its warehouse management system (WMS) or other supply chain software suite. Other key “wins” to factor into the equation, for example, include:

-Labor savings

-Vehicle savings (i.e., fewer lift trucks)

-Inventory reductions

-Lower shipping expenses

-Fewer customer chargebacks

-Less need for outside storage facilities (and their associated fees)

-Being able to support business growth

-Customer satisfaction due to faster order fulfillment and accuracy

These and other points can be used to develop an accurate ROI for a new piece of software. “ROI is a popular metric because of its versatility and simplicity. Essentially, ROI can be used as a rudimentary gauge of an investment’s profitability,” Investopedia points out. “This could be the ROI on a stock investment, the ROI a company expects on expanding a factory, or the ROI generated in a real estate transaction. The calculation itself is not too complicated, and it is relatively easy to interpret for its wide range of applications.”

According to Forbes, the formula used to calculate ROI is:

[Gain on investment – cost of investment] divided by [cost of investment] = ROI

The cost of your investment is the amount of money you spend on implementing and maintaining your new software system, with the most obvious being licensing fees, tech support, and subscription service, Forbes points out. There may also be additional costs, including installing your new system, educating your staff about the upcoming switch, and training them on how to use the new system.

Gain of investment is the amount of money you stand to gain from implementing the new software system. For example, many health care providers and pharmacies have obligations to regulators. “If they don’t adhere to regulations, they may end up with a fine,” Forbes explains. “Many software packages offer safeguards to make sure companies adhere to all regulatory requirements, thus reducing the likelihood of these fines. The money you don’t pay out in fines would be a gain in investment.”

For clarity’s sake, Forbes says it’s always best to express ROI in relation to a period of time. Your ROI for the first month after you implement your software, for example, will differ from your ROI over the course of the year.

WMS-Specific Points

According to Explore WMS, defining the ROI of implementing WMS should be based on three factors:

Tangible. These are your benefits that are easily measured and validated. The most common ROI elements are going to be reduced overhead costs, improved order accuracy, efficiency gains, and inventory accuracy.

Intangible. These are the benefits that will feel apparent, but it is hard to validate the specifics. Your team might enjoy their workday better when cycle counts are automated or when they get notices about where a component should be on the floor.

Support. Some of your WMS benefits are measurable but can vary greatly and need to be put into their own bucket. These might be if a WMS makes your operations meet partner/vendor requirements and opens you up to potential new revenue streams. Or, a WMS’ reporting functionality may make it easier for you to comply with best practices and future regulatory demands.

“Think of your ROI on these levels, and you’ll start to see value as soon as you learn the functionalities of the WMS you select,” author Geoff Whiting explains. “When you begin to quantify them, you’ll often discover that you have more budget to invest elsewhere, can improve sales numbers, or are enhancing the work environment in ways that reduce turnover and attract high-caliber staff.”

Using ROI to Your Advantage

Taking the time to define and understand expected ROI will also give you a better understanding of your vendor choice and change management practices, Whiting adds. It can also make your next software purchase more viable and productive.

“You need ROI in the first place to know whether it is worth investing time and money in this new project or technology; and afterward to double-check if the investment was worth it and meeting your expectations,” Datapine adds. “By looking at past investment choices and performing an ROI analysis, you can assess these decisions and make better costs projections in the future.”

Generix Group North America provides a series of solutions within our Supply Chain Hub product suite to create efficiencies across an entire supply chain. From Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Transportation Management Systems (TMS) to Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and more, software platforms can deliver a wide range of benefits that ultimately flow to the warehouse operator’s bottom line. Our solutions are in use around the world and our experience is second-to-none. We invite you to contact us to learn more.

This article originally appeared on GenerixGroup.com. Republished with permission.

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Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, Warehousing

Attracting a New Generation of Warehouse Workers

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One of the biggest problems facing the warehousing industry today is the shortage in warehouse workers. Prior to the pandemic, it was estimated that the warehousing industry needed to fill roughly 450,000 jobs. Since then, the shortage has dramatically increased. 

 

As the world moves past the pandemic it is only natural for more workers to be hired, but the solution to the original problem was never resolved. The solution to a warehouse worker shortage lies in WMS and automation to attract a new generation of Workers.

Generational Differences

 

The Department of Labor Statistics released a study that shows the average tenure of individuals between the ages of 18-19 is 0.8 years, 20-24 is 1.3 years, and 25-34 is 2.3 years. This data shows Millennials and Generation Z are not inclined to work in warehouses. Within the next few years, kids who were born the same year as the first iPhone was released will enter the workforce. People who have only ever known touch screen cell phones will be applying for jobs in your warehouse.

To attract a generation of individuals who have lived with technology their entire lives you must offer them a place to work that does not leave them mentally exhausted, eases their labor with the assistance of safe technology and gives them a place to be proud to work.

 

Cameron Coffee Warehouse Efficiency

 

Cameron’s Coffee is a coffee roasting, packaging, and distribution company that receives its coffee beans from South America, stores them in Minnesota, and ships them to hundreds of stores across the country. They originally had a paper-only warehouse where individuals had to manually check and encode items.

They decided to update their warehouse and use a combination of the SOLOCHAIN WMS and MES that directly tied in their ERP. With the addition of the software coupled with iPads and handheld devices the efficiency of the warehouse skyrocketed leading to the growth of sales by 50%, e-commerce growth by 200% and 25% expansion of the warehouse.

With the new software and iPads, the workers efficiency and happiness also increased, due to a reduction in the time required to complete their jobs, the new technology and increased independence.

 

Updating Your Warehouse is Good for Employees

 

Choosing a WMS to update your warehouse, will not only lead to efficiency gains but will lead to an overall boost in employee morale. The more you reduce the mental and physical strain on your employees the happier they will be. Utilizing technologies that younger staff is comfortable with such as iPads and touch screen devices will make them more comfortable at work. Implementing voice commands into your warehouse will relieve the workers of the mental strain and lead to an increase in productivity.

Creating a smart warehouse and considering what the employee wants will decrease the rate of people leaving your warehouse and decrease the amount of time spent training new hires. It is important that you begin to consider employee happiness and retention when deciding to upgrade your warehouse.

Generix Group North America provides a series of solutions within our Supply Chain Hub product suite to create efficiencies across an entire supply chain. From Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Transportation Management Systems (TMS) to Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and more, software platforms can deliver a wide range of benefits that ultimately flow to the warehouse operator’s bottom line. Our solutions are in use around the world and our experience is second-to-none. We invite you to contact us to learn more.

 

This article originally appeared on GenerixGroup.com. Republished with permission.

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Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, Warehousing

Scallog, the French logistics Robotics Specialist, Sets Sail to Conquer the USA in Agreement with Bastian Solutions.

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Under its strategy of international development, Scallog has signed a major commercial agreement with Bastian Solutions, an integrator and one of the world’s top 20 logistics automation solutions providers, to market the Scallog goods-to-person robots for warehouses on the other side of the Atlantic.

Scallog, one of the leading suppliers of logistics robots in France, has
signed an integrator agreement with Bastian Solutions, a Toyota Advanced Logistics company, and a long-established intralogistics expert in the USA. The purpose of the agreement is to launch and market Scallog’s goods-to-person robotics solutions in the US. These solutions are designed to meet logistics challenges in a wide range of industries including food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, textiles, publishing and spare parts.

The American warehouse in the age of agility and flexibility!

The acceleration of eCommerce (up by over 32% according to eMarketer) and the impact of the Covid-19 crisis on the supply chain mean that warehouses in the USA are speeding up the automation of their operations to gain agility, shorten delivery times and increase service quality. The North American market has great potential for Scallog as only 5% of warehouses are fully automated and 15%, semi-automated (according to DHL). The Scallog robotic solutions – which compete with Amazon’s Kiva robotic solutions – meet the challenges currently facing logistics operators of automating their order picking process rapidly and flexibly at the lowest possible cost and without affecting their current systems.

The French innovation backed by a recognized intralogistics expert in the USA.

Bastian Solutions has added Scallog’s robotized order picking solutions to its offering in order to meet the growing need for agility and resilience among its logistics operator customers. The benefits of the Scallog solution include an ROI of under two years and flexibility, scalability and upgradability. These were determining factors in Bastian Solutions’ choice of Scallog as its collaborator in the supply of robots to transport shelf units to operators. With Scallog, American logistics operators can now embark on, and grow, their warehouse automation to meet their evolving requirements, spreading their investment and continuing their operations and/or production uninterrupted.

The agreement with Bastian Solutions is part of Scallog’s strategy of phased international development. Joining forces with a well respected local player such as Bastian Solutions gives Scallog more rapid access to the US market due to its partner’s understanding of local conditions and ability to provide local support and high-quality services. Bastian Solutions, an integrator ranked among the world’s top 20 suppliers of logistics automation solutions, employs 1,000
people in 20 national offices and its subsidiaries in Canada, Brazil, Mexico and India. Over 30 of Bastian Solutions’ employees have already been trained in Scallog solutions as part of a skills transfer, and co-marketing activities will begin in the first quarter of 2021.

“This collaboration illustrates a change in scale in our strategy of international expansion, in line with our ambitions for deployment and commercial presence in key markets. The United States represents a new Eldorado for logistics robotics, where our value proposition for the automation of order picking has everything required to meet the growing demand for efficiency, agility and resilience in American warehouses”, says Olivier Rochet, CEO of Scallog.

Olivier adds: “We are delighted to be associated with a recognized intralogistics expert such as Bastian Solutions, which represents the ideal American partner inasmuch as our offerings, expertise, services and values complement each other so well. Bastian Solutions’ position, experience and in-depth knowledge of automation will accelerate the bringing to market, adoption and development of our vertical robotics solutions for the warehouses of the future in the USA – connected, digitalized and robotized”.

“We must continuously add technologies that address the growing demand and changing landscape order fulfillment providers face. Scallog’s technology will help us continue providing our customers with the competitive advantage they need to stay ahead in today’s market. We’re looking forward to introducing Scallog to our global network of clients”, enthuses Marvin Logan, Vice President of Consulting and Integration at Bastian Solutions.

The companies anticipate the first installations of Scallog solutions in the first half of 2021.

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About Bastian Solutions:
Bastian Solutions, a Toyota Advanced Logistics company, is a trusted supply chain integration partner committed to providing clients a competitive advantage by designing and delivering world-class distribution and production solutions. By combining data-driven designs, scalable material handling systems, and innovative software, the company helps clients across a broad spectrum of markets become leaders in their industries. For more information, visit www.bastiansolutions.com.

About Scallog:
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 arduous working conditions for employees and helping to phase investment. Its goodsto-person range includes the best “intelligent” 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 customers to its name and substantial funds raised, Scallog – the pioneer of scalable, flexible logistics robotics – is now aiming to boost its growth across Europe. www.scallog.com