Landstar Services - 2013

So, whether your operation is small or large, Landstar can offer a solution that fits your supply chain processes and your budget. Whatever you require -- a Truckload or less-than-truckload, shipment by rail, ocean or by air, whether you need it expedited or just in time, oversized, over seas or across the border. Let Landstar create integrated transportation logistics solutions for you.

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Waymo

Waymo is an autonomous driving technology company with a mission to make it safe and easy for people and things to move around. With the Waymo Driver, we can improve the world’s mobility while saving thousands of lives.Waymo reaches out to candidates from official channels only (e.g. directly from @waymo.com email addresses, or through our recruiters or sourcers who are noted as such on LinkedIn). We do not contact candidates about career opportunities through instant messaging apps like Telegram, email addresses from domains other than waymo.com (such as Gmail addresses), direct messages on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, or text messages. Visit waymo.com to check out our official job listings.

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Warehousing and Distribution

Top 10 Warehouse Automation Tools to Optimize Supply Chain Performance

Article | July 17, 2023

Transform the supply chain with cutting-edge warehouse automation tools. Enhance productivity, minimize costs, and deliver exceptional customer experiences to stay ahead in the competitive market. In the rapidly evolving world of manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain management, adopting automation has become imperative for businesses aiming to maintain a competitive edge. By minimizing costs, enhancing efficiency, and reducing downtime, automation delivers optimal value for manufacturers. However, selecting the right partner can be challenging with numerous warehouse automation companies available. This article explains the features and benefits of top ten warehouse automation tools that offer expertise in improving business operations. These data warehouse tools provide comprehensive solutions to meet diverse needs of the logistics and warehousing companies and improve the supply chain performance. 1. 3PL WMS Software Solution 3PL WMS Software Solution is one of the leading warehouse automation tools for supply chain operations. This software has comprehensive features that automate and streamline warehouse processes, offering unprecedented efficiency. The tool seamlessly integrates with existing systems and provides total transparency and control. 3PL warehouse automation software boosts order throughput, reduces pick time, and automates billing effortlessly. Gain unprecedented insights through accurate, real-time reporting, ensuring inventory accuracy and reducing lost-inventory costs. This warehouse automation tool, designed as the warehouse management backbone, revolutionizes operations, enhances customer satisfaction, and drives exponential growth. 2. Datex 3PL WMS Datex 3PL WMS offers the most innovative warehouse management tools that help implement warehouse automation in the supply chain process for transportation services. This software empowers transportation and logistics services, revolutionizing material handling, storage, trans-loading, cross-docking, and more. It supports diverse industries such as refineries, steel mills, and energy distribution facilities. Its flexibility makes it an optimal solution to handle any inventory type, including bulk materials, steel products, liquids, and hazardous materials. This automated warehouse software also enables multi-warehouse operations and accommodates various modes of transportation. Additionally, Datex 3PL WMS boasts a highly flexible billing system, allowing individualized billing strategies and capturing value-added services. Industry experts benefit from streamlined processes, improved efficiency, and accurate billing, ultimately enhancing their supply chain business and warehouse operations. 3. Deposco Deposco Bright Warehouse is a game-changing warehouse management software solution that offers advanced features and capabilities to businesses of all sizes. This data warehouse tool empowers companies to pick, pack, and ship orders efficiently, optimizing processes to further improve order fulfillment while reducing operational costs. It provides strategic order allocation, workgroup segmentation, and optimized picking strategies, to achieve accurate and speedy order fulfillment. The software offers network-wide inventory visibility through advanced tracking, barcoding, and management capabilities. This solution automates shipping processes by seamlessly integrating with carriers, ensuring maximum accuracy and speed. Leveraging its material handling technology for automation can lead to significant productivity improvements. Businesses can enhance their capabilities by accessing a unified view of operations, utilizing customization options, and benefiting from direct API integration with shipping carriers. 4. Softeon Softeon is a powerful warehouse management tools for supply chain automation. Its comprehensive WMS optimizes distribution operations, handling all essential tasks while offering unique functionality for a competitive edge. With a proven deployment success rate and flexible delivery options in the cloud or on-premise, Softeon empowers businesses to streamline inventory management and delivery processes. By integrating with their Warehouse Execution System (WES), warehouse and distribution companies can further enhance order fulfillment orchestration and optimization. Industry leaders like UPS Supply Chain Solutions and Sears Home Services rely on this warehouse automation software. 5. Logiwa WMS Logiwa WMS offers a cloud fulfillment platform that combines WMS software and order fulfillment capabilities, enabling companies to operate a digital fulfillment network and expand their direct-to-consumer operations without the need for additional staff. The data warehouse management tool offers comprehensive warehouse and inventory management functionality, billing, and seamless integrations with over 200 ecommerce, accounting, and shipping solutions; it empowers 3PL providers to optimize order fulfillment, enhance speed and accuracy, and drive customer satisfaction. 6. SnapFulfill SnapFulfill is one of the leading warehouse management technologies that empower companies across various industries, including B2C and B2B retail, third-party logistics, manufacturing, food and beverage, and electronics, to optimize their inventory, space, and resources. With SnapFulfill's class-leading warehouse management solutions, businesses can streamline operations and enhance efficiency. The software offers flexible deployment options and payment methods for diverse warehousing challenges. By utilizing SnapFulfill, industry experts gain access to advanced data warehouse tools that enable them to improve their supply chain business, enhance warehouse and distribution processes, and achieve optimal inventory management for increased productivity and profitability. 7. Indigo Software Indigo WMS is an award-winning warehouse management system tool designed to enhance supply chain operations. It offers real-time control, visibility, and functionality for all warehouse processes. It is one of the best supply chain tools to track inventory in real-time, enabling efficient cycle counting, forward pick replenishment, and improved inventory forecasting. With Indigo WMS warehouse automation software, these tasks are automated, and the software ensures greater picking accuracy, reduces returns, and enables on-time and complete deliveries. It seamlessly integrates with existing systems, whether from SAP, Microsoft, Oracle, Infor, Sage, or other ERP, TMS, or SCP vendors, providing live and up-to-date data visibility across the entire supply chain process. 8. OrderWise OrderWise is an order management system that empowers businesses in the consumer goods and retail sector to accelerate operations and deliver exceptional customer service. With its integrated features, OrderWise ensures seamless order processing and maximizes sales opportunities. By tracking orders from various sales channels, managing tight schedules, and making real-time adjustments, businesses can meet customer demands promptly. This is one of those supply chain management tools that provides valuable insights into customer purchase history and stock availability, enabling personalized recommendations and enhancing sales effectiveness. Whether for ecommerce, retail, or B2B sales, OrderWise streamlines order operations, making them smoother, faster, and more accurate. 9. Balloon One Balloon One provides supply chain management tools, offering tailored software solutions to distribution, manufacturing, and e-commerce businesses. Its expertise lies in streamlining processes, optimizing resource allocation, and enhancing operational efficiency. With a focus on minimal disruption, Balloon One seamlessly implements software solutions, ensuring uninterrupted business operations. As an impartial advisor, the software offers both SAP Business One and NetSuite, thus allowing to recommend the ideal ERP system for each company's unique requirements. In addition, this software provides wholesale and distribution businesses with the robust HighJump WMS, a real-time warehouse management system that delivers scalability and flexibility. 10. Foxfire Foxfire offers supply chain management tools specializing in Warehouse Management Systems (WMS). It offers WMS solutions, including features to optimize inventory, increase labor productivity, and enhance customer satisfaction. With over 20 years of industry experience, Foxfire has a proven track record of delivering measurable results to customers worldwide. This tool provides a comprehensive approach, including needs assessment, best practice recommendations, training, and ongoing support. Additionally, it is cost-effective by delivering low lifetime costs. Conclusion The warehouse automation market is experiencing significant growth, with a wide array of exceptional warehouse automation tools that offer high-quality solutions. Regardless of any special requirements, exploring the features of each warehouse automation tools is vital to identify the ideal fit for any business. Choosing the correct solution from the data warehouse tools list will help to improve inventory management and distribution efficiency through warehouse automation. Embrace the opportunity to streamline processes by leveraging supply chain management tools and warehouse automation solutions and experience the transformative power of automation to unlock the full potential of your business.

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Warehousing and Distribution

Role of Warehouse Management Systems to Drive Productivity & Accuracy

Article | June 16, 2023

Unlock operational efficiency and deliver exceptional customer service with a WMS. Learn how cloud-based WMS improves control, enhances customer service, and prepares businesses to develop & succeed. Contents 1. Importance of Warehouse Management Systems 2. How Warehouse Management Systems Optimize Operations 2.1. Productivity Tracking 2.2. Inventory Control 2.3. Labor Management System 2.4. Slotting 2.5. Batching Logic 3. Essential Warehouse Operations Procedures 3.1. Inbound Logistics Process 3.2. Outbound Logistics Process 5. Conclusion 1. Importance of Warehouse Management Systems A warehouse management system (WMS) is essential for optimizing warehouse operations and delivering exceptional customer service. There are five compelling reasons to consider implementing a WMS. Firstly, it enhances inventory control and management by reducing inventory levels, improving order fulfillment, and increasing accuracy. Secondly, it improves customer service and tracking through improved picking accuracy and automated shipment organization. Thirdly, a WMS boosts company productivity by adding warehouse efficiency and quality control to the fulfillment process. Fourthly, it provides a significant return on investment by improving sales accuracy, reducing errors, providing safe warehouse and simplifying customer support. Lastly, a good WMS integrates seamlessly with existing business management systems and adapts to evolving needs. Additionally, WMS enables businesses to meet compliance regulations through real-time data recording, enhanced business intelligence, and process automation. 2. How Warehouse Management Systems Optimize Operations 2.1. Productivity Tracking Warehouse management systems (WMS) are crucial in optimizing operations by providing comprehensive productivity tracking tools. These systems capture and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) such as order fulfillment rates, picking accuracy, and labor productivity. Organizations can identify bottlenecks, allocate resources effectively, and implement process improvements by tracking these metrics in real-time and generating insightful reports. With WMS productivity tracking, businesses gain a clear understanding of their operational efficiency and can make data-driven decisions to enhance overall performance. 2.2. Inventory Control Efficient inventory control is essential for logistics warehouse management, and WMS solutions excel in this aspect. WMS provides real-time visibility into inventory levels, locations, and movements. Businesses can accurately track stock levels, monitor expiration dates, and implement automated replenishment warehouse processes. With advanced features like cycle counting and stock level alerts, WMS ensures inventory accuracy and reduces carrying costs. By optimizing inventory control, businesses can avoid stockouts, minimize excess stock, and improve order fulfillment rates, enhancing customer satisfaction. 2.3. Labor Management System WMS incorporates a robust labor management system that enables businesses to allocate and manage their workforce effectively. These systems provide tools for labor planning, task allocation, and performance tracking. WMS optimizes labor allocation by assigning tasks based on employee skills, availability, and workload. By monitoring labor productivity and efficiency, businesses can identify opportunities for improvement and implement training programs to enhance employee performance. With WMS labor management capabilities, organizations optimize labor costs, minimize overtime, and improve overall operational efficiency. 2.4. Slotting Strategic slotting is a critical component of warehouse optimization, and WMS offers advanced slotting capabilities. By analyzing data on product demand, turnover rates, and order frequency, WMS determines the optimal locations for different products within the warehouse. Efficient slotting reduces travel time, minimizes congestion, and streamlines order picking. WMS enables businesses to assign appropriate storage locations based on product size, weight, and velocity. By optimizing slotting strategies, organizations can significantly enhance picking efficiency, reduce errors, and improve overall warehouse productivity. 2.5. Batching Logic Batching logic is a key feature of WMS that enhances order-picking efficiency. WMS intelligently groups multiple orders with similar product requirements, locations, or delivery routes. By consolidating these orders into batches, the system enables batch picking, where a picker can fulfill multiple orders in a single trip through the warehouse. Batching logic reduces travel time, minimizes labor costs, and increases order picking speed. By maximizing picking efficiency, businesses can improve order fulfillment rates, reduce order cycle time, and meet customer expectations effectively. 3. Essential Warehouse Operations Procedures A robust distribution center network serves as the backbone of operations, transforming raw materials into finished products and ensuring their timely delivery to customers. To gain a comprehensive view of logistics network and improve supply chain visibility, it's crucial to understand the distinction between inbound and outbound logistics. 3.1. Inbound Logistics Process Inbound logistics encompasses the services required to bring materials and goods into businesses. This includes transportation, storage, and delivery processes. With the help of warehouse management systems (WMS), purchasing can be streamlined by synchronizing vendor details and inventory control levels. WMS allows efficient receipt scanning and guides warehouse staff to shelve items accurately. It also recommends optimal put-away, slotting, and storage space utilization techniques. Additionally, WMS facilitates reverse logistics by providing real-time information on product availability, enabling timely restocking and preventing stockouts. 3.2. Outbound Logistics Process Outbound logistics focuses on the storage, transportation, and delivery systems that ensures finished products reach their final destination. WMS plays a vital role in this process as well. It enables accurate order picking through barcode or RFID scanners, reducing errors and ensuring the right products are chosen. Warehouse management processes integrated with WMS can automate product packaging, allowing for differentiation across sizes and optimizing packaging channels. Moreover, WMS simplifies printing shipping labels, price tags, logos, and other necessary documentation, eliminating manual data input and reducing human errors. WMS enhances the overall customer experience and minimizes fulfillment errors by ensuring timely delivery and notifying customers. 4. Implementing Cloud Warehouse Management Systems to improve productivity Using a cloud-based warehouse management system offers several advantages for businesses looking to optimize their inventory control and streamline operations in complex distribution environments. Cloud supply chain management solutions provide benefits like multi-warehouse tracking, sales forecasting, and on-time delivery. Here are three key benefits of implementing a cloud WMS: Increased control over business growth: Cloud-based WMS provides real-time visibility into inventory, allowing businesses to manage operations and make informed decisions efficiently. With automatic updates and centralized access, stakeholders can access relevant information anytime, enabling better control over business growth and flexibility to adapt to changing market demands. Improved customer service: A cloud WMS empowers teams to track shipments, update arrival dates, and effectively manage the supply chain. It enables seamless communication and collaboration across the organization, ensuring timely deliveries and enhancing customer satisfaction. Efficiently conveying information leads to better customer service and a competitive edge. Preparedness for upcoming changes: Cloud WMS offers an affordable and scalable warehousing solution. With cloud computing, businesses can easily adjust resources to meet fluctuating demands and seasonal changes. The ‘self-service’ access to WMS applications in the cloud allows for increased agility and quick adaptation to evolving business needs. Unlike traditional self-hosted systems, cloud WMS eliminates the need for upfront hardware investments and provides seamless scalability. 5. Conclusion In the rapidly evolving business landscape, a warehouse management system (WMS) holds immense importance for organizations aiming to optimize their operations. As we look to the future, the role of WMS becomes even more crucial. With advancements in technology and the advent of new platforms, a cloud-based WMS offers unparalleled integration possibilities. By harnessing the power of cloud supply chain planning systems, businesses can gain better control over their inventory and navigate the complexities of modern distribution environments. The benefits are significant: increased control over business growth, improved customer service through real-time tracking, and preparedness for upcoming changes. By embracing cloud, WMS empowers businesses to stay agile, enhance productivity, and drive sustainable success in the dynamic business landscape of the future.

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Supply Chain

Emerging Trends in Supply Chain Management

Article | May 22, 2023

Supply chain is the backbone of any business. Since there is a supply chain in existence, you can buy whatever product you want. The supply chain is evolving since the Industrial Revolution, and it is still changing, and the evolution journey is fascinating. Before moving forward with the article, first, let's understand supply chain and supply chain management. What is a Supply Chain? A supply chain is an entire process of producing and selling commercial goods, beginning with the procurement of raw materials and ending with the distribution and sale of the goods. The supply chain ensures that a product is available in the right place, at the right time, and the lowest possible cost while ensuring the product quality. The supply chain aims to provide the maximum value to the customer at the minimum likely costs. The supply chain is the single most significant expense for businesses, and it provides them with a tremendous opportunity to improve and increase savings and profit margins. The price of most products is competitive in the market, but the supply chain determines the product's profit margin. The demand for products and services fluctuates for various reasons, and meeting this fluctuating demand with a higher degree of quality requires knowledge of supply chain management. Effective supply chain management is essential for any business to compete in the market. What is Supply Chain Management? Supply chain management is an essential factor in a business's long-term success. The management of how goods and services evolve from raw materials to products sold to consumers is known as supply chain management. It includes the processes of transporting and storing raw materials, storing finished goods until they sell, and tracking where sold goods go so that you can use the data to boost future sales. Supply Chain Management includes all aspects of business activities, including logistics, purchasing, and information technology. Materials, finances, suppliers, manufacturing plants, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers are all combined into a single system. A business with a well-managed supply chain can significantly reduce all operating costs associated with that chain, resulting in higher profits. The main goal of effective supply chain management is to increase profitability by improving customer satisfaction and reducing business costs. Profits improve as expenses are in control and reduced when possible. When the costs of purchasing raw materials and manufacturing goods drop, the operating costs also decrease. Challenges in Supply Chain Management There are many challenges related to supply chain management. In this section, we will focus on some of the most significant supply chain management challenges. • Visibility: It is a significant issue in supply chain management. Businesses are unable to track all international cargo. The majority of data on the ocean or air shipments is often unavailable. Between 2008 and 2016, an average of 600 containers lost at sea (it does not include catastrophic incidents). These figures are concerning because the amount of cargo shipped over time is rapidly rising. • Uncertainty: Uncertainty has been difficult in supply chain management. Demand planning is essential because many businesses have massive amounts of leftovers. If it is perishable, it is thrown away. There is a lot of waste, and it's all because of bad planning. In addition, initial raw materials may be unreliable, or lead time may be unpredictable. It isn't easy to be confident of any part of the supply chain, mainly because it is an extensive system. • Customer Service: Supply chain management is all about getting the right product to the correct location at the right time. It seems easy at first, but it can quickly become complicated. • Cost Management: Increasing energy/fuel and freight costs, a more significant number of global customers, technology, rising labor wages, new regulations, and rising commodity prices all strain operating costs. • Planning and Risk Management: Annual reviews and redesigns are needed to be efficient and effective. These changes are in reaction to market changes, such as new product releases, global sourcing, credit availability, and the need to protect intellectual property. To monitor and minimize these threats, they must be identified and quantified. • Supplier/Partner Relationship Management: It is crucial to create, understand, and follow mutually agreed standards to understand current performance and areas for improvement better. Using two separate approaches to measure and communicate performance results is a waste of time and resources. Trusting the system that was in place to ensure consistency and better supplier/partner relationships is necessary. Emerging Trends in Supply Chain The supply chain process is continuously evolving. The emerging supply chain and logistics trends prioritize intelligent, tech-driven management to minimize operational costs and enhance efficiency. The logistics and supply chain aspect is vital for any business in supplying high-quality raw materials, ensuring an efficient manufacturing process, and tracking, shipping, and storing finished goods. Companies that implement well-designed supply chain practices can satisfy customer needs more quickly and efficiently. This improves customer relationships and loyalty, resulting in increased revenue and the acquisition of new customers through positive word of mouth. Let's look at some significant emerging trends that are expected to shape and develop supply chain operations in the future. Digitization of Supply Chains Digitization is the process of reinventing logistics operations by combining the latest technology with other physical and digital assets. Digitization allows us to better adapt to the fast-paced, highly competitive, omnichannel business environment. Digitization increases the speed, dynamics, and resiliency of supply chain operations, resulting in improved customer responsiveness and, ultimately, increased revenue. Companies that embrace digitalization can gain genuine value, improved revenue, and market valuation. Companies should significantly redesign their supply chain strategy to gain the full benefits of digitization. It is not enough to decorate it with digital technology. The Internet of Things (IoT) occupies a significant position in digitalization as a highly transformational technology solution in the logistics sphere. The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of interconnected computing devices that allows data to be sent over networks without human input. It assists businesses in monitoring inventory, managing warehouse stock, optimizing fleet routes, and reducing dead miles. Artificial Intelligence Advanced Artificial Intelligence solutions have several uses in the supply chain, particularly in the warehousing area. The procurement process involves using gesture recognition solutions instead of keyboard and mouse. It also includes self-driving vehicles, which are designed to navigate without human assistance. In the supply chain, the concept of robotics and automation is widely implemented. The new generation of robots is easier to program, more flexible, and more affordable. Their job is to help employees with repetitive and physically challenging tasks. Enhanced Supply Chain Visibility Proper supply chain data analysis can significantly boost business forecasting and decision-making. It can also optimize the use of inventory management, storage, and transportation resources. Supply chain visibility provides information on what is happening at each stage of the supply chain. It is crucial for the overall efficiency of the supply chain process, which includes sourcing, manufacturing, transportation, and delivery. Real-time inventory management is one of the advantages of enhanced chain visibility. It uses mobile point-of-sale systems and sensors, and it elevates inventory management to a whole new level. For example, instead of paying for purchased goods at a store, customers can take the desired products and have the products immediately charged to their credit and debit cards. Furthermore, real-time inventory management allows for the replacement of goods as they are consumed. Circular Supply Chain The term "linear supply chain" refers to the traditional concept where goods travel in a straight line (from raw material to finished product). Modern logistics techniques are focused on the circular supply chain idea, which involves reusing previously, used products as raw materials. Reusing products and materials is referred to as reverse logistics, and it is a novel and innovative technique. It assists businesses in reducing administrative and transportation expenses, increasing sustainability, improving customer service and loyalty, creating value, and conserving resources. Used products can be kept in circulation if businesses work together with their suppliers and customers. More focus on Risk Management and Supply Chain Resiliency Without a doubt, companies must seriously consider supply chain risk management as a means to prepare for unfavorable circumstances. The increasing use of outsourcing, offshoring, product versatility, supply chain security, and significant interdependence across the supply chain highlights the need to deal with risks in the supply chain. However, no matter how solid the plan is, it cannot prevent errors from happening. Here's where supply chain resilience comes into play. It is an accurate indicator of a company's ability to survive disruptive circumstances. Visibility throughout the supply chain is necessary to detect disruptions, close collaboration with suppliers and distributors so that alternative supply routes can be found, and a good incident response plan to provide a course of action when disruption occurs are all steps that are important to make the supply chain more flexible and resilient. Use of SaaS in the Supply Chain The software-as-a-service (SaaS) Sapproach is growing in popularity in supply chain technology and logistics management and the growth of cloud computing. This is primarily due to SaaS's security and safety and the convenience of paying for precisely the services you require. Companies can avoid the high fixed costs of system maintenance, upgrades, and infrastructure-related expenditures by using SaaS. Supply chains are continuously evolving technology, and the diversity of employee skill sets is playing an essential role in this evolution. Organizations are becoming more conscious of changes in their market competition and continuously updating or even reinventing their market offering to maintain and develop their market positioning. Many companies are already turning to technology to improve their supply chain operations; however, before new systems are implemented and employees are upskilled to adapt to new ways of working, existing processes must be reviewed to eliminate waste activities from the supply chain, and data must be cleansed. To meet consumer demands, supply chains must be constantly checked for efficiency improvements and aligned with corporate strategy. At present, many organizations are reviewing the length of their supply chains, intending to minimize the overall size and bring supply chains closer to the organization or the end consumer, reduce risk exposure, eliminate waste, and align with corporate strategy. FAQ’s • What are the three foundations of supply chain? The three foundations of a supply chain are strategy, service, and cost. Aligning the strategy, service and cost is essential to support your company’s overall business growth and objectives. A good strategy along with good service and reduced costs helps in increasing profitability and customer satisfaction. • What are the pillars of supply chain? Plan, Source, Make, Deliver and Return are the pillars of supply chain. Planning involves strategies and methods to be planned, Sourcing means procuring raw materials and other services, Making means manufacturing, Deliver means ensuring that the products reach the customers on time and Return means post delivery customer support that is associated with all kinds of returned products. • Why supply chain management is important? The management of how goods and services evolve from raw materials to products sold to consumers is known as supply chain management. It includes the processes of transporting and storing raw materials, storing finished goods until they sell, and tracking where sold goods go so that you can use the data to boost future sales. A business with a well-managed supply chain can significantly reduce all operating costs associated with that chain, resulting in higher profits. 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The main goal of effective supply chain management is to increase profitability by improving customer satisfaction and reducing business costs." } }] }

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Warehousing and Distribution

Shelves to Success: Essential Distribution & Warehousing Reads

Article | June 27, 2023

Explore the techniques to improve warehousing and distribution centre. Learn from the best books of logistics and distribution management and enhance warehousing operations and distribution processes. Efficient warehouse management is crucial in the complex world of distribution and logistics. With various warehouse types serving different purposes, warehouse managers are responsible for ensuring smooth operations, safeguarding valuable goods, and optimizing supply chain units. Building a strong knowledge base is key, and the best way to start is by delving into the top warehouse management books. This article presents a curated list of essential reads that will provide you with a solid foundation in the warehouse and distribution field. From understanding fundamentals to exploring cutting-edge practices, these books help in better decision-making regarding warehousing and distribution operations. 1. Fundamentals of Warehousing & Distribution Author Name: Material Handling Industry Fundamentals of Warehousing & Distribution is an essential book for professionals in the warehousing and distribution industry. Published as part of the MHI Career & Technical Education Program, this series of four warehouse management books provides comprehensive knowledge on material handling equipment, information technology tools, and warehouse operations. Volume 1 serves as a foundational guide, introducing readers to modern warehouses and distribution centers' equipment, processes, and operations. With its focus on practical knowledge and industry best practices, this warehouse and distribution book provides readers with the skills and expertise necessary for successful warehouse and distribution management. 2. Warehousing and Distribution Practices Author Name: xu ji ying Divided into two parts, Warehousing and Distribution Practices covers seven key areas of the real-world processes for managing storage and implementation of effective distribution strategies. This distribution management book focus on essential knowledge and skills, each section provides valuable insights through logistics standard terms, case studies, knowledge links, and practical application. As one of the best books on logistics and distribution management, it will give you the complete step-by-step guidance to expand and improve warehousing and distribution centre by leveraging the theory shared by xu ji ying. 3. Warehousing And Distribution Management Project Type Tutorial Author Name: Wang Yu Warehousing and Distribution Management Project Type Tutorial, a logistics and supply chain management book, revolutionize logistics education with its innovative approach. This comprehensive book goes beyond traditional teaching methods, immersing readers in real-world scenarios and practical projects. Through eleven immersive teaching projects and thirty-two dynamic learning tasks, readers gain hands-on experience in system planning, business management, quality control, inventory operations, technology application, and more. Developed in collaboration with industry experts, this tutorial bridges the gap between theory and practice, empowering logistics professionals to navigate the complexities of warehouse and distribution management. With its unique project-based structure, this warehousing and distribution book delivers a transformative learning experience for aspiring logistics and supply chain industry leaders. 4. Fundamentals of Warehousing & Distribution: Volume 3 Author Name: MHI Fundamentals of Warehousing & Distribution, a logistics and supply chain management book revolutionizes how logistics professionals perceive warehouses. By delving into captivating case study examples, this book unveils the intricacies of different warehouse configurations, showcasing how cutting-edge equipment and technologies empower diverse order fulfilment strategies. It challenges conventional wisdom by emphasizing that warehouses are no longer mere storage spaces; they have transformed into dynamic hubs that efficiently cater to a wide range of order types, from bulk shipments to individual products. With its ground-breaking insights and practical applications, this volume is a game-changer for industry experts seeking to elevate their warehousing and distribution management skills. 5. Warehouse Distribution and Operations Handbook Author Name: David Mulcahy Optimize warehouse operations with this warehouse and distribution management book, Warehouse Distribution and Operations Handbook. With a focus on improving inventory management, reducing costs and enhancing customer experiences, this handbook offers best practices, methods, equipment applications and technologies to utilize in different warehouse and distribution centres. Whether it's industrial, mail-order, or retail facilities, this comprehensive logistics and distribution management book provides the knowledge and strategies to drive profitability and control assets. It is an essential resource for anyone in the logistics industry looking to master distribution management and excel in warehouse operations. 6. Warehouse and Distribution Centre Author and Editor Name: Robert Mulder & Michiel Kobussen The warehouse and Distribution Centre is a valuable resource for logistics professionals and architects navigating the evolving landscape of warehouse design. This distribution management book addresses designers' pressing challenges, including cost control, technical requirements, and safety considerations. It offers a comprehensive system of theories, guidelines, and design standards, accompanied by a diverse collection of global warehouse and distribution centre projects. Balancing both the ends of practical reference and inspirational examples, this best book for distribution management equips readers with the knowledge and insights needed to create efficient, innovative, and sustainable warehouse and distribution solutions. It is a must-read for anyone involved in warehousing and distribution management. 7. Warehousing and Distribution Operation Practice Author Name: peng jian cheng Rooted in practical vocational education, Warehousing and Distribution Operation Practice is a book that emphasizes integrating theoretical knowledge with functional operations. It provides a hands-on approach to learning, enabling readers to apply their knowledge directly in real-world scenarios. This warehousing and distribution book will give you the required skills and expertise to optimize operational efficiency. With the help of practices shared by peng jian in the warehouse management book, readers will get insights into supply chain management and logistics operations. In addition, it will not only help in improving the processes in the warehouse and distribution but also enhance the overall business. 8. Operations and Supply Chain Management Essentials You Always Wanted to Know Author Name: Vibrant Publishers & Ashley McDonough Overcome the complexities of supply chain management and warehouse operations with Operations and Supply Chain Management Essentials You Always Wanted to Know. This engaging book takes you on a captivating journey through the interconnected world of logistics, unveiling the significance of every step in the process. Through a compelling narrative centred around a fictional company and its consumer product, you'll explore the challenges, decisions, and adaptations supply chain professionals face. Gain a deep understanding of supply chain operations, from disruptive forces to practical applications, and discover the importance of interactive business domains. 9. Start your Own Wholesale Distribution Business Author Name: The Staff of Entrepreneur Media & Christopher Matthew Spencer Embark on a lucrative journey in the distribution industry with 'Start Your Own Wholesale Distribution Business.' This comprehensive guide, crafted by the experts at Entrepreneur Media, equips you with the essential steps to establish a thriving wholesale operation from the comfort of your home. Discover the art of being an intermediary, connecting manufacturers and retailers to reap profits. Uncover industry-specific strategies, secure funding, identify profitable niches, forge valuable partnerships, and effectively market your business. With insights from experienced wholesale distributors, sample forms, checklists, and worksheets, this warehousing and distribution book is your roadmap to mastering the world of distribution and logistics. 10. Warehouse Management: The Definitive Guide to Improving Efficiency and Minimizing Costs in the Morden Warehouse Author Name: Gwynne Richards Discover one of the best books for logistics management in the modern era with 'Warehouse Management: The Definitive Guide to Improving Efficiency and Minimizing Costs in the Modern Warehouse.' This extensively updated fourth edition delves into the latest technologies, such as robotics, cobots, and AI, revolutionizing warehouse operations. Author Gwynne Richards offers expert insights and realistic solutions to optimize warehouse performance and improve efficiency. This effective distribution management book provides strategies and environmental initiatives to ensure a sustainable supply chain. Packed with real case studies and online resources, this book is an essential resource for distribution and logistics professionals. Conclusion Warehousing and distribution books have been a valuable resource for reference in the logistics field. While this compilation is not exhaustive, it offers a robust selection of warehouse management books that can effectively address various related challenges. Whether seeking insights into warehouse and transportation management or exploring other facets of supply chain management, logistics management, and procurement, the knowledge gained will be a worthwhile investment for future decision-making.

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Waymo

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Operations, Supply Chain, Transportation

CPKC Joins RailPulse Coalition Driving Innovation in Railcar Telematics

PR Newswire | February 02, 2024

Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) today announced its membership in the RailPulse Coalition. RailPulse, founded by a dynamic consortium of forward-thinking railcar owners, is working to develop, broaden and accelerate the use of GPS and other telematics technologies on railcars that increase safety, efficiency, and visibility across North America's freight rail industry. CPKC becomes the third Class I railroad and 10th member of the coalition, joining Bunge North America, GATX, Genesee & Wyoming Inc., Norfolk Southern Corporation, Railroad Development Corporation, The Greenbrier Companies, TrinityRail, Union Pacific Railroad, and Watco Companies LLC. "We are pleased to be a part of RailPulse and to contribute to accelerating adoption of railcar telemetry in North America," said John Brooks, CPKC Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. "This collaboration aligns with our commitment to innovation and will play an important role in modernizing our customer experience and provide benefits to the entire supply chain by advancing safety and improving operations." The key objectives of RailPulse include: Industry Wide Telematics Infrastructure: The initiative facilitates collaboration among industry players by creating a secure, trusted, standardized, and vendor neutral railcar telematics infrastructure that spans the entire North American freight rail industry. Data-Driven Transformation: By building an information infrastructure that harnesses data from GPS and railcar-mounted sensors and prioritizing data standardization and storage in the cloud, RailPulse focuses on delivering actionable insights enabling enhance service levels, visibility, safety, sustainability, and productivity. Enhanced Service through Visibility: Through RailPulse, the integration of telematic sensors on railcars enables the generation of valuable data, empowering shippers with real-time visibility of railcar and goods movements to make informed decisions and optimize their operations. "We welcome CPKC to the RailPulse Coalition. Together, we will drive transformative change in the rail sector by combining our strengths and fostering a culture of innovation," said David Shannon, General Manager of RailPulse. "This partnership underscores our commitment to shaping the future of rail transportation." Response from RailPulse Members: "The Board of RailPulse is very excited to welcome CPKC," said Mike McClellan, RailPulse Board Chair and Sr. VP &Chief Strategy Officer at Norfolk Southern. "CPKC brings a breadth of railroading knowledge to the table, and the insights that CPKC will be able to contribute from operating in 3 countries will be invaluable as we drive RailPulse to serve all of North America." Forward looking information This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements (collectively, "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws in both the U.S. and Canada. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements concerning expectations, beliefs, plans, goals, objectives, assumptions and statements about possible future events, conditions, and results of operations or performance. Forward-looking information may contain statements with words or headings such as "financial expectations", "key assumptions", "will", "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "plan", "should", "commit", "outlook", "guidance" or similar words suggesting future outcomes. This news release contains forward-looking information relating, but not limited, to statements about future technology and the potential for telematics technologies to increase safety, efficiency, and visibility across North America's freight rail industry and CPKC's expected benefits from such future technology. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is based on current expectations, estimates, projections, and assumptions, having regard to CPKC's experience and its perception of historical trends. Forward-looking information involves many inherent risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information, including but not limited to the factors that are detailed from time to time in reports filed by CPKC with securities regulators in Canada and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the United States. Reference should be made to "Item 1A - Risk Factors" and "Item 7 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Forward-Looking Statements" in CPKC's annual and interim reports on Form 10-K and 10-Q. Any forward-looking information contained in this news release is made as of the date hereof. Except as required by law, CPKC undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking information, or the foregoing assumptions and risks affecting such forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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Freight, Supply Chain

Kuehne+Nagel pioneers carbon insetting for electric trucks to accelerate fleet electrification

Kuehne+Nagel | January 08, 2024

The new year starts with electrifying news as Kuehne+Nagel announces its Book & Claim insetting solution for electric vehicles. This makes Kuehne+Nagel the first logistics service provider to launch this solution, which previously was limited to low-emission fuels. Implementing decarbonisation solutions and helping customers achieve their sustainability goals is a key component of Kuehne+Nagel’s Roadmap 2026 Living ESG cornerstone. Developing Book & Claim insetting solutions for road freight was a strategic priority for Kuehne+Nagel. Last October, it launched an insetting solution for HVO—now followed by electric vehicles. The first-of-its-kind solution has been tested and validated in cooperation with leading external stakeholders. Customers who use Kuehne+Nagel’s road transport services can now ‘claim’ the carbon reductions of electric trucks when it is not possible to physically move their goods on these vehicles. Reasons for that could be insufficient charging infrastructure or a limited driving range and payload. The solution helps to bridge those challenges which today still limit the deployment of electric trucks. “We see battery-Electric Vehicles (BEVs) as the future to reduce emissions in road freight. Carbon insetting supports the scale-up of low-emission solutions like BEVs and helps to reduce the premium that customers pay for these solutions, thereby supporting the decarbonisation of road transport,” says Hansjörg Rodi, Member of the Management Board at Kuehne+Nagel International AG, responsible for Road Logistics. For now, only Kuehne+Nagel’s owned BEVs are part of the Book & Claim offer to keep full control and transparency over the accuracy of the data that is used in the calculations. However, the team aims to expand the solution to BEVs operated by its partners so that it can support them in their fleet electrification journeys too. “Purchasing electric trucks can be a heavy financial burden, especially for smaller carriers. Including carriers in our solution requires further complex developments in the accounting methodology, but it would help them to finance their transition. This is our next priority,” concludes Rodi.

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Logistics, Supply Chain, Transportation

USPack Launches USPack Healthcare and Unveils New Branding

USPack | January 05, 2024

USPack, a national leader in same-day, final-mile delivery solutions, and a NewSpring Holdings platform company, today unveils new branding and launches USPack Healthcare. These moves mark a significant milestone in USPack's evolution and position the company at the forefront of innovation and customized final mile solutions, catering to the growing needs of healthcare, retail, and big & bulky customers in the modern logistics landscape. For over 30 years USPack has led the way in building tailored logistics solutions for some of the most prestigious names in healthcare including pharmacies, major hospital systems, and labs. More recently, USPack has quickly expanded into providing more complex and critical solutions supporting clinical trials, nuclear medicine, medical devices, and long-term care facilities, ultimately contributing to improved patient care and outcomes. In response to the ever-evolving landscape of the healthcare industry, USPack is committed to enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring the timely delivery of critical supplies by formalizing USPack Healthcare. Existing customers will continue to have the same high-touch service levels and benefit from increased supply chain visibility. As the final mile logistics industry undergoes transformative changes driven by technological advancements and customer demands, USPack has built a nationwide reputation for customizable logistics solutions encompassing speed, efficiency, and accuracy. The new branding, which includes a new logo, website, and updated color palette for USPack Healthcare, uses a mile marker to reflect the company's commitment to final mile precision. "Macro-economic tailwinds including the aging population, the growing life-sciences market, and the rise of in-home healthcare solutions combined with customer demand have us doubling down on our capabilities. We will build on our already robust service-centric solutions for routed and STAT final-mile solutions with the launch of USPack Healthcare," says Mike Clark, USPack CEO. "We're proud of our tech-forward approach, problem-solving mindset, and decades of experience serving the final mile. Our new USPack branding and the rollout of USPack Healthcare underscore the deliberate evolution of USPack as we look to expand our trusted customer relationships across all market sectors."

Read More

Operations, Supply Chain, Transportation

CPKC Joins RailPulse Coalition Driving Innovation in Railcar Telematics

PR Newswire | February 02, 2024

Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) today announced its membership in the RailPulse Coalition. RailPulse, founded by a dynamic consortium of forward-thinking railcar owners, is working to develop, broaden and accelerate the use of GPS and other telematics technologies on railcars that increase safety, efficiency, and visibility across North America's freight rail industry. CPKC becomes the third Class I railroad and 10th member of the coalition, joining Bunge North America, GATX, Genesee & Wyoming Inc., Norfolk Southern Corporation, Railroad Development Corporation, The Greenbrier Companies, TrinityRail, Union Pacific Railroad, and Watco Companies LLC. "We are pleased to be a part of RailPulse and to contribute to accelerating adoption of railcar telemetry in North America," said John Brooks, CPKC Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. "This collaboration aligns with our commitment to innovation and will play an important role in modernizing our customer experience and provide benefits to the entire supply chain by advancing safety and improving operations." The key objectives of RailPulse include: Industry Wide Telematics Infrastructure: The initiative facilitates collaboration among industry players by creating a secure, trusted, standardized, and vendor neutral railcar telematics infrastructure that spans the entire North American freight rail industry. Data-Driven Transformation: By building an information infrastructure that harnesses data from GPS and railcar-mounted sensors and prioritizing data standardization and storage in the cloud, RailPulse focuses on delivering actionable insights enabling enhance service levels, visibility, safety, sustainability, and productivity. Enhanced Service through Visibility: Through RailPulse, the integration of telematic sensors on railcars enables the generation of valuable data, empowering shippers with real-time visibility of railcar and goods movements to make informed decisions and optimize their operations. "We welcome CPKC to the RailPulse Coalition. Together, we will drive transformative change in the rail sector by combining our strengths and fostering a culture of innovation," said David Shannon, General Manager of RailPulse. "This partnership underscores our commitment to shaping the future of rail transportation." Response from RailPulse Members: "The Board of RailPulse is very excited to welcome CPKC," said Mike McClellan, RailPulse Board Chair and Sr. VP &Chief Strategy Officer at Norfolk Southern. "CPKC brings a breadth of railroading knowledge to the table, and the insights that CPKC will be able to contribute from operating in 3 countries will be invaluable as we drive RailPulse to serve all of North America." Forward looking information This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements (collectively, "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws in both the U.S. and Canada. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements concerning expectations, beliefs, plans, goals, objectives, assumptions and statements about possible future events, conditions, and results of operations or performance. Forward-looking information may contain statements with words or headings such as "financial expectations", "key assumptions", "will", "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "plan", "should", "commit", "outlook", "guidance" or similar words suggesting future outcomes. This news release contains forward-looking information relating, but not limited, to statements about future technology and the potential for telematics technologies to increase safety, efficiency, and visibility across North America's freight rail industry and CPKC's expected benefits from such future technology. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is based on current expectations, estimates, projections, and assumptions, having regard to CPKC's experience and its perception of historical trends. Forward-looking information involves many inherent risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information, including but not limited to the factors that are detailed from time to time in reports filed by CPKC with securities regulators in Canada and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the United States. Reference should be made to "Item 1A - Risk Factors" and "Item 7 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Forward-Looking Statements" in CPKC's annual and interim reports on Form 10-K and 10-Q. Any forward-looking information contained in this news release is made as of the date hereof. Except as required by law, CPKC undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking information, or the foregoing assumptions and risks affecting such forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Read More

Freight, Supply Chain

Kuehne+Nagel pioneers carbon insetting for electric trucks to accelerate fleet electrification

Kuehne+Nagel | January 08, 2024

The new year starts with electrifying news as Kuehne+Nagel announces its Book & Claim insetting solution for electric vehicles. This makes Kuehne+Nagel the first logistics service provider to launch this solution, which previously was limited to low-emission fuels. Implementing decarbonisation solutions and helping customers achieve their sustainability goals is a key component of Kuehne+Nagel’s Roadmap 2026 Living ESG cornerstone. Developing Book & Claim insetting solutions for road freight was a strategic priority for Kuehne+Nagel. Last October, it launched an insetting solution for HVO—now followed by electric vehicles. The first-of-its-kind solution has been tested and validated in cooperation with leading external stakeholders. Customers who use Kuehne+Nagel’s road transport services can now ‘claim’ the carbon reductions of electric trucks when it is not possible to physically move their goods on these vehicles. Reasons for that could be insufficient charging infrastructure or a limited driving range and payload. The solution helps to bridge those challenges which today still limit the deployment of electric trucks. “We see battery-Electric Vehicles (BEVs) as the future to reduce emissions in road freight. Carbon insetting supports the scale-up of low-emission solutions like BEVs and helps to reduce the premium that customers pay for these solutions, thereby supporting the decarbonisation of road transport,” says Hansjörg Rodi, Member of the Management Board at Kuehne+Nagel International AG, responsible for Road Logistics. For now, only Kuehne+Nagel’s owned BEVs are part of the Book & Claim offer to keep full control and transparency over the accuracy of the data that is used in the calculations. However, the team aims to expand the solution to BEVs operated by its partners so that it can support them in their fleet electrification journeys too. “Purchasing electric trucks can be a heavy financial burden, especially for smaller carriers. Including carriers in our solution requires further complex developments in the accounting methodology, but it would help them to finance their transition. This is our next priority,” concludes Rodi.

Read More

Logistics, Supply Chain, Transportation

USPack Launches USPack Healthcare and Unveils New Branding

USPack | January 05, 2024

USPack, a national leader in same-day, final-mile delivery solutions, and a NewSpring Holdings platform company, today unveils new branding and launches USPack Healthcare. These moves mark a significant milestone in USPack's evolution and position the company at the forefront of innovation and customized final mile solutions, catering to the growing needs of healthcare, retail, and big & bulky customers in the modern logistics landscape. For over 30 years USPack has led the way in building tailored logistics solutions for some of the most prestigious names in healthcare including pharmacies, major hospital systems, and labs. More recently, USPack has quickly expanded into providing more complex and critical solutions supporting clinical trials, nuclear medicine, medical devices, and long-term care facilities, ultimately contributing to improved patient care and outcomes. In response to the ever-evolving landscape of the healthcare industry, USPack is committed to enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring the timely delivery of critical supplies by formalizing USPack Healthcare. Existing customers will continue to have the same high-touch service levels and benefit from increased supply chain visibility. As the final mile logistics industry undergoes transformative changes driven by technological advancements and customer demands, USPack has built a nationwide reputation for customizable logistics solutions encompassing speed, efficiency, and accuracy. The new branding, which includes a new logo, website, and updated color palette for USPack Healthcare, uses a mile marker to reflect the company's commitment to final mile precision. "Macro-economic tailwinds including the aging population, the growing life-sciences market, and the rise of in-home healthcare solutions combined with customer demand have us doubling down on our capabilities. We will build on our already robust service-centric solutions for routed and STAT final-mile solutions with the launch of USPack Healthcare," says Mike Clark, USPack CEO. "We're proud of our tech-forward approach, problem-solving mindset, and decades of experience serving the final mile. Our new USPack branding and the rollout of USPack Healthcare underscore the deliberate evolution of USPack as we look to expand our trusted customer relationships across all market sectors."

Read More

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