Logistics Insights Podcast

Towards a Mobile Robot Operating System

Many companies are considering or deploying mobile robots in distribution. A key question: should you rely on the robot company’s software to manage the robots’ activities? Or would a platform that supports multiple robot types and vendors be the better choice? We explore this issue in this week's episode.

Part 2: A Look at the State of Distribution Technologies Report

In this week's episode, we have part 2 of our review of the State of Distribution Technologies Report. Based on a survey of 187 logistics managers, this study provides interesting and valuable insight to readers.
The report by Softeon is available here: https://www.softeon.com/new-report-state-technologies-distribution-2022
 

A Look at the State of Distribution Technologies Report

In this week's episode, we review the highlights of a new research report from Softeon on how users view various distribution center technologies. The report by Softeon is available here: https://www.softeon.com/new-report-state-technologies-distribution-2022
 
 

Highlight Review from 3PL 2022 Study

In this week's episode of Logistics Insights, we review highlights of the 27th annual "3PL Study" from Dr. John Langley and team, released at the recent CSCMP Edge conference in Nashville.

Advice On Not Losing Critical Time Early In A WMS Project

In this week’s episode, we advise on not losing critical time early in a WMS project.
An often unrecognized key to Warehouse Management System implementation success is ensuring valuable days aren’t lost early in a project.

Gartner’s Framework for Categorizing Robots in Distribution

In this week's episode, we take a look Gartner's seven categories of mobile robots for distribution and manufacturing, or what Gartner calls "Smart Intralogistics Robots."

Cross-Docking in Distribution

In this week’s Logistics Insights podcast: Cross-Docking in Distribution
Cross-docking in distribution is often talked about, but there are several types, and it generally takes a robust WMS to well handle the complexity and timing issues. In this episode, we dive deeper into cross-docking.

Understanding the Gartner WMS Critical Capabilities Report

In this week’s Logistics Insights podcast: Understanding the Gartner WMS Critical Capabilities Report.
Different from the WMS Magic Quadrant analysis, the Critical Capabilities report focuses solely on functionality across nine different attributes. Those attributes include core and extended WMS capabilities, adaptability, usability, the ability to support automated material handling systems, and several others.

Using a Statistical Approach to Labor Management in Distribution

Labor is a hot topic distribution right now, with rising wages and labor shortages in most markets.
In fact, a recent survey by Gartner found that for the first time, addressing labor issues was cited as the top reason for investing in DC automation, surpassing reducing operating costs, the traditional driver of material handling systems adoption.
Labor management software can provide a variety of capabilities and benefits to address labor issues in distribution.

Getting Warehouse Management System Demos Right

Software demonstrations are a critical step in selecting a Warehouse Management System or any other logistics software package.
How else are you going to determine the fit of various packages to your operational requirements?
Despite its criticality, it is surprising how often companies don’t really think through the many elements needed to get the demo process right – which in the end means selecting the solution that is right for you both short and long term.
Here are a couple of points...