Welcome to the September 15th issue of Warehouse & Logistics News. May we offer our congratulations to Oakland International, the multi temperature supply chain solutions, distribution and logistics specialist and ethical family business, which has launched phase 1 of its new Bardon warehouse, creating up to 400 local jobs. The Logicor site has capacity for 24,000 pallets and is being fitted out with refrigeration. Immediately recruiting up to 120 people by the end of September, with a further 100 by the end of the year, Oakland International aims to employ even more staff over the coming year, providing much needed job opportunities across the local area, our cover story reports.

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Congratulations also to Hermes, one of the leading consumer delivery companies in the UK, which has partnered with addressing company what3words to provide even more accurate deliveries. Hermes can now accept what3words addresses from any retailer or e-commerce client and deliver to that exact location. A simple way to talk about, and share location, what3words divides the world into 57 trillion 3 metre squares, giving each square a new, simplified address made up of three dictionary words.

Logistics has become the new retail, and this rapid transformation is bringing us as logistics providers and warehouse operators ever closer to the consumer. To survive in this fast-moving, demanding environment, and to operate efficiently, sustainably and profitably, it will be essential that businesses ensure compliance and manage risk. While the Covid-19 pandemic has given rise to a specific set of required standards that businesses must now adhere to, Brexit will no doubt generate still further new demands. Now is the time for our industry to take a more strategic view and step up our game, says Peter Ward, CEO of the UKWA in his regular column. Only by understanding and continually monitoring processes and performance can businesses manage risk, commit to a culture of continuous improvement, and deliver a service that is fit for purpose.

E-commerce has experienced a boom over the last decade as consumers have discovered the convenience of ordering products online and having them delivered straight to their door. This trend has only accelerated since the Covid-19 outbreak with the lockdown sending even more shoppers into the arms of e-commerce. Warehousing and logistics have therefore become even more important than before and warehouse owners need to maximise every square inch of storage space they have, says our storage solutions feature.

Order fulfilment – or picking – is one of the most critical processes in a distribution centre. Numerous picking systems are available on the market, catering to different turnover rates and article characteristics. Warehouse operators are typically looking for an order picking system that is efficient, accurate and paperless, according to our order picking feature.

Enjoy reading the issue.

James Surridge

Publishing Editor

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