The impact of COVID-19 has brought into sharp focus the need for agile solutions to meet sudden changes to business operations. Traditional business models are being turned upside down and facility rentals are soaring as brands try to capitalise on the e-commerce trend with a direct to consumer offering, so it’s more critical than ever to consider the warehousing and logistics part of the supply chain. The solution sits with advanced, digital technology, which is central to tackling new challenges and optimising premium fulfilment centre space. It is also key to satisfying more demand, staying competitive, plus managing labour efficiency and productivity. The required changes – particularly the shift from wholesale to individual order dispatch – isn’t an easy move. The days of distribution centres designed for bulk ‘pallet in, pallet out’ operations are numbered, says SnapFulfil CEO, Don White. And when the space is coming with a premium price tag, it’s essential that the warehouse management system has the capabilities to effectively support smaller, incremental orders in the thousands.
This article was first published in the January 1st 2021 issue of Warehouse & Logistics News, subscribe to the magazine by clicking here.
With the innovation of its Sceptre high-performance prism optic reflector, SICK has extended the range of its deTem 4 A/P multiple light beam system to eight metres, the longest ever available for an active/passive safety device, suitable for applications up to SIL3 / PLe. The extra-rugged and compact SICK deTem 4 A/P safety light beam system offers wide flexibility to install safe access protection with entry/exit monitoring in storage, material handling and logistics environments.
BluJay Solutions, a provider of supply chain software and services, has released version 21.0 of its transportation, distribution, and compliance software applications. BluJay’s latest releases provide new software and partner integrations, improved user experiences, the most current compliance updates, and expanded capabilities that enable customers to continue to build strong and resilient supply chains.
With the construction of the new 5,000 m² warehouse at its Limburg site, Spedition Stähler, the biggest and most established shipping company in Germany’s Limburg-Weilburg district, has also taken the decision to install a warehouse management system. It selected the EPG | LFS Warehouse Management System from EPG. This has enabled the logistics service provider to considerably improve its inventory accuracy and transparency. The company uses LFS to administer incoming and outgoing goods processes, consigning paper lists to history. This modernisation of the warehouse management system has enabled Stähler to significantly grow its customer base within a very short period.
Innovate Freight, a new specialist IT consultancy for freight and logistics, is launching with three product offerings: IF Health Check, IF Consult and IF Consult Plus. The first, IF Health Check, is a five-day, high level freight management system review with an in-depth summary report and advice on further consultancy services. The second, IF Consult, actions the advice shared in the Health Check, transforming freight management systems to be more efficient and productive. Finally, IF Consult Plus offers multiple development options to further enhance systems.
It is encouraging to see the I.T. providers continually innovating to keep the logistics industry moving.
George Simpson
Features Editor
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