Shorter Supply Chains Higher Expectations
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Shorter Supply Chains, Higher Expectations
Summary:
Recent years have witnessed significant shifts in parcel shipping, largely driven by consumer impatience and the industry's focus on "shortening the supply chain." This concept encapsulates evolving customer expectations and business strategies.Key Concepts:
- Conveyor Systems- Distribution Planning
- Sortation Conveyors
- Material Handling Equipment
- Supply Chain
Overview:
The demand for rapid deliveries has transformed parcel shipping. Consumers now refuse to accept "out of stock" messages or long wait times. Sellers, in turn, are compelled to maintain near-perfect inventory and provide quick order fulfillment, leveraging advanced distribution planning.Both consumers and sellers rely on parcel shippers to meet these heightened expectations, operating with increased efficiency and reduced costs. Distribution technologies have stepped up to support these goals.
Designing Modern Distribution Centers:
Creating an efficient parcel distribution center demands a fresh look at contemporary processes and technologies. The objective is clear: move products swiftly, accurately, and affordably.The previous generation of systems can no longer handle today's diverse product ranges and order sizes effectively. Modern distribution centers, however, outperform their predecessors by managing higher volumes more efficiently and transparently.
Implementing New Technologies:
1. Starting Fresh: An ideal situation is designing distribution centers from scratch. For existing facilities, modular technology upgrades can achieve comparable results.
2. Software Integration: Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) now support sophisticated automation. Companies like Radio Beacon and Softeon provide scalable, cost-effective solutions adaptable to complex scenarios. Selecting the right software partner is crucial for process efficiency.
3. Voice Recognition: Initially avant-garde, voice recognition software now streamlines operations like receiving and picking, dramatically improving accuracy and productivity, as demonstrated by the May Company.
4. RFID Technology: Advanced over barcode scanning, RFID tech enables detailed inventory management. It's set to become industry standard for major vendors, including WAL-MART, by 2005.
5. Unit Sortation: Systems now exist for all fulfillment demands. "Pick to light" technologies replace manual picking, and numerous suppliers offer cost-effective sortation solutions.
6. Order/Carton Size Adjustments: Customer service improvements have led to smaller, frequent orders, necessitating the handling of lighter parcels. Modern systems accommodate these without weight restrictions, utilizing technology pioneered by the Versa conveyor company.
7. Carton Sortation Efficiency: Increased facility throughput depends on rapid product merging and high-speed sortation systems. Companies like Intelligrated offer solutions that synchronize various distribution processes for optimal performance.
8. Pre-owned Equipment Opportunities: With decreased corporate spending, there are chances to acquire nearly new technology affordably, especially from defunct companies.
Conclusion:
Adapting to a shortened supply chain necessitates strategic engineering and the integration of advanced technologies in distribution. While imperative for competitiveness, this evolution carries minimal risk thanks to proven, reliable technologies with guaranteed benefits.You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Shorter Supply Chains Higher Expectations.
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