How the Supply Chain Industry is Addressing Labor Shortages
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As the supply chain industry grows in size and complexity the need for labor simultaneously grows. This paired with the shift to retirement age in the Baby Boomer generation has caused a rift in qualified labor availability. In the recently released 19th Annual Third-Party Logistics Study 50% of surveyed executives are encountering this problem. Finding and retaining qualified labor has become a struggle for many supply chain management businesses. To address this challenge many 3PLs, warehouse and distribution centers, manufacturers and retailers are taking steps towards developing and attracting new talent. Supply chain executives have begun to implement supply chain community engagement programs where community members of all ages can participate in trade shows, summer camps, ambassador programs and local competitions. In 2014 there was a nationwide Manufacturing Day where 1600 events were held, drawing 250,000 attendees. These types of programs help to educate people about the industry and address any misconceptions, making these open positions more desirable. Partnering with local schools in the form of STEM programs have also shown positive results. These programs equip students with the knowledge, skills and understanding that SCM businesses search for in qualified candidates. While this does not solve the immediate labor shortage it helps to ensure a consistent flow of candidates in the coming decade. Working with third party recruiters and university intern programs have also helped to bring in new qualified talent into the labor pool. 68% of surveyed CEOs thought that recruiting using third parties was providing the best results in comparison to 63% for internships. Both provide qualified talent to mitigate the existing shortages. Supply chain businesses are also beginning to invest in internal training and development programs in hopes of increasing employee retention rates. 94% of surveyed executives believe these programs improve the state of the talent gap as well. These internal programs should be all encompassing including both formal and informal training, knowledge sharing, apprenticeship, performance support and coaching. All of these key areas will provide supply chain businesses with qualified team members. 3PLs and other industry groups are also raising labor budgets to allow for much needed wage increases. These increases will not only help to retain current skilled labor positions, but attract new talent to open skilled and executive level positions. Investing in technology such as automated storage and retrieval systems, mobile computers, voice technology, WMS, 3D printing and more is also attracting new, fresh GenX tech-savvy talent. It is shown that SCM businesses with higher levels of automation have more success filling open positions with interested GenX employees. Lastly, implementing labor management technology has also helped to mitigate the labor shortage issues.
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Cold Storage Warehouse Best Practices: Warehouse Layout Optimization
Cold storage warehouse facilities, just like other warehouses and distribution centers, struggle to make the most of their labor resources. One way warehouse operators in the refrigerated environment are addressing these concerns are by focusing on warehouse layout optimization. When facilities are laid out inefficiently or improperly marked many labor hours can be wasted on travel time. Taking the time to address warehouse layout design can help your warehousing operation to achieve maximum space utilization and process improvement. The first stage of warehouse layout optimization is the designation of functional zones. This is done using analytics on past activity and estimates on future needs. These reports will help your team to identify the proper size and location of each zone. This information should be accessible from your warehouse management system where inventory and activity data is recorded. The top 4 functional warehouse zones identified using forecasting and projections are storage, yard/dock, picking and VAS/kitting zones. To identify the proper size of the storage area evaluate key factors such as project inventory levels, temperature requirements, product dimensions, fulfillment rules, flow through rates and more. All of these factors will play a part in determining proper storage layout. Data must also be collected to determine yard and dock door requirements. Too little staging space and dock doors can create a significant bottle neck, slowing down warehouse productivity. When determining picking and shipping size and location identifying your picking strategy will help to make these decisions. Consider the space requirements needed for all types and which will work best for your available resources. If your refrigerated warehousing operation provides any variety of value added services such as kitting space and layout must also be considered for this. Determine what areas require their own designated space and which can operate in shared space. Planning this space effectively will promote faster inventory flow through rates. Leaders in the refrigerated and frozen supply chain are constantly evaluating these factors to ensure their space utilization provides growth opportunities. Do not let an inefficient warehouse layout stop your business from growing. Learn more about this cold storage warehouse best practice in this brief SlideShare.
Using RFID in Manufacturing Operations
Due to the increasing cost of operation, manufacturers and contract manufacturers are searching for new ways to reduce costs and optimize their operations. Across the supply chain new technology implementation has been a cost saving solution, and it is no different for manufacturing operations. A lot of this growth can be associated to the adoption of RFID networks throughout the supply chain. These wireless networks are being implemented to act as “intelligent monitoring systems” that provide detailed track and trace functionality from manufacture to end consumer stages of the supply chain.
To make RFID a more viable solution for manufacturers, changes have been made to handle their extreme operating environments. New and improved radio frequency tags were designed that can withstand extreme heat and cold, high pressures, hazardous locations and extreme moisture levels. With these improvements also came cost reductions as adoption started to increase on a much larger scale.
Functions of RFID in manufacturing:
Inventory Traceability – Tagging components, WIP and finished products with RFID tags provides real time visibility into manufacturing operations and provides manufacturing operators with continuous data flow to improve decision making.
Equipment Tracking & Monitoring Using RFID –Placing RFID tags on this equipment helps to locate lost or misplaced assets needed for production setup and execution.
Production Scheduling – Manufacturers are also using RFID to identify idle equipment. This helps them to increase asset utilization by more effectively scheduling production.
Monitor Waste & Shrinkage – Tagging component inventory, WIP and finished goods helps manufacturers to monitor waste levels from production lines and possible sources of internal theft or loss.
Reduce Carrying Costs – RFID implementation improves data accuracy, allowing manufacturers to implement JIT inventory management strategies. This helps to reduce inventory carrying costs as items are replenished as needed rather than kept on hand in large quantities.
Shipment Routing – RFID tags can carry data related to predetermine shipping routes. As production is completed this data can be used to assist in staging outgoing shipments. This data accessibility expedites the shipping process and reduces required labor.
Labor Tracking & Security – Radio frequency identification can also be used to track and manage staff activity. RFID badges can be used for granting access to restricted zones and track employees productivity as they move throughout the facility.
Machinery Integration – In some cases manufacturers are using RFID to help control and monitor large machinery activity. In this type of scenario RFID is integrated with machinery control systems.
Learn more about uses for RFID in manufacturing by contacting Datex experts today at marketing@datexcorp.com or 800.933.2839 ext 243.
Regulations Impacting Public Refrigerated Warehouses
The government and government regulatory agencies impose guidelines upon supply chain service providers such as public refrigerated warehouses because they have significant impact on product quality and safety as they are typically the last to handle and/or process the inventory before reaching consumers. Because of this direct connection to consumers, product safety is a critical element.
In many cases, cold storage supply chain service providers must quickly adapt their businesses to meet regulatory guidelines regardless of cost to avoid stiff penalties or shut downs. Some of the most recent regulations impacting temperature controlled facilities include the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), the Sanitary Transport Rule, FDA Title 21 CFR Part 11 and the Drug Quality Security Act (DQSA). Each of these affect operations in a unique way and pose a different set of challenges for each PRW.
The FSMA was signed into law by the Obama administration as part of a movement to increase food safety. In this regulation, the FDA is granted additional power through these provisions: expanded administrative detention, records inspection, authority to deny entry, suspension registration and mandatory recall. This was done in hopes of reducing or eliminating the 48 million foodborne illnesses reported each year.
The sanitary transport rule, as part of the FSMA, is an additional safeguard added to prevent transportation practices that may negatively impact food safety. This new rule applies to shippers, receivers and carriers transporting both human and animal food products within or into the US. Shippers hired by PRWs now must follow strict vehicle maintenance guidelines, operational procedures, data exchange, training protocols and record maintenance.
Another regulation impacting public refrigerated warehouses is FDA Title 21 CFR Part 11. This regulation was initially drafted in 1997 and has been subsequently updated to accommodate new and updated technology. This law regulated what type of electronic signature is acceptable and in what cases electronic signatures are considered valid. This helps to streamline audits, system validations and audit trails required by the FDA.
Lastly, for those PRWs handling pharmaceutical inventory, DQSA designates what inventory and transaction data must be saved and available for FDA if requested. This regulation impacts manufacturers, re-packagers, wholesale distributors, 3PLs and dispensers. Under DQSA, businesses must record transaction information, history and statements.
To learn more about regulations impacting public refrigerated warehouses contact Datex cold storage experts today at www.datexcorp.com , marketing@datexcorp.com or 800.933.2839 ext 243.
How Last Mile Delivery Affects Supply Chain, E-tailing & Order Fulfillment
Perfecting last mile delivery has had a significant impact on the supply chain, how retailers develop their e-commerce sites and how order fulfillment is completed. Essentially, every part of the consumer experience has been adapted to meet changing expectations due to omni-channel retailing. Let’s explore how each aspect has been affected.
The manual processes of yesterday have been replaced with the automated data collection technology of tomorrow. Field service staff are now equipped with mobile ADC devices that allow them to view changes to deliveries and routes and update order status’. Replacing paper-based processes has improved visibility within the supply chain and improved the overall customer experience during the last mile. These ADC devices are also being used in fulfillment centers to increase the efficiency of order processing. Supply chain operators have realized that if orders are processed faster they can reach the end customer faster.
Retailers have also put a new focus on the user-friendliness of their e-commerce websites. Studies show that easy-to-navigate shopping carts lead to larger and more frequent online purchases. Optimizing these sites can lead to revenue growth. Online sale increases will force transportation providers to adapt to handle last mile delivery volume influx.
To handle these increases and make last mile delivery more effective, supply chain operators are expanding distribution networks by adding smaller scale e-fulfillment DCs on the edge of urban areas. This encourages swift delivery of online and in-store orders. Another way retailers are doing this is with the addition of new courier services. In some of these densely populated areas small parcel delivery is done by bicycle or personal vehicle delivery to avoid traffic congestion.
Increases in technology adoption can also be attributed to last mile logistics requirements. Retailers and their supply chain partners are implementing distributed order management solutions to streamline order fulfillment operations. This is done through custom workflow rules used to automate everyday processes. Supply chain service providers are also utilizing delivery window planning solutions to reduce costs associated to redelivery. And to make the most of their transportation dollars shippers are implementing route optimization and transportation scheduling solutions.
To learn more about how last mile logistics has affected supply chain operations speak to a Datex expert today at marketing@datexcorp.com or www.datexcorp.com .
Supply Chain Management Basics: Labor Management Slotting
Labor management has proven to be a successful supply chain tool for managing costs related to labor. This is especially critical as labor is reportedly the largest cost center in any SCM facility. This also means that it provides the most significant cost savings opportunity. Labor management systems constantly evaluate, measure and adapt day to day labor tasks with the main goal of achieving the highest level of productivity and cost savings. Its’ functional counterpart, slotting, helps to identify SKU placement throughout your warehouse facility to reduce travel times, increase picking accuracy and increase asset utilization – all of which are key factors in optimizing workforce productivity. Slotting alone has saved companies upwards of $500,000 annually and can prove even more useful when used in conjunction with LMS software. Selecting a labor management system that is built into warehouse management software can make optimization efforts even more fruitful as it allows your team to pull data from one system to anther with little to no manual data entry (where many inventory errors occur) and test slotting plans while receiving measurable results. This can help to improve the success of your labor optimization efforts.
Many SCM decision makers are hesitant to implement labor management software suites as there are common misconceptions or myths about their success and usefulness. Some of these myths include: full LMS functionality is available if I have a WMS, employee morale will be negatively impacted, LMS implementation requires significant IT resources and more. If your team can get past these concerns, find a functionally robust labor management system and implement it in a way that will help you meet your specific goals it is well worth the investment. To learn more about LMS and slotting contact Datex experts today at marketing@datexcorp.com or 800.933.2839 ext 243.
Quick Sccess Guide: Top 25 Questions Answered by the New FDA Q&A Draft
Supply chain businesses nationwide are rushing to implement operational changes in order to meet upcoming FDA Drug Supply Chain Security Act deadlines. This process has been a struggle for many due to the complexity of this legislation. Different business types must follow different portions of the rule in regards to reporting, registering and much more. The Food and Drug Administration released a new draft to answer some of the most frequently asked questions from third party logistics and wholesale distribution operations. This report is an update to a previously published 2014 draft. It is the intention of the FDA that these drafts are viewed together. This Q&A supplemental provides clarification based on the most frequently asked questions and comments received after the publication of the Annual Reporting draft guidance.
It is critical to clearly understand how these changes will affect your operation as any error in reporting or filing can result in significant penalties. Take advantage of these detailed tools provided by the FDA to ensure your operation is prepared before reported deadline dates. For more information on technologies to aid in pharmaceutical regulatory compliance contact Datex experts today at marketing@datexcorp.com or 800.933.2839 ext. 243.
Boost DC Performance & Solve DIM Challenges: Use Cubing and Dimensioning Tech...
The implementation of cubing and dimensioning technology is increasing in popularity due to their unique ability to solve a variety of frequently encountered supply chain challenges with a reasonable investment. Cubing and weighing solutions are now available in varying sizes, prices and durability options to meet the needs of any distribution center. These tools are designed to eliminate manual data entry, reduce inventory data errors and increase profits. Focusing on these operational improvements are more important than ever due to the increasing shipping rates for major carriers such as FedEx and UPS. The dimensional weight pricing structure raised the average shipping cost 30%. This led to warehouse operators searching for savings in other areas so as to not pass these rate increases on to their customers.
Datex partner, Rice Lake Weighing Systems, is one of the top providers of cubing and dimensioning technologies for the supply chain industry. They have been in business for over 70 years and now offer over 40,000 different weighing products for a variety of different industries. Their expertise has allowed many SCM businesses to make significant improvements to their operations ranging from more optimized inventory putaway and storage, improved carton selection, and more stable load/pallet building. When paired with warehouse management technology, cubing systems allow warehouses of any size to have more data available at their fingertips. This helps decision makers and staff make critical decisions on the fly while saving time and money. To get more information about implementing cubing and dimensioning technologies into your supply chain operation contact Datex experts today at marketing@datexcorp.com or 800.933.2839 ext 243.
The Future of the Food Supply Chain & Logistics
The future of the food supply chain is unclear as it is in a state of constant change. This is not unusual for supply chain operations as there are many factors driving change. Due to the already global nature of the food supply chain the implications and impact of this change is far reaching. Some of the top factors impacting the food supply chain include: governmental regulation changes, growing customer demand, increasing globalization and rising infrastructure investment. This is leading to a variety of creative solutions that are allowing for the fast and efficient evolution of the industry as a whole. One of the most popular advancements for the industry is the use of IoT and telematics to bring fresher, local produce to consumers. This focus on technology utilization has helped these businesses to adapt existing distribution networks to accommodate more localized delivery. This technology will also help to track produce from the source through to the consumer as customers demand to know more about where and how their food was produced. These solutions include WMS, RFID, ERP, manufacturing execution systems ADC devices, temperature recorders and much more. The food supply chain will also begin to utilize rail transport more frequently than ever before. This is thanks to significant infrastructure upgrades such as those completed on the Florida East Coast Railway. Localized delivery will also change and shift towards 3rd party courier services such as UberFresh and UberEATS. These private couriers will focus on D2C delivery in large, densely populated areas like NYC and Boston. Other services such as Blue Apron and Hello Fresh will offer similar D2C delivery and other creative click-to-collect options. With globalization increasing the import and export of food will continue to rise. In order to maintain food inventory integrity many ocean carriers are implementing advanced refrigeration technologies that are more reliable and that release less environment-damaging emissions. All of these improvements will address the factors forcing the evolution of the food supply chain. To learn more about these solutions and more like them contact Datex experts today at marketing@datexcorp.com or 800.933.2839 ext 243.
Recommended
Cold Storage Warehouse Best Practices: Warehouse Layout Optimization
Cold storage warehouse facilities, just like other warehouses and distribution centers, struggle to make the most of their labor resources. One way warehouse operators in the refrigerated environment are addressing these concerns are by focusing on warehouse layout optimization. When facilities are laid out inefficiently or improperly marked many labor hours can be wasted on travel time. Taking the time to address warehouse layout design can help your warehousing operation to achieve maximum space utilization and process improvement. The first stage of warehouse layout optimization is the designation of functional zones. This is done using analytics on past activity and estimates on future needs. These reports will help your team to identify the proper size and location of each zone. This information should be accessible from your warehouse management system where inventory and activity data is recorded. The top 4 functional warehouse zones identified using forecasting and projections are storage, yard/dock, picking and VAS/kitting zones. To identify the proper size of the storage area evaluate key factors such as project inventory levels, temperature requirements, product dimensions, fulfillment rules, flow through rates and more. All of these factors will play a part in determining proper storage layout. Data must also be collected to determine yard and dock door requirements. Too little staging space and dock doors can create a significant bottle neck, slowing down warehouse productivity. When determining picking and shipping size and location identifying your picking strategy will help to make these decisions. Consider the space requirements needed for all types and which will work best for your available resources. If your refrigerated warehousing operation provides any variety of value added services such as kitting space and layout must also be considered for this. Determine what areas require their own designated space and which can operate in shared space. Planning this space effectively will promote faster inventory flow through rates. Leaders in the refrigerated and frozen supply chain are constantly evaluating these factors to ensure their space utilization provides growth opportunities. Do not let an inefficient warehouse layout stop your business from growing. Learn more about this cold storage warehouse best practice in this brief SlideShare.
Using RFID in Manufacturing Operations
Due to the increasing cost of operation, manufacturers and contract manufacturers are searching for new ways to reduce costs and optimize their operations. Across the supply chain new technology implementation has been a cost saving solution, and it is no different for manufacturing operations. A lot of this growth can be associated to the adoption of RFID networks throughout the supply chain. These wireless networks are being implemented to act as “intelligent monitoring systems” that provide detailed track and trace functionality from manufacture to end consumer stages of the supply chain.
To make RFID a more viable solution for manufacturers, changes have been made to handle their extreme operating environments. New and improved radio frequency tags were designed that can withstand extreme heat and cold, high pressures, hazardous locations and extreme moisture levels. With these improvements also came cost reductions as adoption started to increase on a much larger scale.
Functions of RFID in manufacturing:
Inventory Traceability – Tagging components, WIP and finished products with RFID tags provides real time visibility into manufacturing operations and provides manufacturing operators with continuous data flow to improve decision making.
Equipment Tracking & Monitoring Using RFID –Placing RFID tags on this equipment helps to locate lost or misplaced assets needed for production setup and execution.
Production Scheduling – Manufacturers are also using RFID to identify idle equipment. This helps them to increase asset utilization by more effectively scheduling production.
Monitor Waste & Shrinkage – Tagging component inventory, WIP and finished goods helps manufacturers to monitor waste levels from production lines and possible sources of internal theft or loss.
Reduce Carrying Costs – RFID implementation improves data accuracy, allowing manufacturers to implement JIT inventory management strategies. This helps to reduce inventory carrying costs as items are replenished as needed rather than kept on hand in large quantities.
Shipment Routing – RFID tags can carry data related to predetermine shipping routes. As production is completed this data can be used to assist in staging outgoing shipments. This data accessibility expedites the shipping process and reduces required labor.
Labor Tracking & Security – Radio frequency identification can also be used to track and manage staff activity. RFID badges can be used for granting access to restricted zones and track employees productivity as they move throughout the facility.
Machinery Integration – In some cases manufacturers are using RFID to help control and monitor large machinery activity. In this type of scenario RFID is integrated with machinery control systems.
Learn more about uses for RFID in manufacturing by contacting Datex experts today at marketing@datexcorp.com or 800.933.2839 ext 243.
Regulations Impacting Public Refrigerated Warehouses
The government and government regulatory agencies impose guidelines upon supply chain service providers such as public refrigerated warehouses because they have significant impact on product quality and safety as they are typically the last to handle and/or process the inventory before reaching consumers. Because of this direct connection to consumers, product safety is a critical element.
In many cases, cold storage supply chain service providers must quickly adapt their businesses to meet regulatory guidelines regardless of cost to avoid stiff penalties or shut downs. Some of the most recent regulations impacting temperature controlled facilities include the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), the Sanitary Transport Rule, FDA Title 21 CFR Part 11 and the Drug Quality Security Act (DQSA). Each of these affect operations in a unique way and pose a different set of challenges for each PRW.
The FSMA was signed into law by the Obama administration as part of a movement to increase food safety. In this regulation, the FDA is granted additional power through these provisions: expanded administrative detention, records inspection, authority to deny entry, suspension registration and mandatory recall. This was done in hopes of reducing or eliminating the 48 million foodborne illnesses reported each year.
The sanitary transport rule, as part of the FSMA, is an additional safeguard added to prevent transportation practices that may negatively impact food safety. This new rule applies to shippers, receivers and carriers transporting both human and animal food products within or into the US. Shippers hired by PRWs now must follow strict vehicle maintenance guidelines, operational procedures, data exchange, training protocols and record maintenance.
Another regulation impacting public refrigerated warehouses is FDA Title 21 CFR Part 11. This regulation was initially drafted in 1997 and has been subsequently updated to accommodate new and updated technology. This law regulated what type of electronic signature is acceptable and in what cases electronic signatures are considered valid. This helps to streamline audits, system validations and audit trails required by the FDA.
Lastly, for those PRWs handling pharmaceutical inventory, DQSA designates what inventory and transaction data must be saved and available for FDA if requested. This regulation impacts manufacturers, re-packagers, wholesale distributors, 3PLs and dispensers. Under DQSA, businesses must record transaction information, history and statements.
To learn more about regulations impacting public refrigerated warehouses contact Datex cold storage experts today at www.datexcorp.com , marketing@datexcorp.com or 800.933.2839 ext 243.
How Last Mile Delivery Affects Supply Chain, E-tailing & Order Fulfillment
Perfecting last mile delivery has had a significant impact on the supply chain, how retailers develop their e-commerce sites and how order fulfillment is completed. Essentially, every part of the consumer experience has been adapted to meet changing expectations due to omni-channel retailing. Let’s explore how each aspect has been affected.
The manual processes of yesterday have been replaced with the automated data collection technology of tomorrow. Field service staff are now equipped with mobile ADC devices that allow them to view changes to deliveries and routes and update order status’. Replacing paper-based processes has improved visibility within the supply chain and improved the overall customer experience during the last mile. These ADC devices are also being used in fulfillment centers to increase the efficiency of order processing. Supply chain operators have realized that if orders are processed faster they can reach the end customer faster.
Retailers have also put a new focus on the user-friendliness of their e-commerce websites. Studies show that easy-to-navigate shopping carts lead to larger and more frequent online purchases. Optimizing these sites can lead to revenue growth. Online sale increases will force transportation providers to adapt to handle last mile delivery volume influx.
To handle these increases and make last mile delivery more effective, supply chain operators are expanding distribution networks by adding smaller scale e-fulfillment DCs on the edge of urban areas. This encourages swift delivery of online and in-store orders. Another way retailers are doing this is with the addition of new courier services. In some of these densely populated areas small parcel delivery is done by bicycle or personal vehicle delivery to avoid traffic congestion.
Increases in technology adoption can also be attributed to last mile logistics requirements. Retailers and their supply chain partners are implementing distributed order management solutions to streamline order fulfillment operations. This is done through custom workflow rules used to automate everyday processes. Supply chain service providers are also utilizing delivery window planning solutions to reduce costs associated to redelivery. And to make the most of their transportation dollars shippers are implementing route optimization and transportation scheduling solutions.
To learn more about how last mile logistics has affected supply chain operations speak to a Datex expert today at marketing@datexcorp.com or www.datexcorp.com .
Supply Chain Management Basics: Labor Management Slotting
Labor management has proven to be a successful supply chain tool for managing costs related to labor. This is especially critical as labor is reportedly the largest cost center in any SCM facility. This also means that it provides the most significant cost savings opportunity. Labor management systems constantly evaluate, measure and adapt day to day labor tasks with the main goal of achieving the highest level of productivity and cost savings. Its’ functional counterpart, slotting, helps to identify SKU placement throughout your warehouse facility to reduce travel times, increase picking accuracy and increase asset utilization – all of which are key factors in optimizing workforce productivity. Slotting alone has saved companies upwards of $500,000 annually and can prove even more useful when used in conjunction with LMS software. Selecting a labor management system that is built into warehouse management software can make optimization efforts even more fruitful as it allows your team to pull data from one system to anther with little to no manual data entry (where many inventory errors occur) and test slotting plans while receiving measurable results. This can help to improve the success of your labor optimization efforts.
Many SCM decision makers are hesitant to implement labor management software suites as there are common misconceptions or myths about their success and usefulness. Some of these myths include: full LMS functionality is available if I have a WMS, employee morale will be negatively impacted, LMS implementation requires significant IT resources and more. If your team can get past these concerns, find a functionally robust labor management system and implement it in a way that will help you meet your specific goals it is well worth the investment. To learn more about LMS and slotting contact Datex experts today at marketing@datexcorp.com or 800.933.2839 ext 243.
Quick Sccess Guide: Top 25 Questions Answered by the New FDA Q&A Draft
Supply chain businesses nationwide are rushing to implement operational changes in order to meet upcoming FDA Drug Supply Chain Security Act deadlines. This process has been a struggle for many due to the complexity of this legislation. Different business types must follow different portions of the rule in regards to reporting, registering and much more. The Food and Drug Administration released a new draft to answer some of the most frequently asked questions from third party logistics and wholesale distribution operations. This report is an update to a previously published 2014 draft. It is the intention of the FDA that these drafts are viewed together. This Q&A supplemental provides clarification based on the most frequently asked questions and comments received after the publication of the Annual Reporting draft guidance.
It is critical to clearly understand how these changes will affect your operation as any error in reporting or filing can result in significant penalties. Take advantage of these detailed tools provided by the FDA to ensure your operation is prepared before reported deadline dates. For more information on technologies to aid in pharmaceutical regulatory compliance contact Datex experts today at marketing@datexcorp.com or 800.933.2839 ext. 243.
Boost DC Performance & Solve DIM Challenges: Use Cubing and Dimensioning Tech...
The implementation of cubing and dimensioning technology is increasing in popularity due to their unique ability to solve a variety of frequently encountered supply chain challenges with a reasonable investment. Cubing and weighing solutions are now available in varying sizes, prices and durability options to meet the needs of any distribution center. These tools are designed to eliminate manual data entry, reduce inventory data errors and increase profits. Focusing on these operational improvements are more important than ever due to the increasing shipping rates for major carriers such as FedEx and UPS. The dimensional weight pricing structure raised the average shipping cost 30%. This led to warehouse operators searching for savings in other areas so as to not pass these rate increases on to their customers.
Datex partner, Rice Lake Weighing Systems, is one of the top providers of cubing and dimensioning technologies for the supply chain industry. They have been in business for over 70 years and now offer over 40,000 different weighing products for a variety of different industries. Their expertise has allowed many SCM businesses to make significant improvements to their operations ranging from more optimized inventory putaway and storage, improved carton selection, and more stable load/pallet building. When paired with warehouse management technology, cubing systems allow warehouses of any size to have more data available at their fingertips. This helps decision makers and staff make critical decisions on the fly while saving time and money. To get more information about implementing cubing and dimensioning technologies into your supply chain operation contact Datex experts today at marketing@datexcorp.com or 800.933.2839 ext 243.
The Future of the Food Supply Chain & Logistics
The future of the food supply chain is unclear as it is in a state of constant change. This is not unusual for supply chain operations as there are many factors driving change. Due to the already global nature of the food supply chain the implications and impact of this change is far reaching. Some of the top factors impacting the food supply chain include: governmental regulation changes, growing customer demand, increasing globalization and rising infrastructure investment. This is leading to a variety of creative solutions that are allowing for the fast and efficient evolution of the industry as a whole. One of the most popular advancements for the industry is the use of IoT and telematics to bring fresher, local produce to consumers. This focus on technology utilization has helped these businesses to adapt existing distribution networks to accommodate more localized delivery. This technology will also help to track produce from the source through to the consumer as customers demand to know more about where and how their food was produced. These solutions include WMS, RFID, ERP, manufacturing execution systems ADC devices, temperature recorders and much more. The food supply chain will also begin to utilize rail transport more frequently than ever before. This is thanks to significant infrastructure upgrades such as those completed on the Florida East Coast Railway. Localized delivery will also change and shift towards 3rd party courier services such as UberFresh and UberEATS. These private couriers will focus on D2C delivery in large, densely populated areas like NYC and Boston. Other services such as Blue Apron and Hello Fresh will offer similar D2C delivery and other creative click-to-collect options. With globalization increasing the import and export of food will continue to rise. In order to maintain food inventory integrity many ocean carriers are implementing advanced refrigeration technologies that are more reliable and that release less environment-damaging emissions. All of these improvements will address the factors forcing the evolution of the food supply chain. To learn more about these solutions and more like them contact Datex experts today at marketing@datexcorp.com or 800.933.2839 ext 243.
Supply Chain Management Basics: Preventing Supply Chain Fraud
Thirty percent of surveyed businesses reported that they have experienced some sort of supply chain fraud. So why do only 13% monitor supply chain fraud on an annual basis and only 12% on a quarterly basis? Supply chain fraud comes in a variety of forms, but the two most common types are corruption and conflict of interest. Both types lead to the ‘unlawful loss’ or ‘unlawful advantage’ that establishes supply chain fraud. These types of fraud are typically achieved through direct theft of assets, false reporting and the falsification of performance reports, and technological abuse. Supply chain fraud is a rising concern due to the growing complexity of the supply chain as a whole. While data is now much more available through top technologies such as ERP and WMS, many of the executives surveyed are not deploying data analytics tools that can help in identifying instances of fraud. The industries suffering most from supply chain fraud are life sciences/healthcare and energy/resources. Both of these industries saw significant fraud increases between 2014 and 2016. These operations, among all others, would benefit from a regularly scheduled audit program. This has proven to be the most effective method in identifying, eliminating and preventing fraud. Record and communicate these procedures to every team member to establish clear expectations and standards. To learn more about solutions available to prevent supply chain fraud contact Datex experts today at marketing@datexcorp.com or 800.933.2839 ext 243.
Supply Chain & Logistics Basics: The Automotive Supply Chain
Despite the economic downturn, the U.S. automotive supply chain has seen significant growth. Sales volume increased from 10 million to 15.6 million units between 2009 and 2013. These unit increases can be associated not only to improvements in economy, but solid efforts to implement industry best practices to solve supply chain challenges. Some of the top challenges faced by the automotive supply chain include inability to adapt to fluctuations in demand due to capacity constraints, financial constraints due to lack of liquidity, supply chain complexity increases with the globalization of the supply chain, qualified labor shortages and lack of information visibility with legacy technologies. Outdated supplier technology is present most often in tier 2 suppliers such as metal stampers and die casters. Lack of production management systems causes significant delays for OEMs and downstream supply chain partners.
According to the Global Supply Chain Survey 2013 automotive industry leaders plan to focus on both continuous improvement efforts relating to production efficiency and inventory management. Focusing on improving these areas can help to reduce costs and increase supplier collaboration. The top four areas of focus identified in this study were cost minimization, delivery performance, volume flexibility and complexity management. This is where industry best practices come into play. To address these issues automotive supply chain operators are implementing EDI/ASN to more effectively manage inbound shipment schedules and facility staffing. The information gleaned from this change allows these businesses to be proactive rather than reactive. Supply chain managers are also implementing documentation management protocols in order to comply with regulations and improve recall execution. In response to omni-channel retailing the automotive supply chain is also now aggregating orders into once centralized location such as a warehouse management system (WMS). This provides fulfillment centers with a more holistic view of inventory data. With this more accurate view of data, supply chain operations can also reduce on-hand inventory and focus on a just-in-time (JIT) replenishment strategy. This helps to reduce costs creating savings that can be passed on to customers. Transportation routing and other analytics are also being used to make data more accessible to all key supply chain players, including customers. To access more valuable automotive supply chain resources contact Datex experts today at www.datexcorp.com or marketing@datexcorp.com or call 800.933.2839 ext 243.
Supply Chain & Logistics Basics: Maintaining End-to-End Cold Chain Integrity
Maintaining end-to-end cold chain integrity is a critical focus for all cold storage operations as much of their inventory is consumed directly by end customers. If any instance of impropriety throughout the supply chain occurs it could lead to widespread sickness or death. On average, 10% of all pharmaceutical inventory is temperature controlled and a significantly larger portion of food products are also temperature controlled. Any contamination could result in thousands or even millions of dollars in inventory loss, logistics costs and settlement fees. Preventing inventory contamination in the cold chain has increased in complexity as the supply chain has globalized. A larger portion of temperature regulated goods are crossing international borders creating both regulatory challenges as well more opportunities for failure and/or complication before goods reach their final destination. Some of the most notable regulations impacting the cold chain are the Sanitary Food Transportation Act, Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and EU Good Distribution Practices. These pieces of legislation impact all key supply chain players including those that manufacture, store, transport and sell refrigerated and frozen products. Much of this legislation closely regulates the tracking and storage of handling and temperature related inventory data.
In an effort to solve cold chain challenges related to temperature maintenance, monitoring and recording supply chain operators handling temperature regulated inventory have begun to implement some successful industry best practices. Inventory pre-cooling has proven successful in reducing the wear and tear on refrigeration equipment and helps to guarantee temperature consistency from the time it is loaded until it is unloaded. Many cold chain businesses have also installed trailer condition monitoring systems that monitor temperature conditions in real time and send alerts if any unacceptable temperature variations are encountered. Packaging optimization has also proven useful in extending shelf life and improving product condition. In addition to monitoring trailer conditions, cold chain operators are also implementing inventory temperature monitoring technologies to track inventory status on a piece by piece or pallet by pallet basis. Retailers have also been encouraged to develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for receiving to ensure only inventory of the highest quality ends up on their shelves and in consumer hands. With capacity increasing and the supply chain growing globally it is more critical than ever that the cold chain implement these best practices in order to keep consumers safe.
Supply Chain Management Basics: 3PLs - One Size Does Not Fit All
This document discusses third-party logistics providers (3PLs) and factors to consider when selecting one. It notes that 3PLs now offer a wider range of services beyond traditional transportation and warehousing, including global, IT, and value-added services. When evaluating 3PLs, the document recommends considering their technology capabilities, company culture, infrastructure, ease of doing business, key performance metrics, and intangible services. Selecting the best-fit 3PL can help shippers reduce costs, improve customer satisfaction, access global expertise, and reduce risk.
Supply Chain Collaboration: Consumer Packaged Goods Manufacturers & Retailers
Supply chain collaboration is a critical area of focus for many retail businesses. Before collaboration efforts can be made, key players must first understand the difference between key industry segments. The retail and consumer packaged goods segments are most often confused because of their similarities, but in reality are quite different. Retail is defined as the sale of products to end consumers. This is typically done through a variety of retail channels including brick and mortar stores, e-commerce sites, phone sales and print catalogs. Consumer packaged goods (CPG) is a more broad category encompassing all manufacturers, sellers and marketers of physical goods that are sold through retailers. CPGs often operate at the wholesale level rather than the direct-to-consumer (D2C) level. While these businesses have very similar end goals, they often do not work closely together. In a 2015 article industry experts noted that by working together retailers and CPG manufacturers could benefit from increased sales, cost savings, optimized processes and systems and a more positive customer experience. A strategic collaboration plan can help these businesses to more easily obtain these common objectives.
Before a strategy can be developed, these key players must also look at the challenges or roadblocks they expect to encounter. Some of the top challenges encountered by the CPG industry include: variable consumer demand and the ability to adapt, shrinking profit margins due to increased competition, increase regulatory requirements, data visibility across global supply chains and the management of complex omni-channel retail strategies. Due to the proximity of these supply chain segments, retailers are often affected by these challenges downstream, but by working together to develop new and innovative products and processes both retail supply chain operations can benefit. Much of this innovation will come from improved analytics derived from WMS technology investment which is expected to increase through 2018. Learn more about how tech investment and supply chain innovation will improve collaboration efforts between consumer packaged goods manufacturers and retailers by contacting Datex experts today at marketing@datexcorp.com or 800-933-2839 ext 243 or www.datexcorp.com.
Supply Chain Management Basics: Inventory Picking Strategies
For the typical warehouse operation picking processes account for nearly 40-50% of total warehousing and distribution costs. Due to the significant financial impact picking is a critical area of focus for many supply chain operators. The supply chain industry is large and complex, as is each individual 3PL, warehouse, distribution center, manufacturer or retail that operates within it. For this reason there is no single picking method that will fit each individual supply chain. Any picking strategy or combination of picking strategies may be used. Some of the most commonly utilized picking strategies include batch, wave, cluster, piece, zone and sortation picking. The most basic picking strategy, piece picking, is the process of pulling inventory for a single order. The ratio for this method is one picker to one order. Batch picking is more complex. Using this method a picker will pull inventory from multiple orders into one large container or tote. Once all orders have been picked the inventory will be taken to a staging area where orders will be separated into their corresponding containers. Cluster picking is similar to batch picking in that multiple orders are picked simultaneously, but are picked directly into their corresponding containers rather than a group tote. This eliminates the added labor required to separate orders in the staging area. Wave picking is a method facilitated by warehouse management technology. Groups of orders are released in “waves” on a schedule to ensure labor is evenly distributed throughout the work day. Both wave length and frequency is determined by staff availability and daily workload. Zone picking is an inventory picking method where staff are designated to zones in the warehouse and only pick from those areas. Zones can be designated by groupings of SKUs or by aisle. Using this method multiple orders will be picked from each zone simultaneously. This method allows for inventory handling specialization by employee where necessary. Sortation picking is reserved for supply chain operations with the existing automated storage and retrieval system architecture. In this method inventory is brought to pickers via a conveyor system where they put items into their corresponding containers. This significantly reduces the labor hours required to complete order fulfillment activities. The final picking strategy is picking to box. In this method pickers remain at their designated station and place items into boxes as they move past on a conveyor system. Each box may visit multiple picking stations before order fulfillment is complete. To learn more about which picking strategy may be best for your business contact Datex for a no obligation operational assessment.
Top 5 Benefits of Procurement & Supply Chain Collaboration
While procurement and supply chain management are closely related, they are not one in the same. Procurement is defined as the process of acquiring goods and services that your company needs to fulfill its business model. This entails a variety of other services such as contract negotiation, financing and more. Supply chain management is every activity involved in putting products in the hands of consumers. It includes a variety of supply chain operations such as manufacturers, wholesalers, transportation providers and more. While these two functional groups are intended to work in conjunction, many times the supply chain as a whole suffers from a lack of procurement-SCM collaboration. SupplyChain247.com recently published an article detailing the six functional procurement areas that can be improved by considering supply chain issues. These areas include: demand planning, inventory planning, leadtime optimization, product lifecycle management, footprint design and capacity planning. Working with supply chain managers to improve these areas can result in notable supply chain improvements. The top five benefits business realize when procurement and supply chain managers work together are supply chain risk reductions, improved customer satisfaction, cost reductions, improved flexibility and improved supplier relationships. The most advanced and efficient supply chain utilize technology in order to improve collaboration between these groups. The most frequently used technology is electronic data interchange (EDI), automated data collection (ADC) and warehouse management software (WMS). These three technologies can improve communication and available inventory data to make the procurement-SCM relationship operate seamlessly. Make the most of your functional teams by giving them all of the tools they need to work together to meet a common goal. To learn more about the importance of the procurement-supply chain management relationship and how to improve it contact Datex experts today at marketing@datexcorp.com or 800.933.2839 ext 243.
Food Supply Chain: Transporting Fresh Fruits & Vegetables
Transportation providers now play a more vital role in the fresh food supply chain than ever before. They are expected to provide fast, efficient and sanitary last mile logistics services as this directly impacts the freshness of produce inventory. Product freshness is more critical than ever due to increased customer expectations as consumers are now more educated about varying inventory options available to them. In order for retail grocers to capture market share they must be able to guarantee the highest quality product at the lowest prices- something they can only do by partnering with a reliable and high performing transportation partner. Transportation operations have been impacted by legislation such as the FSMA Sanitary Transportation of Human & Animal Food Rule. Under this legislation many transportation providers have had to make adjustments to their operational processes in order to meet the stringent requirements relating to proper refrigeration during transport, trailer cleansing between loads and proper food protection. Produce inventory shrinkage rates are high due to poor handling during transit. This has spurred advancements in produce packaging and loading procedures. Technology such as cartonization software is being utilized to assist warehouse staff in selecting proper packaging. Transportation providers are also implementing warehouse management software to help direct reverse loading procedures. Reverse loading trailers helps to lower handling requirements as deliveries are made. Minimized handling can potentially reduce inventory damage during transit. Temperature monitors are also being implemented to assist in maintaining regulatory compliance. These monitors track pre-cooling, temperature during transit and temperature at time of delivery. This information helps to complete the audit trail required for FDA FSMA compliance. Vehicle maintenance has also been brought to the forefront as a key factor in ensuring produce inventory quality. Properly maintaining vehicles reduces instances of break downs where inventory shrinkage may occur. Regular maintenance checks are often automated through the transportation providers WMS software. Fuel prices have also affected transportation operations and how they develop their distribution networks. Many are moving towards a spoke-and-wheel strategy, bringing products closer to consumers. To learn more about produce transportation best practices and how the industry is adapting to the latest legislation read this brief SlideShare or contact Datex experts today at marketing@datexcorp.com or 800.933.2839 ext 243.
How Datex Can Solve Your Supply Chain Traceability Problems
Many supply chain operations do not have the technical capabilities to meet everyday inventory traceability needs. Members at every stage of the supply chain need to be able to complete fast, accurate product recalls, identify counterfeit or contaminated products and comply with governmental regulations. Datex’s warehouse management software focuses on helping supply chain businesses optimizing inventory track and trace using a combination of industry specific hardware and software to meet your business specific needs. Datex FootPrint WMS includes powerful track and trace functionality that tracks all the way to the manufacturing component level. This feature allows users to facilitate accurate and targeted product recalls. The Datex WMS system also creates a full, detailed audit trail to show all activity data giving warehouse staff full visibility into inventory details for faster business-critical decision making. This also helps customers to fulfill the regulatory requirements for legislation including FDA FSMA, FDA DSCSA and LBMA Good Delivery Rules. In addition to the detailed audit trail FootPrint WMS users can also attach a variety of document types including Excel, Word, PDF, images, video and signature files. This will provide an added layer of detail into the already complete audit trail provided. In addition to an industry leading warehouse management system, Datex also provides a variety of supplementary supply chain services to ensure business continuity, data accuracy and process optimization. These services include electronic data interchange (EDI), business operations analysis, hardware site survey and mobile device management (MDM). Datex is also an authorized reseller of supply chain RFID devices and barcode scanning solutions to ensure a seamless inventory management experience across your enterprise. To learn more about available inventory management solutions contact Datex experts today.
Supply Chain & Logistics Basics: The Evolution of Latin American SCM
The document summarizes the evolution of supply chain management in Latin America. It discusses how Latin America has improved its attractiveness through initiatives like better infrastructure, trade policies, and addressing high labor costs. This has allowed the region to strengthen trade relationships and attract more global retailers and manufacturers. Key developments that improved supply chain operations included trade agreements like NAFTA, infrastructure projects like the Panama Canal expansion, and the growing middle class consumer market in Latin America.
Cold Storage Warehouse Best Practices: Forecasting & End-to-End Temperature M...
As products evolve and consumer demands change cold storage warehouse space is a more critical branch of the supply chain than ever. Products being stored in these refrigerated warehouses include frozen and refrigerated food, pharmaceuticals, petro-chemicals and high-tech electronics. Many of these products are strictly regulated by government agencies such as the FDA. To maintain compliant with these regulations many cold storage operations are focusing on implementing industry best practices. A top priority has continued to be temperature forecasting and monitoring and technology upgrades.
Forecasting temperature demand helps businesses operating in the cold chain to accommodate to changes in product demand and the financial implications. Completing inventory forecasts often will help to give your business a clear understanding of storage space requirements and what changes can be made the make the most of your existing facility space.
One way cold storage warehouses are making the most of their space is by implementing temporary curtains that allow them to break up facility space in order to create, expand or reduce the square footage of temperature zones. The flexibility of this tool helps refrigerated warehouse operators to reduce energy consumption while also ensuring temperature consistency to avoid spoiling.
In an effort to avoid the average 6 recalls that occur in the U.S. each day cold storage warehouses are implementing new and cutting edge technologies to aid in the tracking and monitoring of inventory temperature and condition. These tools include: thermometers for manual QA readings on an inventory or temperature zone level, RFID tags for passive temperature monitoring and location identification, data loggers for in-transit deliveries direct-to-customer, smart shipping containers for LTL and FTL shipments, and WMS for a centralized data collection and storage database. All of these tools used in varying combinations can help cold storage warehouses to reduce costs, improve data accuracy, guarantee product quality and maintain regulatory compliance.
Evaluate how these technologies can help your refrigerated warehouse implement industry best practices in temperature monitoring and tracking and solve any pre-existing QA issues today. Contact Datex experts with questions or for more information on this topic at marketing@datexcorp.com or 800.933.2839 ext 243.
What is New in Track and Trace Technology?
In the distribution and logistics field track and trace is defined as the process of identifying past and current locations of inventory items. This inventory should be tracked at any level from ingredient to finished product and anywhere in between. Track and trace processes are supported through a variety of SCM technologies that help to provide real-time information on both location and status of these items as they move throughout the supply chain. A focus has been placed on track and trace due to the increasing complexity of governmental regulations. The government is becoming more active due to food recalls reaching their all-time high in 2013. On average, 6 recalls occur in the U.S. each day. These recalls impact up to 18.4 million products including pharmaceuticals, food and much more. This issue has sparked the focus on technology and automation throughout the supply chain.
These technologies are being used to manage the many moving pieces of the supply chain. In order to create a detailed, accurate audit trail needed to satisfy new regulations supply chain operators are implementing a variety of track and trace solutions including WMS, RFID and automated data collection devices.
SCM businesses handling food and pharmaceutical products have started to implement temperature indicators to track temperature, humidity and shock levels throughout the delivery process. These devices come in a variety of designs for flexible use. The data collected using temperature indicators can be transferred directly into inventory management software to develop a complete audit trail.
RFID functions in a similar way, passively tracking inventory as it moves throughout the supply chain. Radio frequency identification also helps to reduce the labor required to handle and process inventory. RFID is useful because it can track inventory at any level through the manufacturing process.
Warehouse management software is also a top tool used by SCM businesses focusing on track and trace because these powerful databases store all captured inventory data making it easily accessible to warehouse operators. Many top WMS systems are also developed to meet government regulations, taking the guess work out of track and trace.
To ensure your operation can meet regulatory requirements consider evaluating these technologies to bridge any gaps in technology capabilities. Learn more about new track and trace functionality and supply chain needs contact Datex experts today at marketing@datexcorp.com or 800.933.2839 ext 243.
What is Last Mile Delivery Part 2: Adapting to Retail and e-Commerce Order Fu...
The increasing popularity of omni-channel retailing has created many challenges for transportation and logistics providers servicing retailers. This has forced transportation operations to think outside of the box and make significant changes to their service offering portfolios. Omni-channel retailing has made fulfilling customer orders efficiently and cost effectively much more complex with a variety of new distribution strategies.
E-commerce orders grew 47% between 2009 and 2014 in comparison to only 6% at brick and mortar store locations. E-commerce sales are expected to reach $2.3 trillion by 2017. This shift in retail channel utilization has increased the order fulfillment needs and associated labor costs. Retailers are evaluating existing distribution networks to verify they can handle the added volume and are seeking out additional delivery solutions as a supplement. In many cases, these additions are in the form of local and regional distribution centers.
Rising shipping costs have also been a significant challenge for last mile delivery as they account for approximately 28% of total transportation costs. Shippers have many options for counteracting rising shipping costs including: intermodal freight utilization to link logistics clusters, shipment consolidation with crossdocking, primary delivery channel elimination and click-to-collect/ parcel locker centers to consolidate parcel drop-offs.
Governmental regulations have also created problems related to last mile logistics, both in the US and abroad. Regulations such as vehicle size and weight limitations, parking policies and noise restrictions. To avoid these issues some transportation operations are investing in smaller delivery vehicles for use in local regional delivery operations. These vehicles are typically more compliant with imposed noise and size restrictions. In areas where even these smaller vehicles are not an option some logistics providers have started to offer bike delivery and contracted one-time delivery services through businesses such as Uber.
Demand for up-to-date order information has also become an issue for many omni-channel retailers. Customers now want to know when their order has been accepted, processed, shipped and delivered. In order to provide this level of detail omni-channel supply chains are implementing inventory management software such as WMS with customer relationship management capabilities to provide real-time information to customers.
In order to provide a positive final impression on consumers retailers must focus on last mile logistics. Focusing on these potential solutions can help retailers to improve the effectiveness, efficiency and cost of last mile delivery operations. Learn more from Datex experts now at marketing@datexcorp.com or www.datexcorp.com .
EDI Dictionary & Terminology
EDI implementation and execution can be a complex process. Before undertaking an EDI project it is critical that your key stakeholders learn the basics so that you know what to look for in an EDI vendor, trading partner relationship and more. Explore a variety of EDI resources to receive a more holistic view of how electronic data interchange works, the top terms to know and what the potential cost will be.
In this easy-to-follow EDI dictionary you can view the most commonly used EDI terms and concepts. Reference this guide when generating RFP questions or when viewing vendor websites.
To learn more about EDI contact Datex solutions experts today at www.datexcorp.com , marketing@datexcorp.com or 800.933.2839 ext 243.
Why Inventory Management is Critical for Your Operation
Supply chain businesses continue to increase in complexity. Manual processes can no longer support these changing operations. Warehouse management system software is a necessary tool to manage these complex businesses. Using warehouse management software can help with inventory management tracking needs and may help to reduce costs, increase staff productivity and improve customer satisfaction. All of these factors are important to customer retention and finding new customers.
Inventory management is critical to many supply chain operations as it allows your team to better analyze patterns in activity, both inside and outside of your facility. Paper-based inventory management does not facilitate the level of reporting needed to determine trends affecting your business. With this information your team can optimize inventory management efforts and facility layout.
Using inventory management software also helps your business to better monitor inventory flow through rates. You will be able to better understand what inventory levels are most appropriate to both reduce inventory carrying costs and reduce out of stock instances. Supply chain businesses utilizing this type of technology typically see an average 7.5% decrease in out of stocks.
Inventory management software can also help in improving the effectiveness of facility order fulfillment. With the real-time data availability created with the use of the software staff can pick, pack and ship orders in record time and with increased accuracy. 95.4% of businesses reported orders are delivered on time and complete when inventory control technology is used.
Managing inventory with technology such as WMS can also help to improve benchmarking capabilities. With access to KPI data your team can compare against industry standards and make adjustments as needed.
WMS also increases asset tracking capabilities and can help to reduce the amount of lost and damaged inventory within your facility. Performing activity such as cycle counts directed by the WMS your team can identify inventory loss patterns, leading to a faster issue resolution.
The data collected using inventory control software also improves communication and decision making capabilities. This, along with the other areas of improvement, lead to a better customer experience and increased customer loyalty. To learn more about how inventory management can benefit your business contact Datex experts today.
Automated Data Collection & WMS: Empowering Your Operation With Real Time Acc...
Logistics businesses worldwide are increasing in complexity to continue to meet and exceed their customer’s needs. One way these businesses are adapting to these changes is by diversifying their operational technology portfolio. Logistics centers and manufacturing facilities worldwide are implementing a wider variety of technologies to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, increase data availability and optimize labor productivity. All of these things cannot be done by simply purchasing the latest and greatest technology. You must integrate these technologies so that they may perform as one effective network. These networks are developed for automated data collection purposes.
Automated data collection (ADC) networks are designed to work in unison to automate processes within the warehouse and provide a constant, accurate flow of data. These networks can be comprised of industry leading mobile devices including voice picking solution, fixed barcode scanners, and mobile and vehicle mounted computers. These devices, used in conjunction with industrial printing solutions, barcode labels, RF and RFID networks and your warehouse management software (WMS) can support your facility as it grows in both size and complexity. Ensuring your business has a strong foundation for this network is crucial – your WMS must be able to collect, share and store all data being collected all while directing activity within your facility. Select a WMS with the functionality to integrate and communicate with these devices to help ensure your ADC network performs effectively.
The adoption of automated data collection is due largely in part to the increasing popularity of omni-channel retailing and increasing compliance requirements. Customer orders are becoming more complex and must be fulfilled at a faster rate than ever, all while maintaining strict quality and regulatory standards. With the help of an established and fully integrated ADC network, logistics businesses like yours can rely on the technology to assist in simplifying and streamlining inventory management processes.
To learn more about developing n ADC network for your business contact Datex experts today at marketing@datexcorp.com or 800.933.2839.
Criteria for Selecting a Third Party Logistics Provider for Your Business
Shippers continue to follow the trend of outsourcing non-core competency activities to third party logistics partners as it can provide significant benefits such as cost reduction and higher customer service levels. Finding a 3PL partner that is able to meet all of your business needs is not a task to be taken lightly as they are truly an extension of your business.
The process of searching for and selecting a third party logistics partner is one that must be structured and detailed to ensure that the best decision is made for your business. Many shippers choose to utilize a request for proposal (RFP) to assist in keeping the decision making process structured. A major portion of the selection process, whether an RFP is used or not, is clearly defining the criteria that must be considered when making the final decision.
The top factors to consider include:
-service capabilities – match your required services with their capabilities and eliminate those providers that cannot meet all of your needs and be sure to communicate these needs clearly
-flexibility/scalability – a “one size fits all” solution will not be best for your business – find a 3PL that will meet your needs now and is able to grow with you in the future
-3PL reliability – ensure customers receive only the highest level of service – your 3PL must be able to meet and exceed customer expectations
-cost – this should not be the only factor considered, but do ensure your 3PL can effectively manage costs, passing savings on to you
-geographic location – strategic facility locations will allow you to better meet customer needs – a developed geographic profile will allow you to expand nationally, and in some cases, internationally
-information technology capabilities – technology has now become a necessity – ensure your 3PLs software is easy to use and provides real-time data so you can adapt and make quick decisions
-corporate culture – in order to build a strong and effective partnership both parties must understand one another’s corporate culture – this affects how you run your business and how you will need your 3PL to perform in turn
-corporate stability – consider the financial standing of your 3PL partner when making your choice – be sure to protect your assets
To learn more about selecting the best 3PL for your business contact Wavelength Logistics experts today at marketing@wavelengthlogistics.com or at 855-645-2766.
The TDP 324W - Your Efficient Wristband Printing Solution
Businesses around the country and the world need solutions for identifying “human inventory” such as hospital patients, amusement park attendees and much more. To track these people efficiently and effectively the proper technology must be in place. TSC Printers has developed a compact, efficient wristband printer. This device is the TDP-324W. The TDP-324W wristband printer features industry leading high resolution printing, wristband roll flexibility, customizable with built in flash card reader, front LCD display and downtime keyboard interface. This Cerner certified wristband printer is a top contender for your healthcare, entertainment, or emergency response operation. In the healthcare field the TDP-324W is used for patient ID tracking, hospital admission processing and in hospital nurseries. Many entertainment/hospitality businesses such as amusement parks, water parks and night clubs use this wristband printer for attendee tracking and ticketing. The government/emergency industry has a much wider range of use for the TDP-324W including inmate tracking, emergency triage tracking, crowd control, animal identification and for monitoring restricted access areas.
All of these business types enjoy the benefits of implementing a device such as the TDP-324W. The low upfront cost, high customizability and reliability makes it a perfect choice for any operation dealing with precious human tracking. For more information on wristband printers please contact Datex today. Datex is an industry leading logistics and supply chain solutions provider, supplying a wide range of industries with the necessary software, hardware and service combination to effectively manage their business.
Lean Manufacturing Process
The document discusses approaches to implementing lean manufacturing through warehouse execution systems. It outlines some traditional approaches that fail, such as lack of management support and ineffective communication. Root causes of lean gaps are identified as reactionary decisions, uncertain workforces, shifting supply chains, and a lack of clear direction. The document recommends taking a lean approach through performance management to eliminate chaos and allow identification of problems and opportunities. Real-time information systems are also recommended to manage operations, customer demand, supply chains, workforces, and logistics. RFID, wireless mobile computers, barcoding, and dashboard technologies can help provide this real-time information. Overall, the key is to set goals and objectives and then continuously monitor and manage performance across the organization
Main news related to the CCS TSI 2023 (2023/1695)
An English 🇬🇧 translation of a presentation to the speech I gave about the main changes brought by CCS TSI 2023 at the biggest Czech conference on Communications and signalling systems on Railways, which was held in Clarion Hotel Olomouc from 7th to 9th November 2023 (konferenceszt.cz). Attended by around 500 participants and 200 on-line followers.
The original Czech 🇨🇿 version of the presentation can be found here: https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/hlavni-novinky-souvisejici-s-ccs-tsi-2023-2023-1695/269688092 .
The videorecording (in Czech) from the presentation is available here: https://youtu.be/WzjJWm4IyPk?si=SImb06tuXGb30BEH .
Choosing The Best AWS Service For Your Website + API.pptx
Have you ever been confused by the myriad of choices offered by AWS for hosting a website or an API?
Lambda, Elastic Beanstalk, Lightsail, Amplify, S3 (and more!) can each host websites + APIs. But which one should we choose?
Which one is cheapest? Which one is fastest? Which one will scale to meet our needs?
Join me in this session as we dive into each AWS hosting service to determine which one is best for your scenario and explain why!
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Supply Chain Management Basics: Preventing Supply Chain Fraud
Thirty percent of surveyed businesses reported that they have experienced some sort of supply chain fraud. So why do only 13% monitor supply chain fraud on an annual basis and only 12% on a quarterly basis? Supply chain fraud comes in a variety of forms, but the two most common types are corruption and conflict of interest. Both types lead to the ‘unlawful loss’ or ‘unlawful advantage’ that establishes supply chain fraud. These types of fraud are typically achieved through direct theft of assets, false reporting and the falsification of performance reports, and technological abuse. Supply chain fraud is a rising concern due to the growing complexity of the supply chain as a whole. While data is now much more available through top technologies such as ERP and WMS, many of the executives surveyed are not deploying data analytics tools that can help in identifying instances of fraud. The industries suffering most from supply chain fraud are life sciences/healthcare and energy/resources. Both of these industries saw significant fraud increases between 2014 and 2016. These operations, among all others, would benefit from a regularly scheduled audit program. This has proven to be the most effective method in identifying, eliminating and preventing fraud. Record and communicate these procedures to every team member to establish clear expectations and standards. To learn more about solutions available to prevent supply chain fraud contact Datex experts today at marketing@datexcorp.com or 800.933.2839 ext 243.
Supply Chain & Logistics Basics: The Automotive Supply Chain
Despite the economic downturn, the U.S. automotive supply chain has seen significant growth. Sales volume increased from 10 million to 15.6 million units between 2009 and 2013. These unit increases can be associated not only to improvements in economy, but solid efforts to implement industry best practices to solve supply chain challenges. Some of the top challenges faced by the automotive supply chain include inability to adapt to fluctuations in demand due to capacity constraints, financial constraints due to lack of liquidity, supply chain complexity increases with the globalization of the supply chain, qualified labor shortages and lack of information visibility with legacy technologies. Outdated supplier technology is present most often in tier 2 suppliers such as metal stampers and die casters. Lack of production management systems causes significant delays for OEMs and downstream supply chain partners.
According to the Global Supply Chain Survey 2013 automotive industry leaders plan to focus on both continuous improvement efforts relating to production efficiency and inventory management. Focusing on improving these areas can help to reduce costs and increase supplier collaboration. The top four areas of focus identified in this study were cost minimization, delivery performance, volume flexibility and complexity management. This is where industry best practices come into play. To address these issues automotive supply chain operators are implementing EDI/ASN to more effectively manage inbound shipment schedules and facility staffing. The information gleaned from this change allows these businesses to be proactive rather than reactive. Supply chain managers are also implementing documentation management protocols in order to comply with regulations and improve recall execution. In response to omni-channel retailing the automotive supply chain is also now aggregating orders into once centralized location such as a warehouse management system (WMS). This provides fulfillment centers with a more holistic view of inventory data. With this more accurate view of data, supply chain operations can also reduce on-hand inventory and focus on a just-in-time (JIT) replenishment strategy. This helps to reduce costs creating savings that can be passed on to customers. Transportation routing and other analytics are also being used to make data more accessible to all key supply chain players, including customers. To access more valuable automotive supply chain resources contact Datex experts today at www.datexcorp.com or marketing@datexcorp.com or call 800.933.2839 ext 243.
Supply Chain & Logistics Basics: Maintaining End-to-End Cold Chain Integrity
Maintaining end-to-end cold chain integrity is a critical focus for all cold storage operations as much of their inventory is consumed directly by end customers. If any instance of impropriety throughout the supply chain occurs it could lead to widespread sickness or death. On average, 10% of all pharmaceutical inventory is temperature controlled and a significantly larger portion of food products are also temperature controlled. Any contamination could result in thousands or even millions of dollars in inventory loss, logistics costs and settlement fees. Preventing inventory contamination in the cold chain has increased in complexity as the supply chain has globalized. A larger portion of temperature regulated goods are crossing international borders creating both regulatory challenges as well more opportunities for failure and/or complication before goods reach their final destination. Some of the most notable regulations impacting the cold chain are the Sanitary Food Transportation Act, Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and EU Good Distribution Practices. These pieces of legislation impact all key supply chain players including those that manufacture, store, transport and sell refrigerated and frozen products. Much of this legislation closely regulates the tracking and storage of handling and temperature related inventory data.
In an effort to solve cold chain challenges related to temperature maintenance, monitoring and recording supply chain operators handling temperature regulated inventory have begun to implement some successful industry best practices. Inventory pre-cooling has proven successful in reducing the wear and tear on refrigeration equipment and helps to guarantee temperature consistency from the time it is loaded until it is unloaded. Many cold chain businesses have also installed trailer condition monitoring systems that monitor temperature conditions in real time and send alerts if any unacceptable temperature variations are encountered. Packaging optimization has also proven useful in extending shelf life and improving product condition. In addition to monitoring trailer conditions, cold chain operators are also implementing inventory temperature monitoring technologies to track inventory status on a piece by piece or pallet by pallet basis. Retailers have also been encouraged to develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for receiving to ensure only inventory of the highest quality ends up on their shelves and in consumer hands. With capacity increasing and the supply chain growing globally it is more critical than ever that the cold chain implement these best practices in order to keep consumers safe.
Supply Chain Management Basics: 3PLs - One Size Does Not Fit All
This document discusses third-party logistics providers (3PLs) and factors to consider when selecting one. It notes that 3PLs now offer a wider range of services beyond traditional transportation and warehousing, including global, IT, and value-added services. When evaluating 3PLs, the document recommends considering their technology capabilities, company culture, infrastructure, ease of doing business, key performance metrics, and intangible services. Selecting the best-fit 3PL can help shippers reduce costs, improve customer satisfaction, access global expertise, and reduce risk.
Supply Chain Collaboration: Consumer Packaged Goods Manufacturers & Retailers
Supply chain collaboration is a critical area of focus for many retail businesses. Before collaboration efforts can be made, key players must first understand the difference between key industry segments. The retail and consumer packaged goods segments are most often confused because of their similarities, but in reality are quite different. Retail is defined as the sale of products to end consumers. This is typically done through a variety of retail channels including brick and mortar stores, e-commerce sites, phone sales and print catalogs. Consumer packaged goods (CPG) is a more broad category encompassing all manufacturers, sellers and marketers of physical goods that are sold through retailers. CPGs often operate at the wholesale level rather than the direct-to-consumer (D2C) level. While these businesses have very similar end goals, they often do not work closely together. In a 2015 article industry experts noted that by working together retailers and CPG manufacturers could benefit from increased sales, cost savings, optimized processes and systems and a more positive customer experience. A strategic collaboration plan can help these businesses to more easily obtain these common objectives.
Before a strategy can be developed, these key players must also look at the challenges or roadblocks they expect to encounter. Some of the top challenges encountered by the CPG industry include: variable consumer demand and the ability to adapt, shrinking profit margins due to increased competition, increase regulatory requirements, data visibility across global supply chains and the management of complex omni-channel retail strategies. Due to the proximity of these supply chain segments, retailers are often affected by these challenges downstream, but by working together to develop new and innovative products and processes both retail supply chain operations can benefit. Much of this innovation will come from improved analytics derived from WMS technology investment which is expected to increase through 2018. Learn more about how tech investment and supply chain innovation will improve collaboration efforts between consumer packaged goods manufacturers and retailers by contacting Datex experts today at marketing@datexcorp.com or 800-933-2839 ext 243 or www.datexcorp.com.
Supply Chain Management Basics: Inventory Picking Strategies
For the typical warehouse operation picking processes account for nearly 40-50% of total warehousing and distribution costs. Due to the significant financial impact picking is a critical area of focus for many supply chain operators. The supply chain industry is large and complex, as is each individual 3PL, warehouse, distribution center, manufacturer or retail that operates within it. For this reason there is no single picking method that will fit each individual supply chain. Any picking strategy or combination of picking strategies may be used. Some of the most commonly utilized picking strategies include batch, wave, cluster, piece, zone and sortation picking. The most basic picking strategy, piece picking, is the process of pulling inventory for a single order. The ratio for this method is one picker to one order. Batch picking is more complex. Using this method a picker will pull inventory from multiple orders into one large container or tote. Once all orders have been picked the inventory will be taken to a staging area where orders will be separated into their corresponding containers. Cluster picking is similar to batch picking in that multiple orders are picked simultaneously, but are picked directly into their corresponding containers rather than a group tote. This eliminates the added labor required to separate orders in the staging area. Wave picking is a method facilitated by warehouse management technology. Groups of orders are released in “waves” on a schedule to ensure labor is evenly distributed throughout the work day. Both wave length and frequency is determined by staff availability and daily workload. Zone picking is an inventory picking method where staff are designated to zones in the warehouse and only pick from those areas. Zones can be designated by groupings of SKUs or by aisle. Using this method multiple orders will be picked from each zone simultaneously. This method allows for inventory handling specialization by employee where necessary. Sortation picking is reserved for supply chain operations with the existing automated storage and retrieval system architecture. In this method inventory is brought to pickers via a conveyor system where they put items into their corresponding containers. This significantly reduces the labor hours required to complete order fulfillment activities. The final picking strategy is picking to box. In this method pickers remain at their designated station and place items into boxes as they move past on a conveyor system. Each box may visit multiple picking stations before order fulfillment is complete. To learn more about which picking strategy may be best for your business contact Datex for a no obligation operational assessment.
Top 5 Benefits of Procurement & Supply Chain Collaboration
While procurement and supply chain management are closely related, they are not one in the same. Procurement is defined as the process of acquiring goods and services that your company needs to fulfill its business model. This entails a variety of other services such as contract negotiation, financing and more. Supply chain management is every activity involved in putting products in the hands of consumers. It includes a variety of supply chain operations such as manufacturers, wholesalers, transportation providers and more. While these two functional groups are intended to work in conjunction, many times the supply chain as a whole suffers from a lack of procurement-SCM collaboration. SupplyChain247.com recently published an article detailing the six functional procurement areas that can be improved by considering supply chain issues. These areas include: demand planning, inventory planning, leadtime optimization, product lifecycle management, footprint design and capacity planning. Working with supply chain managers to improve these areas can result in notable supply chain improvements. The top five benefits business realize when procurement and supply chain managers work together are supply chain risk reductions, improved customer satisfaction, cost reductions, improved flexibility and improved supplier relationships. The most advanced and efficient supply chain utilize technology in order to improve collaboration between these groups. The most frequently used technology is electronic data interchange (EDI), automated data collection (ADC) and warehouse management software (WMS). These three technologies can improve communication and available inventory data to make the procurement-SCM relationship operate seamlessly. Make the most of your functional teams by giving them all of the tools they need to work together to meet a common goal. To learn more about the importance of the procurement-supply chain management relationship and how to improve it contact Datex experts today at marketing@datexcorp.com or 800.933.2839 ext 243.
Food Supply Chain: Transporting Fresh Fruits & Vegetables
Transportation providers now play a more vital role in the fresh food supply chain than ever before. They are expected to provide fast, efficient and sanitary last mile logistics services as this directly impacts the freshness of produce inventory. Product freshness is more critical than ever due to increased customer expectations as consumers are now more educated about varying inventory options available to them. In order for retail grocers to capture market share they must be able to guarantee the highest quality product at the lowest prices- something they can only do by partnering with a reliable and high performing transportation partner. Transportation operations have been impacted by legislation such as the FSMA Sanitary Transportation of Human & Animal Food Rule. Under this legislation many transportation providers have had to make adjustments to their operational processes in order to meet the stringent requirements relating to proper refrigeration during transport, trailer cleansing between loads and proper food protection. Produce inventory shrinkage rates are high due to poor handling during transit. This has spurred advancements in produce packaging and loading procedures. Technology such as cartonization software is being utilized to assist warehouse staff in selecting proper packaging. Transportation providers are also implementing warehouse management software to help direct reverse loading procedures. Reverse loading trailers helps to lower handling requirements as deliveries are made. Minimized handling can potentially reduce inventory damage during transit. Temperature monitors are also being implemented to assist in maintaining regulatory compliance. These monitors track pre-cooling, temperature during transit and temperature at time of delivery. This information helps to complete the audit trail required for FDA FSMA compliance. Vehicle maintenance has also been brought to the forefront as a key factor in ensuring produce inventory quality. Properly maintaining vehicles reduces instances of break downs where inventory shrinkage may occur. Regular maintenance checks are often automated through the transportation providers WMS software. Fuel prices have also affected transportation operations and how they develop their distribution networks. Many are moving towards a spoke-and-wheel strategy, bringing products closer to consumers. To learn more about produce transportation best practices and how the industry is adapting to the latest legislation read this brief SlideShare or contact Datex experts today at marketing@datexcorp.com or 800.933.2839 ext 243.
How Datex Can Solve Your Supply Chain Traceability Problems
Many supply chain operations do not have the technical capabilities to meet everyday inventory traceability needs. Members at every stage of the supply chain need to be able to complete fast, accurate product recalls, identify counterfeit or contaminated products and comply with governmental regulations. Datex’s warehouse management software focuses on helping supply chain businesses optimizing inventory track and trace using a combination of industry specific hardware and software to meet your business specific needs. Datex FootPrint WMS includes powerful track and trace functionality that tracks all the way to the manufacturing component level. This feature allows users to facilitate accurate and targeted product recalls. The Datex WMS system also creates a full, detailed audit trail to show all activity data giving warehouse staff full visibility into inventory details for faster business-critical decision making. This also helps customers to fulfill the regulatory requirements for legislation including FDA FSMA, FDA DSCSA and LBMA Good Delivery Rules. In addition to the detailed audit trail FootPrint WMS users can also attach a variety of document types including Excel, Word, PDF, images, video and signature files. This will provide an added layer of detail into the already complete audit trail provided. In addition to an industry leading warehouse management system, Datex also provides a variety of supplementary supply chain services to ensure business continuity, data accuracy and process optimization. These services include electronic data interchange (EDI), business operations analysis, hardware site survey and mobile device management (MDM). Datex is also an authorized reseller of supply chain RFID devices and barcode scanning solutions to ensure a seamless inventory management experience across your enterprise. To learn more about available inventory management solutions contact Datex experts today.
Supply Chain & Logistics Basics: The Evolution of Latin American SCM
The document summarizes the evolution of supply chain management in Latin America. It discusses how Latin America has improved its attractiveness through initiatives like better infrastructure, trade policies, and addressing high labor costs. This has allowed the region to strengthen trade relationships and attract more global retailers and manufacturers. Key developments that improved supply chain operations included trade agreements like NAFTA, infrastructure projects like the Panama Canal expansion, and the growing middle class consumer market in Latin America.
Cold Storage Warehouse Best Practices: Forecasting & End-to-End Temperature M...
As products evolve and consumer demands change cold storage warehouse space is a more critical branch of the supply chain than ever. Products being stored in these refrigerated warehouses include frozen and refrigerated food, pharmaceuticals, petro-chemicals and high-tech electronics. Many of these products are strictly regulated by government agencies such as the FDA. To maintain compliant with these regulations many cold storage operations are focusing on implementing industry best practices. A top priority has continued to be temperature forecasting and monitoring and technology upgrades.
Forecasting temperature demand helps businesses operating in the cold chain to accommodate to changes in product demand and the financial implications. Completing inventory forecasts often will help to give your business a clear understanding of storage space requirements and what changes can be made the make the most of your existing facility space.
One way cold storage warehouses are making the most of their space is by implementing temporary curtains that allow them to break up facility space in order to create, expand or reduce the square footage of temperature zones. The flexibility of this tool helps refrigerated warehouse operators to reduce energy consumption while also ensuring temperature consistency to avoid spoiling.
In an effort to avoid the average 6 recalls that occur in the U.S. each day cold storage warehouses are implementing new and cutting edge technologies to aid in the tracking and monitoring of inventory temperature and condition. These tools include: thermometers for manual QA readings on an inventory or temperature zone level, RFID tags for passive temperature monitoring and location identification, data loggers for in-transit deliveries direct-to-customer, smart shipping containers for LTL and FTL shipments, and WMS for a centralized data collection and storage database. All of these tools used in varying combinations can help cold storage warehouses to reduce costs, improve data accuracy, guarantee product quality and maintain regulatory compliance.
Evaluate how these technologies can help your refrigerated warehouse implement industry best practices in temperature monitoring and tracking and solve any pre-existing QA issues today. Contact Datex experts with questions or for more information on this topic at marketing@datexcorp.com or 800.933.2839 ext 243.
What is New in Track and Trace Technology?
In the distribution and logistics field track and trace is defined as the process of identifying past and current locations of inventory items. This inventory should be tracked at any level from ingredient to finished product and anywhere in between. Track and trace processes are supported through a variety of SCM technologies that help to provide real-time information on both location and status of these items as they move throughout the supply chain. A focus has been placed on track and trace due to the increasing complexity of governmental regulations. The government is becoming more active due to food recalls reaching their all-time high in 2013. On average, 6 recalls occur in the U.S. each day. These recalls impact up to 18.4 million products including pharmaceuticals, food and much more. This issue has sparked the focus on technology and automation throughout the supply chain.
These technologies are being used to manage the many moving pieces of the supply chain. In order to create a detailed, accurate audit trail needed to satisfy new regulations supply chain operators are implementing a variety of track and trace solutions including WMS, RFID and automated data collection devices.
SCM businesses handling food and pharmaceutical products have started to implement temperature indicators to track temperature, humidity and shock levels throughout the delivery process. These devices come in a variety of designs for flexible use. The data collected using temperature indicators can be transferred directly into inventory management software to develop a complete audit trail.
RFID functions in a similar way, passively tracking inventory as it moves throughout the supply chain. Radio frequency identification also helps to reduce the labor required to handle and process inventory. RFID is useful because it can track inventory at any level through the manufacturing process.
Warehouse management software is also a top tool used by SCM businesses focusing on track and trace because these powerful databases store all captured inventory data making it easily accessible to warehouse operators. Many top WMS systems are also developed to meet government regulations, taking the guess work out of track and trace.
To ensure your operation can meet regulatory requirements consider evaluating these technologies to bridge any gaps in technology capabilities. Learn more about new track and trace functionality and supply chain needs contact Datex experts today at marketing@datexcorp.com or 800.933.2839 ext 243.
What is Last Mile Delivery Part 2: Adapting to Retail and e-Commerce Order Fu...
The increasing popularity of omni-channel retailing has created many challenges for transportation and logistics providers servicing retailers. This has forced transportation operations to think outside of the box and make significant changes to their service offering portfolios. Omni-channel retailing has made fulfilling customer orders efficiently and cost effectively much more complex with a variety of new distribution strategies.
E-commerce orders grew 47% between 2009 and 2014 in comparison to only 6% at brick and mortar store locations. E-commerce sales are expected to reach $2.3 trillion by 2017. This shift in retail channel utilization has increased the order fulfillment needs and associated labor costs. Retailers are evaluating existing distribution networks to verify they can handle the added volume and are seeking out additional delivery solutions as a supplement. In many cases, these additions are in the form of local and regional distribution centers.
Rising shipping costs have also been a significant challenge for last mile delivery as they account for approximately 28% of total transportation costs. Shippers have many options for counteracting rising shipping costs including: intermodal freight utilization to link logistics clusters, shipment consolidation with crossdocking, primary delivery channel elimination and click-to-collect/ parcel locker centers to consolidate parcel drop-offs.
Governmental regulations have also created problems related to last mile logistics, both in the US and abroad. Regulations such as vehicle size and weight limitations, parking policies and noise restrictions. To avoid these issues some transportation operations are investing in smaller delivery vehicles for use in local regional delivery operations. These vehicles are typically more compliant with imposed noise and size restrictions. In areas where even these smaller vehicles are not an option some logistics providers have started to offer bike delivery and contracted one-time delivery services through businesses such as Uber.
Demand for up-to-date order information has also become an issue for many omni-channel retailers. Customers now want to know when their order has been accepted, processed, shipped and delivered. In order to provide this level of detail omni-channel supply chains are implementing inventory management software such as WMS with customer relationship management capabilities to provide real-time information to customers.
In order to provide a positive final impression on consumers retailers must focus on last mile logistics. Focusing on these potential solutions can help retailers to improve the effectiveness, efficiency and cost of last mile delivery operations. Learn more from Datex experts now at marketing@datexcorp.com or www.datexcorp.com .
EDI Dictionary & Terminology
EDI implementation and execution can be a complex process. Before undertaking an EDI project it is critical that your key stakeholders learn the basics so that you know what to look for in an EDI vendor, trading partner relationship and more. Explore a variety of EDI resources to receive a more holistic view of how electronic data interchange works, the top terms to know and what the potential cost will be.
In this easy-to-follow EDI dictionary you can view the most commonly used EDI terms and concepts. Reference this guide when generating RFP questions or when viewing vendor websites.
To learn more about EDI contact Datex solutions experts today at www.datexcorp.com , marketing@datexcorp.com or 800.933.2839 ext 243.
Why Inventory Management is Critical for Your Operation
Supply chain businesses continue to increase in complexity. Manual processes can no longer support these changing operations. Warehouse management system software is a necessary tool to manage these complex businesses. Using warehouse management software can help with inventory management tracking needs and may help to reduce costs, increase staff productivity and improve customer satisfaction. All of these factors are important to customer retention and finding new customers.
Inventory management is critical to many supply chain operations as it allows your team to better analyze patterns in activity, both inside and outside of your facility. Paper-based inventory management does not facilitate the level of reporting needed to determine trends affecting your business. With this information your team can optimize inventory management efforts and facility layout.
Using inventory management software also helps your business to better monitor inventory flow through rates. You will be able to better understand what inventory levels are most appropriate to both reduce inventory carrying costs and reduce out of stock instances. Supply chain businesses utilizing this type of technology typically see an average 7.5% decrease in out of stocks.
Inventory management software can also help in improving the effectiveness of facility order fulfillment. With the real-time data availability created with the use of the software staff can pick, pack and ship orders in record time and with increased accuracy. 95.4% of businesses reported orders are delivered on time and complete when inventory control technology is used.
Managing inventory with technology such as WMS can also help to improve benchmarking capabilities. With access to KPI data your team can compare against industry standards and make adjustments as needed.
WMS also increases asset tracking capabilities and can help to reduce the amount of lost and damaged inventory within your facility. Performing activity such as cycle counts directed by the WMS your team can identify inventory loss patterns, leading to a faster issue resolution.
The data collected using inventory control software also improves communication and decision making capabilities. This, along with the other areas of improvement, lead to a better customer experience and increased customer loyalty. To learn more about how inventory management can benefit your business contact Datex experts today.
Automated Data Collection & WMS: Empowering Your Operation With Real Time Acc...
Logistics businesses worldwide are increasing in complexity to continue to meet and exceed their customer’s needs. One way these businesses are adapting to these changes is by diversifying their operational technology portfolio. Logistics centers and manufacturing facilities worldwide are implementing a wider variety of technologies to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, increase data availability and optimize labor productivity. All of these things cannot be done by simply purchasing the latest and greatest technology. You must integrate these technologies so that they may perform as one effective network. These networks are developed for automated data collection purposes.
Automated data collection (ADC) networks are designed to work in unison to automate processes within the warehouse and provide a constant, accurate flow of data. These networks can be comprised of industry leading mobile devices including voice picking solution, fixed barcode scanners, and mobile and vehicle mounted computers. These devices, used in conjunction with industrial printing solutions, barcode labels, RF and RFID networks and your warehouse management software (WMS) can support your facility as it grows in both size and complexity. Ensuring your business has a strong foundation for this network is crucial – your WMS must be able to collect, share and store all data being collected all while directing activity within your facility. Select a WMS with the functionality to integrate and communicate with these devices to help ensure your ADC network performs effectively.
The adoption of automated data collection is due largely in part to the increasing popularity of omni-channel retailing and increasing compliance requirements. Customer orders are becoming more complex and must be fulfilled at a faster rate than ever, all while maintaining strict quality and regulatory standards. With the help of an established and fully integrated ADC network, logistics businesses like yours can rely on the technology to assist in simplifying and streamlining inventory management processes.
To learn more about developing n ADC network for your business contact Datex experts today at marketing@datexcorp.com or 800.933.2839.
Criteria for Selecting a Third Party Logistics Provider for Your Business
Shippers continue to follow the trend of outsourcing non-core competency activities to third party logistics partners as it can provide significant benefits such as cost reduction and higher customer service levels. Finding a 3PL partner that is able to meet all of your business needs is not a task to be taken lightly as they are truly an extension of your business.
The process of searching for and selecting a third party logistics partner is one that must be structured and detailed to ensure that the best decision is made for your business. Many shippers choose to utilize a request for proposal (RFP) to assist in keeping the decision making process structured. A major portion of the selection process, whether an RFP is used or not, is clearly defining the criteria that must be considered when making the final decision.
The top factors to consider include:
-service capabilities – match your required services with their capabilities and eliminate those providers that cannot meet all of your needs and be sure to communicate these needs clearly
-flexibility/scalability – a “one size fits all” solution will not be best for your business – find a 3PL that will meet your needs now and is able to grow with you in the future
-3PL reliability – ensure customers receive only the highest level of service – your 3PL must be able to meet and exceed customer expectations
-cost – this should not be the only factor considered, but do ensure your 3PL can effectively manage costs, passing savings on to you
-geographic location – strategic facility locations will allow you to better meet customer needs – a developed geographic profile will allow you to expand nationally, and in some cases, internationally
-information technology capabilities – technology has now become a necessity – ensure your 3PLs software is easy to use and provides real-time data so you can adapt and make quick decisions
-corporate culture – in order to build a strong and effective partnership both parties must understand one another’s corporate culture – this affects how you run your business and how you will need your 3PL to perform in turn
-corporate stability – consider the financial standing of your 3PL partner when making your choice – be sure to protect your assets
To learn more about selecting the best 3PL for your business contact Wavelength Logistics experts today at marketing@wavelengthlogistics.com or at 855-645-2766.
The TDP 324W - Your Efficient Wristband Printing Solution
Businesses around the country and the world need solutions for identifying “human inventory” such as hospital patients, amusement park attendees and much more. To track these people efficiently and effectively the proper technology must be in place. TSC Printers has developed a compact, efficient wristband printer. This device is the TDP-324W. The TDP-324W wristband printer features industry leading high resolution printing, wristband roll flexibility, customizable with built in flash card reader, front LCD display and downtime keyboard interface. This Cerner certified wristband printer is a top contender for your healthcare, entertainment, or emergency response operation. In the healthcare field the TDP-324W is used for patient ID tracking, hospital admission processing and in hospital nurseries. Many entertainment/hospitality businesses such as amusement parks, water parks and night clubs use this wristband printer for attendee tracking and ticketing. The government/emergency industry has a much wider range of use for the TDP-324W including inmate tracking, emergency triage tracking, crowd control, animal identification and for monitoring restricted access areas.
All of these business types enjoy the benefits of implementing a device such as the TDP-324W. The low upfront cost, high customizability and reliability makes it a perfect choice for any operation dealing with precious human tracking. For more information on wristband printers please contact Datex today. Datex is an industry leading logistics and supply chain solutions provider, supplying a wide range of industries with the necessary software, hardware and service combination to effectively manage their business.
Lean Manufacturing Process
The document discusses approaches to implementing lean manufacturing through warehouse execution systems. It outlines some traditional approaches that fail, such as lack of management support and ineffective communication. Root causes of lean gaps are identified as reactionary decisions, uncertain workforces, shifting supply chains, and a lack of clear direction. The document recommends taking a lean approach through performance management to eliminate chaos and allow identification of problems and opportunities. Real-time information systems are also recommended to manage operations, customer demand, supply chains, workforces, and logistics. RFID, wireless mobile computers, barcoding, and dashboard technologies can help provide this real-time information. Overall, the key is to set goals and objectives and then continuously monitor and manage performance across the organization
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Read Taking AI to the Next Level in Manufacturing to gain insights on AI adoption in the manufacturing industry, such as:
1. How quickly AI is being implemented in manufacturing.
2. Which barriers stand in the way of AI adoption.
3. How data quality and governance form the backbone of AI.
4. Organizational processes and structures that may inhibit effective AI adoption.
6. Ideas and approaches to help build your organization's AI strategy.
GNSS spoofing via SDR (Criptored Talks 2024)
In the realm of cybersecurity, offensive security practices act as a critical shield. By simulating real-world attacks in a controlled environment, these techniques expose vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them. This proactive approach allows manufacturers to identify and fix weaknesses, significantly enhancing system security.
This presentation delves into the development of a system designed to mimic Galileo's Open Service signal using software-defined radio (SDR) technology. We'll begin with a foundational overview of both Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and the intricacies of digital signal processing.
The presentation culminates in a live demonstration. We'll showcase the manipulation of Galileo's Open Service pilot signal, simulating an attack on various software and hardware systems. This practical demonstration serves to highlight the potential consequences of unaddressed vulnerabilities, emphasizing the importance of offensive security practices in safeguarding critical infrastructure.
Connector Corner: Seamlessly power UiPath Apps, GenAI with prebuilt connectors
Join us to learn how UiPath Apps can directly and easily interact with prebuilt connectors via Integration Service--including Salesforce, ServiceNow, Open GenAI, and more.
The best part is you can achieve this without building a custom workflow! Say goodbye to the hassle of using separate automations to call APIs. By seamlessly integrating within App Studio, you can now easily streamline your workflow, while gaining direct access to our Connector Catalog of popular applications.
We’ll discuss and demo the benefits of UiPath Apps and connectors including:
Creating a compelling user experience for any software, without the limitations of APIs.
Accelerating the app creation process, saving time and effort
Enjoying high-performance CRUD (create, read, update, delete) operations, for
seamless data management.
Speakers:
Russell Alfeche, Technology Leader, RPA at qBotic and UiPath MVP
Charlie Greenberg, host
Introduction of Cybersecurity with OSS at Code Europe 2024
I develop the Ruby programming language, RubyGems, and Bundler, which are package managers for Ruby. Today, I will introduce how to enhance the security of your application using open-source software (OSS) examples from Ruby and RubyGems.
The first topic is CVE (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures). I have published CVEs many times. But what exactly is a CVE? I'll provide a basic understanding of CVEs and explain how to detect and handle vulnerabilities in OSS.
Next, let's discuss package managers. Package managers play a critical role in the OSS ecosystem. I'll explain how to manage library dependencies in your application.
I'll share insights into how the Ruby and RubyGems core team works to keep our ecosystem safe. By the end of this talk, you'll have a better understanding of how to safeguard your code.
"Choosing proper type of scaling", Olena Syrota
Imagine an IoT processing system that is already quite mature and production-ready and for which client coverage is growing and scaling and performance aspects are life and death questions. The system has Redis, MongoDB, and stream processing based on ksqldb. In this talk, firstly, we will analyze scaling approaches and then select the proper ones for our system.
Monitoring and Managing Anomaly Detection on OpenShift.pdf
Monitoring and Managing Anomaly Detection on OpenShift
Overview
Dive into the world of anomaly detection on edge devices with our comprehensive hands-on tutorial. This SlideShare presentation will guide you through the entire process, from data collection and model training to edge deployment and real-time monitoring. Perfect for those looking to implement robust anomaly detection systems on resource-constrained IoT/edge devices.
Key Topics Covered
1. Introduction to Anomaly Detection
- Understand the fundamentals of anomaly detection and its importance in identifying unusual behavior or failures in systems.
2. Understanding Edge (IoT)
- Learn about edge computing and IoT, and how they enable real-time data processing and decision-making at the source.
3. What is ArgoCD?
- Discover ArgoCD, a declarative, GitOps continuous delivery tool for Kubernetes, and its role in deploying applications on edge devices.
4. Deployment Using ArgoCD for Edge Devices
- Step-by-step guide on deploying anomaly detection models on edge devices using ArgoCD.
5. Introduction to Apache Kafka and S3
- Explore Apache Kafka for real-time data streaming and Amazon S3 for scalable storage solutions.
6. Viewing Kafka Messages in the Data Lake
- Learn how to view and analyze Kafka messages stored in a data lake for better insights.
7. What is Prometheus?
- Get to know Prometheus, an open-source monitoring and alerting toolkit, and its application in monitoring edge devices.
8. Monitoring Application Metrics with Prometheus
- Detailed instructions on setting up Prometheus to monitor the performance and health of your anomaly detection system.
9. What is Camel K?
- Introduction to Camel K, a lightweight integration framework built on Apache Camel, designed for Kubernetes.
10. Configuring Camel K Integrations for Data Pipelines
- Learn how to configure Camel K for seamless data pipeline integrations in your anomaly detection workflow.
11. What is a Jupyter Notebook?
- Overview of Jupyter Notebooks, an open-source web application for creating and sharing documents with live code, equations, visualizations, and narrative text.
12. Jupyter Notebooks with Code Examples
- Hands-on examples and code snippets in Jupyter Notebooks to help you implement and test anomaly detection models.
Essentials of Automations: Exploring Attributes & Automation Parameters
Building automations in FME Flow can save time, money, and help businesses scale by eliminating data silos and providing data to stakeholders in real-time. One essential component to orchestrating complex automations is the use of attributes & automation parameters (both formerly known as “keys”). In fact, it’s unlikely you’ll ever build an Automation without using these components, but what exactly are they?
Attributes & automation parameters enable the automation author to pass data values from one automation component to the next. During this webinar, our FME Flow Specialists will cover leveraging the three types of these output attributes & parameters in FME Flow: Event, Custom, and Automation. As a bonus, they’ll also be making use of the Split-Merge Block functionality.
You’ll leave this webinar with a better understanding of how to maximize the potential of automations by making use of attributes & automation parameters, with the ultimate goal of setting your enterprise integration workflows up on autopilot.
“Temporal Event Neural Networks: A More Efficient Alternative to the Transfor...
“Temporal Event Neural Networks: A More Efficient Alternative to the Transfor...Edge AI and Vision Alliance
For the full video of this presentation, please visit: https://www.edge-ai-vision.com/2024/06/temporal-event-neural-networks-a-more-efficient-alternative-to-the-transformer-a-presentation-from-brainchip/
Chris Jones, Director of Product Management at BrainChip , presents the “Temporal Event Neural Networks: A More Efficient Alternative to the Transformer” tutorial at the May 2024 Embedded Vision Summit.
The expansion of AI services necessitates enhanced computational capabilities on edge devices. Temporal Event Neural Networks (TENNs), developed by BrainChip, represent a novel and highly efficient state-space network. TENNs demonstrate exceptional proficiency in handling multi-dimensional streaming data, facilitating advancements in object detection, action recognition, speech enhancement and language model/sequence generation. Through the utilization of polynomial-based continuous convolutions, TENNs streamline models, expedite training processes and significantly diminish memory requirements, achieving notable reductions of up to 50x in parameters and 5,000x in energy consumption compared to prevailing methodologies like transformers.
Integration with BrainChip’s Akida neuromorphic hardware IP further enhances TENNs’ capabilities, enabling the realization of highly capable, portable and passively cooled edge devices. This presentation delves into the technical innovations underlying TENNs, presents real-world benchmarks, and elucidates how this cutting-edge approach is positioned to revolutionize edge AI across diverse applications.Astute Business Solutions | Oracle Cloud Partner |
Your goto partner for Oracle Cloud, PeopleSoft, E-Business Suite, and Ellucian Banner. We are a firm specialized in managed services and consulting.
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How the Supply Chain Industry is Addressing Labor Shortages
- 1. HOW THE SUPPLY CHAIN INDUSTRY: IS ADRESSING LABOR SHORTAGES
- 2. Supply Chain Labor Shortages • According to the findings of the 19th Annual Third-PartyLogistics Study performed by Penn State, Penske Logistics and Capgemini: – 50% of executives surveyed are having issues finding and retaining qualified talent – Supply chain management positions will outpace available, qualified labor 6:1 in the next few years
- 3. Supply Chain Community Engagement Programs • Supply chain businesses and affiliated organizations have begun reaching out to their communities to remove misconceptions about the industry and educate about available jobs within their organizations • These come in the form of: – Trade shows – Summer camps – Ambassador programs – Local competitions • An example of this is “Manufacturing Day” held in 2014 where 1,600 events were held with 250,000 community members in attendance
- 4. Supply Chain Industry is Partnering with Local Schools • 3PLs, warehouses, manufacturers and other supply chain businesses have started STEM programs in secondary schools. • These programs equip students with the knowledge, skills and understanding that SCM businesses look for in qualified candidates. • While this is not an immediate solution to labor shortages, it helps to ensure a steady flow of candidates for the next decade. 2015 2017 2019 2021 2023 2025
- 5. Using Third Party Recruiters & Interns to Remediate the Labor Shortage • In search of qualified candidates SCM organizations are utilizing third party recruiting firms to identify those in the labor pool that fit their needs and begin the interview process on their behalf. • These businesses are also utilizing internships with local opportunities to attract new, qualified talent to the industry that may have selected jobs elsewhere. * These methods work best when filling high-level, technical positions such as engineers, researchers, etc. 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% Recruiters Internships Universities 68% 63% 58% Survey results showed that CEOS thought these areas provided the best hiring results
- 6. Supply Chain Operations Are Investing in Internal Training & Development Programs • These types of programs have proven to mitigate issuesencountered due to the supply chain talent shortage • Of SCM executives surveyed, 94% believe these programs improve the state of the talent gap for skilled laborpositions 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%
- 7. Invest in Internal Training & Development Programs • Successful training programs are all inclusive with: Formal training Apprenticeship Informal training Performance support Knowledge sharing Coaching
- 8. Supply Chain Industry Wage Increases • As job complexity increases, a higher level skillset is requiredfor employees. These higher skillsets typically results in higher wages. • In many cases wage increases have been minimal, as low as25 cents between 2004 and 2015. • Supply chain businesses see increasing wages as an opportunityto incentivize high level employee retention and are investing more in their labor budget than in previous years. 0 2 6 4 2015 2017 Wages 2019 2021 Labor Pool Size It is assumed that as wages increase, labor supply will increase simultaneously
- 9. Labor Shortage Spurs Investment in Technology to Attract GenX Workers • As Baby Boomers exit the workforce and a more tech-savvy GenX workforce enters, state-of-the-art technology becomes more desirable and a draw for potential employees. • Of supply chain businesses surveyed in the recent 19th Annual Third- Party Logistics study, businesses with higher levels of automation and technology use have more success in filling open positions with interested GenX employees. Automated storage& retrieval systems Mobile computers Voice directed technology
- 10. SCM Businesses Are Investing in WMS & Labor Management Systems • SCM businesses have also begun to implement warehouse management software (WMS) with labor management functionality to monitor, analyze and make changes to labor planning. • Insight into real-time labor analytics helps supply chain management operations such as 3PLs optimize how their labor is used, eliminating excess labor hours and reducing overall costs. • Labor planning increases productivity and helps these businesses to determine the appropriate staffing level needed, potentially reducing existing labor shortages by eliminating unnecessary positions.
- 11. Conclusion Sources: http://www.supplychainquarterly.com/news/20141022-talent-shortage-permeates-logistics-and-supply-chain-organizations-annual-survey-concludes/ http://www.dcvelocity.com/articles/20141002-warehouse-dc-labor-crunch-approaching-crisis-levels-at-worst-time-survey-finds/ http://www.rila.org/supply/resources/Documents/Fifth%20Annual%20SRSC%20Report.pdf http://www.themanufacturinginstitute.org/~/media/827DBC76533942679A15EF7067A704CD.ashx http://www.supplychain247.com/article/forecasting_a_supply_chain_talent_perfect_storm • 55% of supply chain executives plan to invest higher than average dollars in 2015 for talent development to reduce or eliminate labor pool issues • All of these techniques play a part in minimizing labor issues encountered by SCM organizations Talent Development Expenditures 2015 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% Higher OnPar Lower None
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