Warehouse Automation Matters

In this episode of Warehouse Automation Matters, Mary Hart interviews Derek Morse from Barrett Distribution about the transformative role of analytics in warehousing. They discuss how analytics has evolved from manual data collection to a data-optimized approach, the key performance indicators (KPIs) that warehouse leaders should track, and the challenges of adopting a data-driven strategy. Morse also shared insights on emerging tr...

In this conversation, Mary Hart interviewed Barbara Porter, COO of Fragrance.com, about top trends in retail warehouse automation. They discussed the significant impact of AI and robotics on operational efficiency, the importance of sustainability, and the challenges faced when integrating new technologies. Porter shared insights on consumer expectations, the balance between speed and quality, and the future role of humans in autom...

In this episode of Warehouse Automation Matters, host Mary Hart and Kait Peterson, VP of Product Marketing at Locus Robotics, discuss the critical role of flexibility and automation in modern warehouse operations. They explore the challenges faced by warehouses today, including labor shortages and fluctuating demands, and how automation can help address these issues. The conversation covers the importance of metrics for measuring t...

In this episode, Mary Hart sat down with Bob Duron and Diron Raines of nGroup to discuss their evolution as a third-party logistics provider, focusing on labor management, automation, and the complexities of holiday returns. Duron and Raines highlighted the top challenges of peak seasons, the benefits of warehouse automation, and the importance of flexibility in operations. They highlighted the integration of various technologies...

In this episode of Warehouse Automation Matters, host Mary Hart speaks with Ken Ray, WMS Systems Engineer at Cooper Lighting Solutions, about the intersection of holiday spirit and warehouse efficiency through complex cartonization. Ken shares his journey to becoming a licensed Santa Claus -- named Ken Kringle -- and discusses the importance of data in optimizing carton sizes for shipping. The conversation explores the efficiency g...

In this conversation, Mary Hart and Chris Budney discussed the critical aspects of preparing warehouses for peak season. They explored the challenges faced by warehouses, including labor shortages, inventory management, and the importance of technology.

Budney emphasized the need for flexibility, effective communication, and the integration of automation to enhance efficiency and meet consumer expectations.

The discussion also hi...

In this episode of "Warehouse Automation Matters," Mary Hart sits down with Erik Pichette and Adam Schwarz from Locus Robotics to explore the intricacies of optimizing and automating warehouse mezzanines. They discuss best practices for efficient design, from slotting strategies to handling peak demand, and emphasize the importance of collaboration and planning to avoid common pitfalls. The conversation also highlights how AI, mach...

In this conversation, Mary Hart and Guy Courtin discuss the rise of online pharmacies and their impact on logistics companies. They explore how e-commerce trends are reshaping the pharmacy landscape, the unique challenges of delivering pharmaceuticals, and the role of technology and regulatory requirements in ensuring safe and efficient delivery. The discussion also touches on sustainability, returns, recalls, and the future of log...

Greg Walls, Vice President of Revenue at Paccurate, discusses the importance of better packaging decisions in shipping. Right-sized packaging automation involves using the minimum necessary dimensions to fit a product in a box, resulting in higher volume utilization of space, which is crucial in reducing transportation costs and waste in the supply chain. By using the right carton size, businesses can lower shipping costs and inc...

Andy Johnston, Senior Director of Innovation at GEODIS, discussed where to start with warehouse automation and emphasized the importance of identifying the workflow that needs to be solved and then finding the right technology to automate it. Johnston highlighted the need for a cultural fit between the company and the automation partner, as well as the importance of visibility and data analysis in the automation process. He also di...

In this episode, Mary Hart interviews Tim Dolcich, Director of Engineering at DHL Supply Chain, about the role of robots in 3PL fulfillment. Tim shares his background in supply chain and how he got involved in the industry, and discusses the tasks and processes that have been automated with robotic systems in DHL warehouses, such as assisted picking, unloading, loading, and sortation. Tim explains how these robotic technologies i...

In this episode, Mary Hart interviewed Drew Eubank and Jordan Frank of the Zion Solutions Group to discuss the future of warehouse automation. They discussed the challenges faced by companies when implementing new solutions, such as selecting the right technology and getting employees to embrace it. They emphasized the importance of education and understanding the customer's goals and limitations. They also discussed the o...

In this episode, Mary Hart interviews Austin Feagins, Senior Director of Customer Solutions at Staci Americas, about how to prepare for a peak season in the warehousing industry. They discuss Austin's role in the company, the challenges faced during peak season, the impact of automation and technology on warehouse operations, and emerging trends in warehouse automation. The key takeaways from the conversation include the impor...

Kevin Lawton, host of The New Warehouse podcast, discusses the major shifts in the warehouse and supply chain industry, including a shift from the idea of a fully automated warehouse to a focus on collaborative robotics and enabling workers to do more with less. Lawton also talks about the evolution of technology in warehouses and predicts that humanoid robots will play a bigger role in the future. He emphasizes the importance of g...

Anthony Pendola, Senior Manager of Distribution at Fleet Feet, and John Santagate, Senior Vice President of Robotics at Korber Supply Chain Software, talk about the benefits of humans and robots working together in a warehouse setting. They discuss the collaboration between Fleet Feet and Korber, the integration of robots into warehouse operations, the roles and responsibilities of workers and robots, the impact on efficiency and ...