The call came on a Tuesday morning in February. A key client wanted delivery volumes up 40 percent for the spring campaign, starting in six weeks. We had the orders. We did not have the staff, the dock slots, or the racking capacity to handle the ramp. That moment, more than any market report, captures […]
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Walk into any busy warehouse and you will see the same challenge playing out in real time: one department is overwhelmed while another is standing idle. The supervisor is scrambling, trying to figure out where to move people next. It is a problem that has existed for as long as warehouses have, and it has […]
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Discussions on Leadership and Lean I have had several interesting discussions both on LinkedIn and via email from blog readers concerning my articles on leadership and lean. Below are some clarifications on how I think about these topics. Why You Should Implement Lean I have received comments where people believe that lean is unnecessary and […]
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Introduction The pace of change and development in warehouse logistics has accelerated in recent years. It’s essential to shift the company mindset regarding warehouse operations and embrace continuous improvement. Critical evaluation of processes and working methods is vital for staying competitive. Conducting Regular Warehouse Assessments Regular screening of warehouse operations can be achieved through comprehensive […]
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Introduction To run a successful and competitive warehouse, you need to constantly improve your flow and organization. Continuous improvement is key to staying ahead in the fast-paced world of warehouse logistics. Overcoming Analysis Paralysis Many warehouse organizations aim for continuous improvement but often get stuck in “analysis paralysis.” This occurs when fear of failure and […]
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Introduction I write extensively about the importance of good leadership in warehouse logistics. One major reason is the significance of communication in warehouses. Transparent, clear, and reliable communication flow from top to bottom and vice versa is crucial for efficient operations. Different Leadership for Different Environments Modern warehouses, especially those dealing with omni-channel and e-commerce, […]
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Introduction Many companies struggle with increased costs in warehouse logistics because of e-commerce and omni-channel. One of the first steps companies often take is looking for technical solutions such as automation or voice-pick systems to increase efficiency and lower costs. However, this approach often addresses only the symptoms, not the root causes of inefficiency. Thinking […]
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High Interest in Warehouse Logistics There is still a very high interest in warehouse logistics. It started with increased e-commerce and a greater demand for better customer service, resulting in increased costs. Many companies invest in automation to meet these demands. Traditional View vs. Modern Needs However, the traditional view on warehouse logistics often presents […]
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Introduction to Agility and Resilience in Warehouse Logistics Recently, I have written about agility and resilience in warehouse logistics. I have received some questions about lean in warehouse logistics. Some people ask, why all this talk about agile? If you implement lean, you are also agile. The Proven Success of Lean Practices I couldn’t agree […]
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Increased Complexity in Warehouse Logistics Those of you who follow what is published about warehouse logistics and the rapid pace of development may have noticed a common thread through all the articles: increased complexity. Tackling Volatile Warehouse Logistics Flow The warehouse logistics flow is becoming more and more volatile, and to tackle this, we need […]
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