John Johnson joined the DC Velocity team in March 2004. A veteran business journalist, John has over a dozen years of experience covering the supply chain field, including time as chief editor of Warehousing Management. In addition, he has covered the venture capital community and previously was a sports reporter covering professional and collegiate sports in the Boston area. John served as senior editor and chief editor of DC Velocity until April 2008.
Imagine an NFL game brought to you via tiny scanners attached to a football helmet. As a player runs downfield, the scanner automatically captures data, including the location of digitally enhanced yard markers. No more "moving the chains" to measure first downs. No more delays so game officials can watch hooded TV replays to determine whether a player was in bounds or not. And no need to replace the scanners, even after absorbing repeated sacks. These scanners are built to take the punishment.
This scenario isn't really such a stretch. Scanners this rugged are in use in American industry right now. And even if the NFL takes a pass, they're gaining yardage in today's distribution centers as word spreads regarding their ability to stand up to abuse.
And they do take abuse. Last year, a delivery truck ran over a handheld scanner at Mockler Beverage, a large Anheuser-Busch distributor in Baton Rouge, La. "The handheld did not work afterwards," reports John Lewenthal, the company's information technology manager, "but the data card was still intact. We took the data card out and transferred the information in about 15 minutes. It was virtually transparent."
Going to extremes
Judging from the marketing materials for rugged-duty products, today's distribution center is one rough place, at least if you're a piece of electronic equipment. Vendors of rugged equipment (whether it's handheld scanners, computer screens and printers, two-way radios or vehiclemounted computers) go out of their way to enumerate the hardships their products can withstand—a list that includes not only temperature extremes but also chemical spills, shock and vibration.
But there's clearly a need for this tough stuff. A study just released by Venture Development Corp. (VDC) says sales of ruggedized (also referred to as "industrial") products were just under $3 billion in 2002. That report, released by VDC in February, forecasts that the market will grow to $4.8 billion by 2007, representing annual growth of just over 10 percent.
Users are finding that paying a premium for ruggedized versions, rather than commercial units, is money well spent, reports Tim Shea, a senior analyst with VDC. Much of that demand is for equipment that is both mobile and rugged—a combination that attracts companies seeking higher employee productivity and better customer service, he adds. "The increasing adoption of wireless communications as a means to enhance operational efficiency and improve profitability will also propel demand for rugged mobile computers."
Longer life expectancy isn't the only reason many companies are switching to products that can take a licking and keep on ticking—or scanning, or printing. A big part of the attraction is the protection they offer against the loss of data in the event that someone, say, drops the unit or spills chemicals on it.
"We know from research in the distribution center that devices get abused," says Daniel Arroyo, senior marketing communications manager at Intermec Technologies Corp. in Everett, Wash. "What's more important than just replacing the equipment is being able to retrieve the information. If the information on the device gets lost or the device suddenly isn't available, that failure could potentially shut down a line. That can eat away at the bottom line very quickly."
Big chill
Their ability to survive a multi-foot drop aside, heavy-duty industrial products are also quickly gaining traction in places where the temperatures go to extremes. Take the distribution center operated by SCS Refrigerated Services Inc. in Tacoma, Wash., where temperatures approach minus 31.7 degrees Celsius (minus 25 Fahrenheit). Because SCS is a public warehouse and ownership of some products may change two or three times while in storage, the company must keep accurate data on inventories at all times. "That's why a first-class data collection and warehouse management system is so important," says Michael Karami, information systems manager for SCS. "It's our life blood."
In addition to providing refrigerated storage, SCS offers its clients a variety of value-added services, including labeling, weighing, inspection, sorting and transportation. To help it meet these demands, SCS recently installed new cold-resistant data-collection equipment from Intermec along with new warehouse management software (WMS) at each of its three West Coast facilities. The software includes a Web-based billing and management system that gives customers access to information through the Web. The data fed into the system are captured in real time through RF terminals mounted on forklifts operated by warehouse workers.
But before the system could go live, the company had to install the RF access points and the requisite cabling in temperatures ranging from minus 28.9 to minus 34.4 degrees Celsius (minus 20 to minus 30 Fahrenheit). "Our biggest challenge was the rapidly condensing moisture, even beginning on the loading dock, where temperatures are a relatively mild 35 degrees Fahrenheit," says Michael Knappert, Intermec's district service manager. "We had to take extra precautions to prevent the equipment from getting cold-soaked or essentially freezing up."
To compensate, Intermec installed heated copper strips for the RF units and access points and supplied heated holsters for the scanning devices. The first electrically heated scanner holsters were purchased from PSC Equipment, although SCS has since created its own units.
True grit
Workers at Pittsburgh-based Copperweld may not work in the deep freeze, but no one would characterize their work environment as kind and gentle. Copperweld cuts, bends and welds large, multi-ton bands of steel into structural steel tubing used for agriculture, construction and industrial vehicles, as well as structural columns and beams.
Though Copperweld's need for rugged equipment isn't too hard to understand, the company also wanted equipment that was mobile. Already weighted down with wearable walkie talkies, crane controls, hardhats and heavy work gloves, Copperweld plant workers in the past had to walk over to the terminal every time they needed to scan a bar code, then go back to the workstation to enter the data at PCs in industrial enclosures. "We decided to look into portable terminals that they could carry with them to allow them to be more mobile and streamline the tracking process," says Jeff Pfeister, network administrator for Copperweld.
Among other things, the hardware had to tolerate that rugged, gritty environment and be able to scan bar codes covered by laminate or printed on metal, often in poor lighting. And the software had to be written for use by workers wearing heavy gloves that made working with a keyboard difficult.
Working with Symbol Technologies, Copperweld created its first radio-frequency application, one that would mana ge raw material inventory. By all accounts, the company is happy with the results. Users have found they can complete the tracking process in one-third the time it took with Copperweld's manual system and are able to perform raw materials inventory counts more often and with fewer people. As Pfeister puts it, "Now we know to a high degree of accuracy what's sitting out here."
ahead of the iPAQ?
It's cheaper than a bar-code scanner—costing somewhere between a quarter and half the price of a high-end reader. But is the handheld iPAQ Pocket PC device on track to replace scanning equipment in DCs across America?
The iPAQ, which is marketed by Hewlett-Packard, has several factors in its favor. Not only is it comparatively cheap, but the device also offers a high degree of data protection, allowing data to be downloaded many times a day through wireless networks. That means if the device is destroyed, the result would not be catastrophic because the data would be stored and readily available.
"iPAQs are obviously not as durable, but you pay a lot more for [rugged] handhelds because of the way they are built," says John Lewenthal, information technology manager at Mockler Beverage, an Anheuser-Busch distributor in Baton Rouge, La. "If you can capture data multiple times during the day, you minimize the amount of data that could be lost if [the iPAQ] is destroyed."
But others aren't convinced. Vinnie Luciano, vice president of product management for Symbol Technology's Mobile Computing Division, is quick to defend the traditional scanner. "I see a lot of wishful thinking out there," he says. "Wishful thinking on the part of Hewlett-Packard, and wishful thinking from the customer side. I've heard people say 'I can throw away two of these and still come out ahead [on cost].' We've seen people pilot them, but we've yet to see them deployed."
Luciano says the risk of losing data, as well as having DC employees left without a unit to work with, exceeds any potential benefit offered by iPAQs. He also notes that while iPAQ units may be less costly, by the time accessories like scanners, radio cards and protective sleeves are factored in, you are quickly approaching the $1,295 list price for a Symbol rugged scanner.
"Keeping track of the goods you are distributing is the single most mission-critical application in the DC," says Luciano. "Nothing you do is more important. Being able to manage and collect data is absolutely crucial. But the vast majority of DC workers don't operate when their handheld is broken. You can't afford to lose data, and you can't afford to have your people not working."
Hewlett-Packard did not return calls requesting information about the use of its iPAQ device in distribution center applications.
Jeremy Van Puffelen grew up in a family-owned contract warehousing business and is now president of that firm, Prism Logistics. As a third-party logistics service provider (3PL), Prism operates a network of more than 2 million square feet of warehouse space in Northern California, serving clients in the consumer packaged goods (CPG), food and beverage, retail, and manufacturing sectors.
During his 21 years working at the family firm, Van Puffelen has taken on many of the jobs that are part of running a warehousing business, including custodial functions, operations, facilities management, business development, customer service, executive leadership, and team building. Since 2021, he has also served on the board of directors of the International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA), a trade organization for contract warehousing and logistics service providers.
Q: How would you describe the current state of the contract warehouse industry?
A: I think the current state of the industry is strong. For those that have been focused on building good client relationships over the years, I think it’s a really exciting time. Coming out of all the challenges of the past few years, I think there’s a lot of opportunity for growth and deeper partnerships. It’s fun to see the automation and AI (artificial intelligence) integration starting to evolve [in a way that’s] similar to what we saw with WMS (warehouse management systems) in the early 2000s.
Q: You are now president of your family firm. Is it an advantage having grown up in the business as opposed to working elsewhere?
A: I definitely believe it was an advantage growing up in the business. Whether it’s working with family or someone else in the industry, there’s always an advantage when you have mentors[to guide] you. I’ve been blessed to have several mentors, some in the industry, others just in life, and I’m thankful that they were willing to mentor me and that I was willing to listen to them.
Q: What are the biggest challenges currently facing 3PLs, and how are you addressing them?
A: Labor and legislation are both tough right now. The two seem to have a lot to do with each other, and it can make it tough to find and retain people. So I think we’ll see more and more automation of processes industrywide.
Q: Third-party service providers often must handle a wide variety of products for a lot of different clients. Does this variety make it difficult to invest in automation and other new technologies?
A: It can make things more difficult when looking at certain automation, but it’s in the “difficult” that a lot of opportunities lie. It would be tough to find a single solution that fits every client’s needs, but there are always opportunities to improve in certain areas. It just takes a bit of vision and commitment, and a willingness to invest in your own long-term success.
Q: As a 3PL, what do you look for when selecting the clients you work with?
A: Quality relationships that will last a long time. When both parties are happy and working together in the same direction, everyone wins.
Q: You’ve been a board member of the International Warehouse Logistics Association since 2021. Why is your involvement with this organization important to you?
A: I think it’s important to understand what’s happening in the industry. IWLA is a great resource for staying up to date and getting a solid education when it comes to the latest logistics trends. I also think it’s important to give back and pass along what we’ve learned to those just getting started in the business. As important as it is to have a mentor, it’s just as important to mentor and help others.
“While there have been some signs of tightening in consumer spending, September’s numbers show consumers are willing to spend where they see value,” NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said in a release. “September sales come amid the recent trend of payroll gains and other positive economic signs. Clearly, consumers continue to carry the economy, and conditions for the retail sector remain favorable as we move into the holiday season.”
The Census Bureau said overall retail sales in September were up 0.4% seasonally adjusted month over month and up 1.7% unadjusted year over year. That compared with increases of 0.1% month over month and 2.2% year over year in August.
Likewise, September’s core retail sales as defined by NRF — based on the Census data but excluding automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants — were up 0.7% seasonally adjusted month over month and up 2.4% unadjusted year over year. NRF is now forecasting that 2024 holiday sales will increase between 2.5% and 3.5% over the same time last year.
Despite those upward trends, consumer resilience isn’t a free pass for retailers to underinvest in their stores by overlooking labor, customer experience tech, or digital transformation, several analysts warned.
"The 2024 holiday season offers more ‘normalcy’ for retailers with inflation cooling. Still, there is no doubt that consumers continue to seek value. Promotions in general will play a larger role in the 2024 holiday season. Retailers are dealing with shrinking shopper loyalties, a larger number of competitors across more channels – and, of course, a more dynamic landscape where prices are shifting more frequently to win over consumers who are looking for great deals,” Matt Pavich, senior director of strategy & innovation at pricing optimization solutions provider Revionics, said in an email.
Nikki Baird, VP of strategy & product at retail technology company Aptos, likewise said that retailers need to keep their focus on improving their value proposition and customer experience. “Retailers aren’t just competing with other retailers when it comes to consumers’ discretionary spending. If consumers feel like the shopping experience isn’t worth their time and effort, they are going to spend their money elsewhere. A trip to Italy, a dinner out, catching the latest Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds films — there is no shortage of ways that consumers can spend their discretionary dollars,” she said.
Editor's note:This article was revised on October 18 to correct the attribution for a quote to Matt Pavich instead of Nikki Baird.
The market for environmentally friendly logistics services is expected to grow by nearly 8% between now and 2033, reaching a value of $2.8 billion, according to research from Custom Market Insights (CMI), released earlier this year.
The “green logistics services market” encompasses environmentally sustainable logistics practices aimed at reducing carbon emissions, minimizing waste, and improving energy efficiency throughout the supply chain, according to CMI. The market involves the use of eco-friendly transportation methods—such as electric and hybrid vehicles—as well as renewable energy-powered warehouses, and advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) for optimizing logistics operations.
“Key components include transportation, warehousing, freight management, and supply chain solutions designed to meet regulatory standards and consumer demand for sustainability,” according to the report. “The market is driven by corporate social responsibility, technological advancements, and the increasing emphasis on achieving carbon neutrality in logistics operations.”
Major industry players include DHL Supply Chain, UPS, FedEx Corp., CEVA Logistics, XPO Logistics, Inc., and others focused on developing more sustainable logistics operations, according to the report.
The research measures the current market value of green logistics services at $1.4 billion, which is projected to rise at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8% through 2033.
The report highlights six underlying factors driving growth:
Regulatory Compliance: Governments worldwide are enforcing stricter environmental regulations, compelling companies to adopt green logistics practices to reduce carbon emissions and meet legal requirements.
Technological Advancements: Innovations in technology, such as IoT, AI, and blockchain, enhance the efficiency and sustainability of logistics operations. These technologies enable better tracking, optimization, and reduced energy consumption.
Consumer Demand for Sustainability: Increasing consumer awareness and preference for eco-friendly products drive companies to implement green logistics to align with market expectations and enhance their brand image.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Companies are prioritizing sustainability in their CSR strategies, leading to investments in green logistics solutions to reduce environmental impact and fulfill stakeholder expectations.
Expansion into Emerging Markets: There is significant potential for growth in emerging markets where the adoption of green logistics practices is still developing. Companies can capitalize on this by introducing sustainable solutions and technologies.
Development of Renewable Energy Solutions: Investing in renewable energy sources, such as solar-powered warehouses and electric vehicle fleets, presents an opportunity for companies to reduce operational costs and enhance sustainability, driving further market growth.
The clean energy transition continuing to sweep the globe will give companies in every sector the choice to either be disrupted or to capitalize on new opportunities, a sustainability expert from Deloitte said in a session today at a conference in Orlando held by the enterprise resource planning (ERP) firm IFS.
While corporate chief sustainability officers (CSOs) are likely already tracking those impacts, the truth is that they will actually affect every aspect of operations regardless of people’s role in a business, said John O’Brien, managing director of Deloitte’s sustainability and climate practice.
For example, regulatory requirements on carbon emissions are expanding in every region, which means that even if a specific company doesn’t have to change its own practices, it will almost definitely need to flex to accommodate its partners and suppliers as they track scope 3 emissions or supply chain practices.
Likewise, companies are starting to challenge the classic concept of “force majeure” events than can cancel service providers’ contractual duties due to unforeseeable weather events. As the new argument goes, extreme weather patterns increasingly occur in accordance with climate scientists’ forecasts, so those hurricanes and wildfires are in fact foreseeable after all.
But one strategy for coping with the cost of those changes is to mine the power of the data that most companies will soon need to collect as part of their evolution. Instead of simply tracking its trucks to trim their routes and emissions, a transportation company could use the same data to manage their maintenance and fuel consumption.
“The climate management transition is going to be a massive disruption, but with that comes massive opportunity,” O’Brien said from the keynote stage at the “IFS Unleashed” show. “Don’t waste compliance efforts just on compliance, use it to create new value. You’re collecting all that new data, so use it!”
A real-time business is one that uses trusted, real-time data to enable people and systems to make real-time decisions, Peter Weill, the chairman of MIT’s Center for Information Systems Research (CISR), said at the “IFS Unleashed” show in Orlando.
By adopting that strategy, they gain three major capabilities, he said in a session titled “Becoming a Real-Time Business: Unlocking the Transformative Power of Digital, Data, and AI.” They are:
business model agility without needing a change management program to implement it
seamless digital customer journeys via self-service, automated, or assisted multi-product, multichannel experiences
thoughtful employee experiences enabled by technology empowered teams
And according to Weill, MIT’s studies show that adopting that real-time data stance is not restricted just to digital or tech-native businesses. Rather, it can produce successful results for companies in any sector that are able to apply the approach better than their immediate competitors.