DC Velocity

In our continuing series of discussions with top supply-chain company executives, Michael Field discusses innovations in power technologies, lean manufacturing, and the future of lift-truck design.

TECHNOLOGY

Looking for a new WMS? Make sure it’s social

WAREHOUSE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

March 19, 2020

There are many things to consider when choosing a new warehouse management system, but the most important may be whether it will “play well with others” in a high-tech DC.

THOUGHT LEADERS

Designing flexible DCs for uncertain times: interview with Diana Mueller

THE DC VELOCITY Q&A

March 9, 2020

Mitch Mac Donald

DC design is a challenge under the best of circumstances. It becomes all the harder when you add in the uncertainties of modern retailing.

MATERIAL HANDLING

For warehouse robotics, the dock is the final frontier

AUTOMATION

February 27, 2020

Victoria Kickham

Despite rising interest in automated truck loading/unloading equipment, adoption has been sluggish to date. There are three reasons for that, experts say.

Inbound

Where have all the flowers gone?

March 19, 2020

If roses and carnations seem in short supply these days, it's probably because most were harvested and flown to stores worldwide in the runup to Valentine's Day.

Inbound

Shipping containers stack up in Brooklyn

March 19, 2020

Exhibit at Brooklyn Museum features giant mural supported by towering structure of ocean containers.

Inbound

Hungry like the wolf

March 19, 2020

Online food and beverage orders spiked as much as 300% on Super Bowl Sunday, according to an analysis by software developer Onfleet.

newsworthy

Buyout specialist XPO looks to sell off "one or more" business units

January 15, 2020

Move is intended to boost stock price, would not include its North American less-than-truckload (LTL) unit, firm says.

20200319_oakland_sea_remembrance_sculpture

Inbound

Oakland's "Sea Remembrance" sculpture honors mariners

March 19, 2020

California port says artwork will serve as both a tribute to working mariners and a memorial to those lost at sea.

20200319_schneider_wit_driver_ambassador

Inbound

Schneider, WIT name first "driver ambassador"

March 19, 2020

Veteran driver will tour the country in bid to recruit women for trucking jobs.

Inbound

Logistics gives back

March 19, 2020

Here's our monthly roundup of some of the charitable works and donations by companies in the material handling and logistics space.

newsworthy

Capgemini survey: millennial shoppers ready and willing for autonomous stores

January 14, 2020

Test cases in Norway and U.S. offer self-checkout aisles to extend store hours, source local vendors.

newsworthy

Business continues to brace for impact of coronavirus

February 3, 2020

Victoria Kickham

Supply chain disruptions could last three to six months, experts say.

newsworthy

Super Bowl features clash of ground versus air delivery

January 31, 2020

Big game to feature TV ads about e-commerce, while traffic could trigger local parcel delivery delays.

newsworthy

Consumers reveal love/hate relationship with Amazon

February 6, 2020

Nearly a quarter of consumers have negative feelings about Amazon's effect on retail and the environment—but they buy from the online giant anyway, Convey survey shows.

newsworthy

Robotic gripper designer Soft Robotics lands $23 million in VC

January 20, 2020

Backers include robot arm vendor Fanuc, automation provider Honeywell, as sector sees rising integration between vendors.

newsworthy

Gartner: supply chain providers need to digitalize before blockchain can take root

January 23, 2020

In contrast to high-tech banking and finance sectors, supply chain still relies on physical events, packaging layers, transportation assets.

newsworthy

Consumer sector and e-commerce to drive warehouse space demand in 2020

January 27, 2020

Hottest facility types will include cold-storage facilities, in-fill/last-mile facilities, and multistory warehouses, Cushman and Wakefield says.

newsworthy

Industry optimism improves as trade tensions ease

January 31, 2020

Victoria Kickham

USMCA approval in Washington lessens uncertainty over trade, boosts outlook for industrial investment and export growth.

newsworthy

Report: Manufacturing execs say global recession is likely in 2020

January 16, 2020

Trade restrictions, geopolitical instability remain top issues in the new year, but longer term outlook calls for trade improvements, tech firm survey shows.

Big Picture

Supply chain professionals need to take the lead on climate change

March 18, 2020

David Maloney

There are some practical things we can do if we are willing to examine the environmental impact of each of our supply chains.

outbound

The coronavirus's next phase

March 16, 2020

Mitch Mac Donald