tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59151754453888190152024-03-28T05:37:50.971-04:00Supply Chain Management Blog by Go4Sight.comOur supply chain blog contains supply chain management articles, supply chain management news, and information about supply chain management events. 4SIGHT Supply Chain Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13240219881132121823noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915175445388819015.post-28857784034482976732013-06-12T15:02:00.002-04:002013-12-11T15:59:17.466-05:00Leveraging "Teach"nology: Improving DC Productivity through Personnel Observation & Coaching<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">By: Brian Ehlenberg</span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br />As a <a href="http://www.go4sight.com/services/Implementation_Services.html">supply chain systems implementation</a> professional, I know
the value of applying the right technology to increase efficiency.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I also know how common it is for
companies to overlook or under-utilize their workforce in the quest to make
their operations more productive. Given how pervasive technology is throughout
supply chain operations, we sometimes forget that people are often the source
of untapped savings. We tend to forget that taking the time to improve our
people, leveraging our “teach”nology, can create significant gains with little
capital expenditure.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br />Recently, one of my clients in the foodservice business
reaped strong rewards with a “low-tech, high-teach” initiative. Faced with an
underperforming distribution center, the client brought in a new DC management
team, giving them a clear mandate for improvement and an 18-month timeline for
accomplishing it.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br />The new management team immediately installed an observation
and coaching program whereby the supervisors conducted two coaching observations,
and a follow-up interview, every day with each associate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the 18-month deadline, with no changes to
the DC processes, material handling, information technology or layout, the
facility achieved a 40% productivity improvement. The only change implemented
by the new management was a regimen of disciplined and regular observation,
coaching and follow-up. As a result, the operation rose from the bottom of the
DC network productivity scale to the top five. With their gains solidified,
management was able to reduce the coaching sessions to one per day while
maintaining their improved productivity.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br />What does it take to implement an observation and coaching
program that “sticks”?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br />The first key is for your coaching supervisor to take the
time to fully understand the “best practice” for the process being reviewed.
It’s important for the coach to observe the process on the floor, in the
associate’s work environment, preferably during peak activity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Flow charts and whiteboards don’t cut it for
truly understanding the process. As important, all work should be observed for
at least a complete cycle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the cycle
times are short, it’s helpful to observe multiple cycles.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br />Along with truly understanding the process, the coach must be
able to effectively communicate deviations from best practice in a positive
manner. The best way to accomplish this communication is through a review
session off the floor, immediately following the observation. This session
should be conducted privately in a quiet setting with no distractions. Done
properly, the review should take no more than 15 minutes. For optimal results,
the coach should begin by pointing out one or two positive behaviors he/she
witnessed during the observation. Next the coach can point out any gaps in the process
best-practice, along with any suggestions for improvements. Finally, the
associate should be given the opportunity to provide feedback and make
recommendations for any process or environment changes that may help him/her
improve performance. Be sure to provide the associate with a copy of the
feedback report for future reference.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br />Without question a properly executed observation and coaching
program requires a significant investment of time, but this commitment will pay
off in associate and DC performance improvements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And as a side benefit, you will likely see
more effective communication – and a stronger working relationship - between
your associates and supervisors.</span></span></div>
4SIGHT Supply Chain Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13240219881132121823noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915175445388819015.post-49795881513032756622013-06-12T14:51:00.000-04:002013-12-11T15:56:43.386-05:00What’s Next for SaaS and On-Premise TMS Providers<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">By: John Blanchard, Vice President of Transportation</span></span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />SaaS
TMS solutions have reached the point of sustainable viability in recent
years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, an argument could be
made that sales of SaaS solutions have been propping up the <a href="http://www.go4sight.com/practices/transportation.html">Transportation Management System</a> market in
general. As we support our clients in the evaluation and selection of TMS
solutions, we no longer see strong bias against SaaS solutions. Rather, it is
increasingly common to hear things like “we don’t really have a preference” or
“we just want the best TMS for our business”. The application delivery model
has now become secondary to features, functions and value. To gauge the impact
of SaaS technology, consider the efforts and investment of the Tier 1,
traditionally on-premise TMS vendors to provide SaaS options for their
customers.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When
it comes to a SaaS deployment, the “pure” SaaS players enjoy an architectural
head start over the traditional on-premise vendors that designed their
solutions to be primarily single tenant. While it could be argued that, for
some industries and functional requirements, the legacy on-premise solutions
have advantages in breadth and depth of functionality, which gap is easier the
close: technology or functionality? In my opinion, it’s the functionality gap.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As
hardware and internet bandwidth become more powerful, inexpensive and
ubiquitous, functionality like complex optimization is no longer as difficult
for SaaS vendors to support.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These
vendors are focused on closing the functionality/flexibility gap and are
steadily broadening and deepening their offerings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are no inherent limitations to their
ability to develop and implement deeper functionality. The most daunting
challenge the SaaS providers face is maintaining the multi-tenant, single
instance concept that underlies the collaborative potential of their solutions.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Traditionally
on-premise solutions, on the other hand, face challenges when it comes to
developing true SaaS solutions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In many
cases their solution architecture was originally developed without
consideration for SaaS needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This often
means that the core code and database is not optimized for true SaaS
performance and relies heavily on local processing and large, dedicated
hardware stacks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Revamping the
fundamental data structures, communication protocols, APIs and other key components
is an additional hurdle that pure SaaS vendors do not have to clear.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
great news for the TMS buyer is that this fervent competition of ideas will
ultimately result in solutions that combine the best of both worlds, providing
real options and strategic flexibility.</span></span></div>
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<![endif]-->4SIGHT Supply Chain Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13240219881132121823noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915175445388819015.post-63384070542214952812013-04-11T12:50:00.001-04:002013-12-11T16:06:17.496-05:00Parcel Manifesting: To Pre or Not To Pre?<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>By: Wendy Groff</i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>, Senior Associate.</i> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />As your customers place smaller, more frequent orders, your small parcel volume is going up. How do you handle this volume efficiently and accurately? A good place to start is to determine when to manifest: before or after picking? In today’s blog we review the pros and cons of these alternatives</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /><b>Pre-Manifesting</b> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Pre-Manifesting means printing order-specific documents (packing lists, labels, etc.) prior to releasing the order for picking. These documents may print at the time of allocation or when a picker requests work. Pre-Manifesting is typically used when item dimensions are accurate and an optimal pick and pack flow can be designed to enable the picker to retrieve packing materials and documentation. Pre-Manifesting is usually not a good idea when heavy post-picking activity is required, such as repacking, inspection or special handling.<br /><br />To successfully implement Pre-Manifesting, you must consider several factors. If printed at the time of allocation who will manage the collating of documents and assure timely delivery to the floor? If documents are printed when the picker requests work, do you have enough printers available on the floor? Are the printers located properly? Can picking containers and packaging be stored in a convenient location?<br /><br /><b>Pros:</b></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">More efficient throughput</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">No double handling</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Elimination of pack stations</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Resource cost reduction</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Cons:</b></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Paperwork management</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Possible additional hardware cost</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Order accuracy may be impacted</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Labor impact on picker</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Paperwork must be reprinted in the event of pick shortages or box size substitution</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Doesn’t work well for export orders because some key information, e.g., Country of Origin, may not be known prior to picking</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Post-Manifesting</b> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Post-Manifesting involves completing the packing and manifesting steps after an order is picked. This option is generally used in distribution environments where item dimensions are non-existent or inaccurate, or where there is significant post-picking activity required (repackaging, order consolidation, inspection, frequent order changes, etc.) that is problematic for a picker to perform.<br /><br />Successfully implementing Post-Manifesting requires reviewing your picking requirements and facility layout. Some key questions to ask: What types of pack stations will I require (pack only, inspection, labeling, etc.)? For each pack station type, what percent of my product will need to flow through the station? How many stations will I need for each pack type based on average pack rate? What is the appropriate sizing and placement of each pack station? Can I minimize packer handling through the use of automation such as an in-line scale, print & apply system, conveyor, etc.?<br /><br /><b>Pros:</b></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Accurate item dimensions</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Improved picking and order accuracy</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Reduced picking time</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Allows for inclusion of inserts post-picking</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Facilitates serial number capture when picking higher quantities</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Cons:</b></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Additional labor cost</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Packing station space requirement</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Additional pack station costs</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Pre- and Post-manifesting are not mutually exclusive, of course. For instance, Pre-Manifesting may be used in areas where product is stored in shippable containers while Post-Manifesting is used throughout the remainder of the warehouse. Regardless of the direction you choose, the first step is to review the trade-offs of each option carefully to make an informed decision on which option is best for your operations.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Need help implementing a parcel manifesting system? <a href="http://www.go4sight.com/about_us/contact_us.html">Contact us</a> at (201) 940-7311</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span></div>
4SIGHT Supply Chain Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13240219881132121823noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915175445388819015.post-3503716355839741062013-04-01T17:41:00.002-04:002013-12-11T16:07:03.146-05:00Taking Control of Inbound Transportation: Change You Can Take to the Bank<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>By: John Blanchard </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Freight costs appear to be on a never-ending upward trend. Manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers, 3PLs and just about everyone else is feeling the negative effects of rising logistics costs. But while most companies recognize the importance of optimizing outbound freight spend, many shippers are falling short when it comes to driving costs out of their inbound transportation.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />Depending on the industry and business model, up to 35% of transportation costs are associated with inbound freight. Taking control of your inbound transportation can have a significant impact on supply chain costs. Why aren’t more companies owning and optimizing their inbound freight? For some firms, the obstacles to moving from prepaid to collect appear daunting:</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Uncertainty around the product and transportation buying power needed to successfully make changes.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Lack of support within the Transportation department.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Entrenched Purchasing or Procurement departments that are unwilling to unbundle product and freight costs.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Lack of a clear business case outlining the business case for an inbound transportation initiative.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">A physical logistics network that isn’t optimally configured to take advantage of inbound opportunities.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Potential change to your core transportation providers.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Lack of systems designed to support planning and execution of sometimes complex moves like backhauls, continuous moves or consolidation.</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">While there’s no doubt that taking control of inbound transportation brings complexity and risk, the path to realizing the potential cost savings can be cleared through inter-departmental communication of the opportunity / business case as well as carefully considered change management. Here are a few tips for successfully managing the cross-functional change required:</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Initiate dialogue with your counterparts in Purchasing and Merchandising to find out if you have willing partners. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Work collaboratively with all stakeholders and executives to understand what could be in it for them, creating an incentive to participate.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Leverage corporate-wide initiatives to reduce costs.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Develop an air-tight business case highlighting potential savings and the detailed changes needed to realize them.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Take the time to understand the dynamics among key internal players and constituencies.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Craft a communication plan to support the project and leverage it consistently.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Consider best practices in change management as well as inbound conversion.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Fully understand all foundational requirements like technology before attempting a complex inbound conversion. </span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">By taking a cross-company approach, clearly articulating the business case, and carefully managing change, your company can realize reduced inbound transportation costs and gain a competitive advantage.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Need help with <a href="http://www.go4sight.com/practices/transportation.html"><b>inbound transportation planning</b></a>? Contact us! </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(201) 940-7311.</span></div>
</div>
4SIGHT Supply Chain Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13240219881132121823noreply@blogger.com220tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915175445388819015.post-86868660758769489982013-03-20T19:16:00.004-04:002013-12-11T15:55:58.466-05:005 Ways to Improve Order Picking Productivity<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">By Marc Wulfraat, President, MWPVL</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Challenge:</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"> Doing more with less in a distribution operation
by improving order picking productivity.</span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Sound familiar? In the face of flat or declining growth rates, the
pressure is on for companies to reduce operating expenses to protect margins.
Supply chain executives are faced with the challenge of reducing labor costs,
but at the same time, customers are placing more orders with smaller
quantities. Customers are also under pressure to lower costs by reducing
inventory levels and this translates into more cost to serve for your business.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Thus the business challenge is how to do more with less within the distribution
operation. To this end, there are usually opportunities to increase efficiency
depending on a company's starting point. Since 50+% of warehouse labor
resources are typically involved in picking, packing and shipping outbound
orders, it usually makes sense to focus on these operations first. Now may be
the time to revisit some basic first principles to maximizing warehouse
efficiency. With this entry, we focus on 5 ways to improve picking operations.</span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 12pt 0cm 10pt 47.9pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -17.85pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Mixing multiple SKUs in the same bin location
reduces picking productivity. We have done time and motion studies that prove
that there is a definite time penalty associated to mixing multiple SKUs into
the same bin location. We see this in many warehouses where a bin location may
represent a shelf level that contains 5 - 10 SKU pick facings. The operator is
directed to the shelf level and then needs to search through the different SKUs
to find the item to be picked. Not only does this reduce accuracy, it also slows
the operator down by as much as 15+ seconds per pick transaction. Having a
discrete pick location for every SKU is rule #1.</span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 12pt 0cm 10pt 47.9pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -17.85pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Reducing travel time improves order picking
productivity. This is why batch and cluster order picking strategies are used
in warehouses. It is also why some companies invest into conveyor systems.
Travel time can easily account for 50% or more of order picking hours. By
combining orders into a single travel instance the time spent travelling is
greatly reduced. The smaller the order, the better the opportunity to combine
multiple orders into a single travel instance.</span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 12pt 0cm 10pt 47.9pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -17.85pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Conventional order picking productivity improves
when it is at ground level. The statement that it costs more to pick vertically
than it does to pick horizontally is a generally accepted principle that has
been demonstrated through benchmarking efforts over the years. The reality is
that some companies lack the real estate at ground level to provide pick
facings for all SKUs hence they need to pick vertically like it or not. Parts
distribution centers are typical of this situation. In these cases, assign the
slowest velocity items to be picked from vertical locations and the keep the
fastest velocity items at floor level to minimize the penalty associated with
vertical picking.</span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 12pt 0cm 10pt 47.9pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -17.85pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Order picking productivity improves with
"hit" density. If an operator picks from one out of every 100 pick
locations then this will be slower than if the operator picks from one out of
every 10 pick locations. Higher pick density = higher pick productivity. Thus
it may make sense to set up hot zones in the warehouse to concentrate the SKUs
that generate the majority of picking activity. Some warehouse operations have
ABC velocity definitions so that the fastest moving "A" SKUs are
positioned together within designated wider operating aisles to reduce
congestion. By increasing the pick density of the "A" items, travel
time is reduced and the opportunity to speed up the picking process is greatly
improved.</span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 12pt 0cm 10pt 47.9pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -17.85pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Warehouse efficiency is improved when items are assigned
to the correct storage media. Imagine if all operators have wet paint on their
hands, then the optimized warehouse has the minimal number of finger prints on
the boxes. Each set of finger prints costs money. Taking finger prints off the
boxes means the warehouse has been set up to minimize product handling. The
first basic principle to be adhered to is that items should be stored in the
appropriate storage media. Having slow moving SKUs in pallet racks may be as
wasteful as having fast moving SKUs in shelving bins. We make this decision
based on a variable called cube movement velocity which measures the volume of
movement for each SKU. The cube movement velocity = movement in units x cubic
dimensions of the unit. Measuring this metric for every SKU provides an
important way to ensure that products are being handled within the most
appropriate storage media. High cube movement belongs in racking and low cube
movement can be assigned to smaller storage media formats.</span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Need help with order picking productivity or <a href="http://www.go4sight.com/industries/warehousing.html"><b>warehousing management</b></a>? Contact us today! </span>(201) 940-7311</span></div>
</div>
4SIGHT Supply Chain Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13240219881132121823noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915175445388819015.post-60716548977818762192013-03-04T16:32:00.000-05:002013-08-22T11:12:48.607-04:00What Do All Successful Labor Management System Implementations Have in Common?<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><em>By: Brian Ehlenberg</em></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Perhaps the
hottest application right now in the world of Supply Chain Execution software
is <a href="http://www.go4sight.com/practices/labor_standards.html" target="_blank">Labor Management</a>, aka <a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><b>Workforce Management</b>. When
combined with accurate <a href="http://www.go4sight.com/practices/labor_standards.html" target="_blank">Engineered Labor Standards</a>, these tools can drive strong
ROI through significant productivity improvements. The irony is that while
demand for LMS is strong, the primary reasons why these projects succeed or
fail are commonly overlooked.</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Many
organizations fall into the trap of thinking that a LMS will provide a significant
increase in productivity by simply installing the software and having it manage
operator performance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The reality is a
labor management system doesn't manage your labor force – you do. In fact, the
very name of these solutions is misleading. A more accurate term would be
“Management Enablement Solution.”</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">LMS projects
have three main components: Software, Engineered Labor Standards, and Operator/Management
Interaction. What do all highly successful LMS implementations have in common?
Answer: the operator/management interaction is the foundation of the project. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">How do
companies create strong operator/management interaction?</span></div>
<ol>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Clearly establish the project goals at the beginning of the
project, letting the operators know why the project is important and how it
will proceed.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Involve operators in defining and documenting the optimal process (“Preferred
Method”, “Best Practice”) for each task.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The operators have the most experience with the tasks, providing
invaluable “real-world” perspective.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Invest in training supervisors in the skill and art of coaching
and mentoring operators to use the Best Practices. A Supervisor should be trained
to think of himself/herself as the coach of an “industrial athlete”. Supervisors
should observe the operator completing a task and then provide constructive and
positive feedback on opportunities to improve.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Establish periodic Best Practice observation for every operator
and make this session part of each supervisor’s daily/weekly routine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coaching and mentoring observations should be
part of the supervisor’s interaction with all operators, not just with those
failing to meet expectations.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Establish an accountability plan that includes the corrective
actions required when an operator fails to meet daily or weekly expectations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This plan establishes the requirements for
follow-up observations, mandatory re-training and, eventually, disciplinary
action.</span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">All successful
LMS projects have incorporated the above key elements. Projects that fail
either do not clearly define the goals at the onset of the project, do not
involve the operators, overestimate the supervisors’ coaching and mentoring
skills, or do not provide a consistent positive feedback mechanism for
management to use with the operators.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Remember i</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">t’s not really a Labor <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Management</span> System – it’s a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Management</i> <i>Enablement </i>System.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">In our next blog we’ll take a
closer look at the make-up of a successful LMS Coaching and Mentoring Program.</span></div>
4SIGHT Supply Chain Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13240219881132121823noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915175445388819015.post-81487262238711588082012-02-27T16:45:00.001-05:002013-12-11T15:57:39.972-05:00WMS in the Cloud: Is it Ready for Prime Time? – Part One<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cloud computing is nothing new. Most of us already
use cloud-based consumer applications every day: Facebook, Flickr, etc. Many of
us already use “front office” business applications deployed through the Cloud:
CRM, HR, Accounting, http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifetc. Some of us are
even beginning to use the Cloud to access Supply Chain Execution software like </span><a href="http://www.go4sight.com/practices/warehousing.html"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">WMS</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, TMS, and LMS.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">But is the Cloud ready for robust WMS deployments?
When does it make sense to deploy in the Cloud versus the traditional
On-Premise model?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">With all of cost reduction and time-to-benefit
advantages that Cloud computing can offer, is it only a matter of time and
technology before we see Cloud-based WMS deployments in even the highest-volume
DCs?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What about customizations? And response times for
RF networks with many users? Can the Cloud handle a WMS that’s integrated with
a Warehouse Control System (WCS)?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In Part One of this Series, we’ll lay the
groundwork for answering these and other questions. We’ll review the term
“Cloud Computing” and clarify the technology and trends associated with this
software deployment model. In Part Two we’ll review the impact that the Cloud
is having on Supply Chain Execution software: WMS, TMS, LMS, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>What is Cloud Computing?</strong></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cloud computing is the delivery of computing as a
service rather than a product, whereby shared resources, software, and
information are provided to computers and other devices as a metered service
over a network (typically the Internet).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cloud computing is a general term for anything that
involves delivering hosted services over the Internet. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The name cloud computing was inspired by the cloud
symbol that's often used to represent the Internet in flowcharts and diagrams.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cloud services are typically elastic – a user can
have as much or as little of a service as they need at any given time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cloud deployment is an alternative to the
On-Premise model where software is installed and run on computers on the
premises of the person or organization using the software. It is generally
owned and controlled by the acquiring organization and therefore provides a
significant amount of flexibility regarding configuration.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cloud computing services have three main
categories:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A software deployment model in which software is
owned, delivered and managed remotely by a software provider. The provider
delivers software based on one set of common code and data definitions that is
used by multiple customers anytime. Also known as "software on
demand," SaaS is an application hosted on a remote server and accessed
through the Internet. Instead of installing and maintaining software, you
simply access it via the Internet, freeing yourself from complex software and
hardware management. With SaaS, the software vendor will license the application
to many customers as a service on demand, through a subscription, in a
"pay-as-you-go" model. SaaS is multi-tenant and the vendor manages
access to the application, including security, availability, and performance.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Platform-as-a-Services (PaaS)<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Provides a computing platform and a solution stack
as a service. SaaS offerings can be hosted through a PaaS.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS)<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A provision model in which an organization
outsources the equipment used to support operations. The service provider owns
the equipment and is responsible for housing, running and maintaining it.
Sometimes referred to Hardware-as-a-Service (HaaS).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">With the above concepts and definitions in place,
we’re ready to review the impact of the Cloud on Supply Chain Execution software
solutions. Tune in for Part Two!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To receive the PowerPoint presentation from our recent webinar with DC
Velocity magazine: WMS in the Cloud: Is it Ready for Prime Time?, email us at
in4mation@go4sight.com.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
4SIGHT Supply Chain Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13240219881132121823noreply@blogger.com104tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915175445388819015.post-78754747156317307702011-03-17T11:39:00.000-04:002013-12-11T15:52:09.210-05:00Voice Enabled Technology Has Proven It's ValueThere are numerous benefits to implementing voice, there's no question. Accuracy is the most obvious as is improved productivity. Significant savings can be realized by reducing the amount of paper pick tickets and labels, and decreasing the amount of accidents as a result of changing to a hands-free and eye-free operation. Other notable benefits include increased efficiencies in stocking, cycle counting, and service levels, as well as reduced training time for new employees.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.go4sight.com/4SIGHT_VoiceEnabledTechnology%20Blog.pdf">Click here to read more about Voice Enabled Technology</a>4SIGHT Supply Chain Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13240219881132121823noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915175445388819015.post-42342830917530076502010-04-14T07:37:00.000-04:002013-12-11T15:49:20.367-05:00An Overview of Supply Chain Software EvaluationTechnology is a friend to the supply chain industry. Choosing specific brands of software can augment your entire logistics process. 4Sight helps clients select and implement software solutions that can drive their business to the next level of success. Please review our <a href="http://www.go4sight.com/services/Consulting/Software_Evaluation_Selection.html">software evaluation</a> process below:<br /><br />Step 1: This is the requirements development step. Our team looks at the technological capabilities of your system in order to make further decisions.<br /><br />Step 2: The RFP step includes a bid regarding software solution providers. Our project team assesses each proposed solution to find the right software for your company.<br /><br />Step 3: Our team uses a software evaluation scorecard to make side-by-side comparisons of proposed solutions. In addition, this step gives our team the ability to truly search for a solution tailored to your system.<br /><br />Step 4: This is a more detailed step than 3. Now, vendors supply scripted demonstrations to explain the advantages of their solutions. In addition, our team questions them regarding any gaps in their proposed solutions and any foreseeable issues involving implementation into your system.<br /><br />Step 5: Once vendors display their proposed solutions, it is suggested to conduct reference checks. Reference checks ensure that proposed vendors have stayed true to former commitments and have successfully helped others with their supply chain efforts.<br /><br />Step 6: Site visits provide our clients with the opportunity to see proposed solutions working in a live environment that closely resembles their operations. This provides a chance for clients to ask specific questions regarding implementation and execution.<br /><br />Step 7: We help you finalize the software evaluation process regarding negotiations and making the final software vendor selection.4SIGHT Supply Chain Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13240219881132121823noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915175445388819015.post-35850510347769744442010-03-12T11:47:00.000-05:002013-12-11T15:38:05.008-05:00Buiding Relationships and Streamling Inventory Management Article<br />The <a href="http://www.distributiongroup.com/dghome.php">Distribution Group</a> has provided practical news and information to distribution professionals for over 40 years. They recently interviewed a number of Distribution Managers, including Frank Carmean from 4Sight. The interview discussed strategies for building relationships and streamlining inventory management for 2010.<br /><br />Check out the article and see what Carmean has to say about reducing labor costs without cutting staff.4SIGHT Supply Chain Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13240219881132121823noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915175445388819015.post-73901477539591783212009-12-23T09:31:00.000-05:002013-12-11T16:07:37.404-05:00As Direct Store Delivery (DSD) continues to thrive in the food and grocery channel, why are some suppliers moving away from it?<span style="font-style: italic;">Author: Cheryl Krager</span><br />
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The Direct Store Delivery (DSD) model has been a mainstay in the retail industry for years, particularly in the food and grocery channel where freshness is essential to customers. DSD is positioned to accelerate growth as retailers become more advanced in store execution.<br />
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4SIGHT Supply Chain Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13240219881132121823noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915175445388819015.post-27421154058520326992009-10-22T13:44:00.000-04:002013-12-11T15:28:58.671-05:00Simple Supply Chain Strategies to Curb CostsIn today’s economy, more and more companies are finding creative and effective solutions to mitigate supply chain costs without having to sacrifice operational efficiencies. Our clients and prospects often ask us, “What are some simple supply chain strategies we can deploy to help curb costs?” There is no cookie-cutter approach we can retrofit to all clients as each client has its own unique operation requiring a strategy that is customized to their specific needs. One client may have an advanced warehouse operation, but they may not have the right software applications to support it. The next client may have implemented a best-of-breed WMS solution, but they lack an effective workforce and transportation network to support the growing business. Another client has exceptional service levels, but lacks an effective inventory management system to control carrying costs.<br /><br />4SIGHT Supply Chain Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13240219881132121823noreply@blogger.com15