OPSdesign’s Consultants, Engineers, and Analysts are supply chain logistics subject matter experts, authors, and speakers. We have written books, have been published in respected trade journals and business magazines, and are frequent speakers at leading supply chain conferences. Check back here often for our latest insights on trending supply chain logistics topics.
Postponement In The Supply Chain: Concept, Costs, Benefits, and Risks
In today’s highly dynamic and interconnected global market, postponement in the supply chain can help or hurt your business depending on how you go about...
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Consolidated Mega DCS vs. Multiple DCS Closer To The Customer vs. Micro DCS
Pros, Cons, and Finding the Right Balance for Service and Cost In today’s fast-paced, customer-centric world, the design of a company’s distribution network is a...
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Returns Management in the Supply Chain: A Comprehensive Overview
Returns management, or reverse logistics, refers to the process of moving goods from their final destination back to the manufacturer or retailer for return, repair,...
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Humanoid Robots in Warehouse Operations: Transforming Logistics and Supply Chains
Let's explore the use of humanoid robots in various warehouse operations, predicting the areas where they will be deployed effectively and the timeline for their...
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Warehouse Floor Flatness: The Cornerstone of Efficient Operations
Warehouse operations, particularly those involving automated systems, high-density storage, or very narrow aisles (VNA), rely on the condition and quality of the floor. Flatness is...
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Detention and Demurrage Charges and How to Reduce them
Detention and demurrage charges can significantly impact a business's logistics costs, but they are not unavoidable. In the global supply chain and shipping industry, detention...
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The Future of Supply Chain Technology
Revolutionizing Distribution Network Optimization and Warehouse Operations The supply chain industry is undergoing an unprecedented transformation, driven by rapid technological advances and evolving customer expectations....
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Engineered Standards in the Warehouse
OPSdesign has created this guide to engineered standards in the warehouse. In today's highly competitive logistics and supply chain industry, warehouses manage increasing demands for...
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Pallet Trucks: Types, Uses, and Pros and Cons
Pallet trucks, commonly known as pallet jacks, are essential in warehouses, factories, and distribution centers for moving heavy loads, particularly pallets, over short distances. These...
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E-Commerce Fulfillment Trends: Seamless, Efficient Customer Journeys
This article will explore the significant e-commerce fulfillment trends, including the growing emphasis on delivery speed and convenience, the personalization of customer experiences, sustainability practices,...
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Unified Platforms: A Key to Supply Chain Efficiency
Unified platforms, often called integrated supply chain solutions, combine various supply chain management (SCM) functions into a single, cohesive system. These platforms enable businesses to...
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Self-Funding Supply Chain Technologies
Self-funding supply chain technologies represent a transformative approach to managing and optimizing supply chains. In the fast-paced world of global commerce, where supply chains span...
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PPE: Essential Personal Safety Gear for Warehouse Employees
Warehouse environments are known for their bustling activity, heavy machinery, and constant movement of goods. Workers in these settings face several hazards, from slips and...
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Supply Chain Projects: Why They Often Fail
Supply chain management (SCM) is a critical function in modern businesses. It involves overseeing the flow of goods, services, information, and finances from raw materials...
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The Role of 3PLs and 4PLs in the Supply Chain
In the increasingly global and complex world of supply chain management, third-party logistics providers (3PLs) and fourth-party logistics providers (4PLs) have become pivotal players. These...
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Warehouse Launch Disasters: Lessons and Strategies to Avoid Catastrophic Failures
Launching a new warehouse is a complex endeavor that requires detailed planning, precise execution, and coordination across various teams. A well-planned warehouse launch can increase...
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Warehouse Management System Implementation Best Practices
Implementing a Warehouse Management System (WMS) is a transformative project for any organization aiming to improve logistics, increase efficiency, and reduce costs. While there’s no...
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Attention Warehouse Manager: 15 Ways to Keep Your Job
Avoiding termination as a warehouse manager involves strong leadership skills, effective communication, efficient operational management, and alignment with company goals. Warehouse managers are responsible for...
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3 Warehouse Order Picking Methods Compared
Warehouse order picking is critical in supply chain management, directly affecting productivity, accuracy, and fulfillment speed. Choosing the right order-picking method depends on various factors,...
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Warehouse Drones Improve Efficiency, Accuracy and Safety
Warehouse drones promise to improve efficiency, accuracy, and safety in inventory management and stocktaking tasks. As warehouse operations become more complex and competitive, the demand...
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Exoskeleton Devices in Warehousing: Transforming Efficiency and Safety
Exoskeleton devices offer an exciting bridge between human labor and machine efficiency. In the past decade, warehousing and logistics industries have undergone significant transformations driven...
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Why RFID Will Never Replace Barcodes
Radio-frequency identification (RFID) and barcodes are ubiquitous technologies in automatic identification and data capture (AIDC). While RFID has gained significant traction in various industries, suggesting...
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Smart Robot Picking Paves the Way of the Future
Smart robot picking, also known as robotic picking or automated picking, is a rapidly advancing area in warehouse automation where robots are used to pick...
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Utilizing Geofencing Technology in Supply Chain Management
Supply chain management has always been a complex and dynamic field, constantly needing to balance efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and customer satisfaction. Technology integration into supply chain...
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Six Sigma for Warehouse Optimization
Warehouse operations are the backbone of supply chain management, playing a crucial role in ensuring that goods flow efficiently from suppliers to customers. Businesses often...
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The Future of Supply Chain Management
How AI and Machine Learning Transforming the Workforce What will the future of supply chain management look like? As we stand at the intersection of...
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Efficient Product Slotting in the Warehouse
Efficient product slotting in a warehouse is critical in optimizing operations and ensuring the smooth flow of goods. Slotting refers to the process of determining...
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How Egg Production Affects The Supply Chain
Understanding the intricate web of egg production in the agricultural supply chain is a matter of curiosity and a crucial aspect of our food choices....
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Dockworkers’ Strike – The Supply Chain and Economic Impact
The current dockworkers' strike is a pivotal moment with significant implications for various sectors of the U.S. economy. Initiated due to a protracted negotiation impasse...
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Instituting Cycle Counting Programs to Insure Inventory Precision
In the complex world of warehousing and logistics, the accuracy of inventory management is paramount. A slight error can lead to delayed shipments, dissatisfied customers,...
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How the 4th Industrial Revolution will Transform Supply Chain Operations
The 4th Industrial Revolution, also known as Industry 4.0, is a period of rapid technological advancement characterized by the fusion of technologies that blur the...
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Packaging Optimization in E-Commerce Order Fulfillment
As packaging optimization in e-commerce continues to evolve, the efficiency and effectiveness of packaging at the end of order-picking operations have become crucial factors in...
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Capabilities Of Modern WMS Software Offerings
Modern WMS software (Warehouse Management System) empowers warehouse operations with capabilities that enhance efficiency and provide unparalleled visibility and control over inventory. Here are some...
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Supply Chain Attacks: Leveraging AI for Supply Chain Security
Supply chain attacks, a significant threat in today's interconnected digital landscape, exploit vulnerabilities in the complex web of supplier relationships and third-party integrations. The recent...
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Accelerate NPI by Improving Your Supply Chain
In the competitive landscape of modern business, the speed of New Product Introduction (NPI) can be a crucial differentiator. The faster a company can bring...
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Internal Relationships & External Relationships in Supply Chain Management
Let's look at the role Internal Relationships & External Relationships play in the Supply Chain Management industry. In today's highly competitive and rapidly changing business...
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Efficient Warehouse Dock and Truck Loading & Unloading
Efficient warehouse dock and truck loading/unloading operations are crucial for optimizing supply chain performance and reducing operational costs. This white paper focuses on the specific...
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Warehouse Employees: Enhancing Morale, Productivity and Quality
As a warehouse manager, supervisor, or HR professional, your role in effectively managing warehouse employees is crucial and integral to the company's smooth operations, high...
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Consider Interim Management Support for Warehouse Optimization
Interim management support can effectively triage, stabilize, and optimize suboptimal warehouse, distribution, and fulfillment operations. In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, companies often face challenges...
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The U.S. Labor Shortage – What Factors Are Driving It?
The United States has a serious labor shortage and there are several factors driving low participation in the workforce. From early retirement to lack of...
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Fulfillment Warehouse Optimization Checklist for DTC E-Commerce
This checklist guides the design of a DTC e-commerce fulfillment warehouse operation, focusing on essential steps for optimizing efficiency and customer satisfaction. Strategic Planning Define...
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Impact of Presidential Election Cycles on Supply Chains
In the global business landscape, presidential election cycles can introduce a unique uncertainty that significantly impacts supply chains. The intense and often contentious battles between...
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The Impact of Labor Day on the Supply Chain
The Labor Day holiday can significantly impact the supply chain, from operational slowdowns to increased customer service and support calls. Review critical factors to consider...
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Walgreens a Champion for Disability Inclusion
Randy Lewis’s disability inclusion initiative at Walgreens stands as a testament to the power of visionary leadership. Randy Lewis’s journey to revolutionize employment practices for...
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Prepare for Storms: Protect Your Business and Inventory
The potential impact of a hurricane on warehouse operations is not always the first concern in the logistics and fulfillment industry. However, experienced logistics professionals...
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2025 Changes to National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC)
The National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system is set for significant changes in 2025. These updates, announced by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA),...
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How Elections Might Impact the Supply Chain
Let's look at scenarios for how elections might impact the supply chain. A report, Election Year Impact Report, released on April 16, analyzes how the...
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Capacity Utilization Improvement Strategies
Capacity utilization is the proportion of a company's physical capacity used in a given period. It can also be defined as the time that capacity...
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Robotic Pick-to-Light (PTL) Automation Systems
Robotic pick-to-light (PTL) systems are advanced automation technology in warehousing and order fulfillment operations. These systems combine robotic automation with pick-to-light technology to enhance efficiency,...
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Retail Logistics Efficiencies Adding to Market Growth
The retail logistics market encompasses the processes and systems involved in managing the movement of goods from suppliers to retailers and, ultimately, customers. The globalization...
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