Warehouse Optimization
Pedestrian–Vehicle Separation in Modern Distribution Centers
Pedestrian–vehicle separation delivers measurable operational gains. Modern distribution centers (DCs) are evolving rapidly to meet the demands of speed, safety, and efficiency. One of the […]
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Using Order Profile Analysis to Expose Warehouse Bottlenecks
The value of order profile analysis lies in its ability to guide targeted change. Warehouse inefficiencies rarely come from a single failure. More often, they […]
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Micro-Fulfillment Centers: When Do They Make Sense?
Micro-fulfillment centers (MFCs) have shifted from an emerging concept to a practical solution for retailers caught between rising customer expectations and the high cost of […]
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Translating MAPE Into Slotting and Staffing Actions
Translating MAPE into real slotting and staffing actions closes the gap between plan and performance. Every warehouse or fulfillment operation lives and breathes by its […]
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Warehouse Optimization Software: The Hidden Engine Behind Modern Supply Chains
In today’s logistics landscape, warehouse optimization software is transforming warehouses from passive storage facilities into the dynamic, data-driven ecosystems at the heart of modern supply […]
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Which Warehouse KPIs Matter Most?
Warehousing has undergone significant transformation in recent years. Once viewed as a cost center and back-end necessity, today’s warehouse has become a strategic engine of […]
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Automate The Last 100 Feet of Your DC
When it comes to warehouse and distribution center automation, most attention goes to the big-ticket investments: high-density storage systems, autonomous mobile robots, or goods-to-person technology. […]
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Designing Packing Stations for E-Commerce Fulfillment
In e-commerce fulfillment, the packing station is the final frontier before the order departs from the warehouse. It is the last opportunity to influence order […]
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Raising Warehouse Productivity on a Shoestring
Raising warehouse productivity can seem like an insurmountable task. Warehouses are under relentless pressure to deliver faster, cheaper, and with fewer errors. Yet most operations […]
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Designing Highly Efficient Warehouse Workstations
Well-engineered workstations harmonize process optimization, digital system integration, infrastructure flexibility, and labor efficiency. In modern supply chain operations, the demand for agility, customization, and value-added […]
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Are Autonomous Mobile Robots Right for Your E-Commerce Operation
The e-commerce landscape has undergone a radical transformation over the past several years. Increasing consumer demand for faster delivery, greater order customization, and 24/7 availability […]
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Robots As A Service (RaaS)
RaaS or Robots As A Service is a great way to lower the financial barriers to automation and speed up implementation. In recent years, automation […]
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Why are Cubic Velocity and Cubic Inventory Important?
Cubic Velocity by SKU and Cubic Inventory by SKU and aren’t just metrics—they’re the key to more effective warehouse automation. In the age of e-commerce […]
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Rack-Supported Warehouses vs Traditional Warehouses
Many companies are exploring rack-supported warehouses as an alternative to conventional warehouse construction. A rack-supported warehouse is a structure where the storage racking itself supports […]
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Emerging Warehouse Technologies: USA vs Europe
Global spending on emerging warehouse technologies has surged in recent years, with North America and Europe leading the charge. North America currently dominates warehouse automation […]
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AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots) for Warehouse Operations
Are Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) the future of warehouse operations? In the ever-evolving world of logistics and supply chain management, warehouse operations are at the […]
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Human Augmentation in the Warehouse: The Future of Work
As technology continues to evolve, human augmentation will play an increasingly pivotal role in shaping the future of warehouse operations. The world of warehousing and […]
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Comparing Supply Chain Consulting Firms: Independent vs. Vendor-Affiliated
Organizations seeking to optimize their supply chain and warehouse operations often turn to supply chain consulting firms specializing in warehouse design, material handling, and process […]
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Selecting a WMS for Retail, Wholesale, and 3PL Operations
Before selecting a WMS (Warehouse Management System) it is important to understand WMS and ERP Integration. Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) are software solutions that run […]
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Using 6-Sigma, 5S, and Lean Disciplines in the Warehouse
Efficient and effective warehouse management is the cornerstone of supply chain success. Adopting proven methodologies to streamline operations and improve productivity is critical in a […]
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Automation System Project Funding Considerations
Project funding for an automation system can be difficult to find. Just as supply chains have experienced challenging times recently, recent and ongoing events have […]
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Warehouse Racking Safety Considerations
Warehouse racking safety is critical to maintaining a secure and efficient working environment. Proper racking safety practices help prevent accidents, protect workers, and preserve inventory […]
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Honeycombing in Warehousing: Causes, Costs, and Solutions
Grasping the concept of honeycombing in warehousing is not just important; it’s crucial for maintaining efficient operations and cost-effective logistics. Warehouse managers often find themselves […]
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Enhance Forklift Safety Through Warehouse Designs
National Forklift Safety Day is an event that underscores the pivotal role of warehouse design in forklift safety. By understanding and implementing key aspects of […]
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Choosing The Right Warehouse Management System (WMS) For Omnichannel Distribution
In today’s omnichannel retail landscape, where consumers expect seamless shopping experiences across multiple channels, selecting the right warehouse management system (WMS) is paramount for success. […]
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Postponement in Warehouse Operations: A Strategic Advantage
Postponement in warehouse operations, is a strategic approach that involves delaying the customization or finalization of products until closer to the point of consumption. This […]
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Robotic Palletizing is Changing Warehouse Operations
The advent of robotic palletizing and depalletizing is changing warehouse operations dramatically and increasing productivity. One of the most physically demanding tasks in a warehouse, […]
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DC Metrics Cubic Velocity and Cubic Inventory by SKU
Any industrial engineer worth their salt starts a warehouse design (or distribution center or fulfillment operation) with detailed data analysis. This usually begins with gathering […]
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Storage Racks for Today and Tomorrow
Storage racks are perhaps the least glamorous part of a warehouse, but they are the workhorse and serve a valuable role in the supply chain. […]
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Warehouse Mechanization and Automation Strategies
Companies are using warehouse mechanization, automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness. However, adopting these technologies requires careful consideration and […]
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Stacking GMA Pallets: Determining the Best Configuration
Want to know the best configuration for stacking GMA pallets, maximizing space utilization, ensuring stability, and optimizing warehouse operations? Use this step-by-step approach to help […]
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Warehouse Operations Audits Identify Performance Gaps
Discover Opportunities to Add Value, Reduce Costs, Assure Quality, and Compress Time™ Staying ahead of the curve in supply chain operations requires constant evaluation and […]
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Integration of Micro Warehouses in the Retail Supply Chain
The strategic adoption of micro warehouses in the retail supply chain is a testament to the industry’s commitment to innovation and efficiency. It is important […]
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Optimizing Your WMS: Focusing on the 3 Ps
The past few years have taught the supply chain lessons in agility – it’s a necessity for doing business in an ever-changing landscape. When you […]
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Boosting Warehouse Efficiencies
Among the many facets of supply chain management, the warehouse ranks among the highest places to focus on boosting warehouse efficiencies. With the right processes […]
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Warehouse Workstations: Designing High-Efficiency Ergonomic Solutions
Efficient warehouse operations are integral to the success of any logistics and supply chain system. The design of warehouse workstations in key areas such as […]
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Right-Sizing Inventory
The wild supply chain swings of the past four years have given managers plenty to consider when it comes to managing inventory. Where the just-in-time […]
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The Financial Viability of Warehouse Automation: Does It Pay to Automate?
The financial viability of warehouse automation is often obscured by the glitz and glamour of new technologies; but when does it actually pay to automate […]
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Optimal SKU Slotting Methods for Warehouse Efficiency
SKU slotting is crucial to warehouse efficiency and efficient warehouse management is a critical factor in meeting customer demands, minimizing operational costs, and maintaining a […]
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Internet Connectivity: An Often Overlooked Warehouse Necessity
Now more than ever, Internet connectivity is paramount to modern warehouse operations. Best practices dictate that to optimize a warehouse, you must integrate modern technology. […]
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