January 3, 2018
What is Commercial off-the-shelf-software? When searching for a software solution, whether it is to run an entire business, or just fill a single functional need, one must decide whether to search for a commercial off-the-shelf-software (COTS) solution, or use programming services for custom, one-off development. COTS, also referred to as package software, is the more traditional and popular mindset. If you need a word processor, would you build one from scratch, or go find an existing software that meets your needs? Package software will beat out one-off development in nearly […]
December 21, 2017
I’m sure we all heard about the latest news out of Atlanta this past weekend. There was a power outage that lasted close to 12 hours that shut down airport operations and forced an evacuation to clear out the congestion. Travelers were left stranded with no power, no food, and no information from anyone. So you might be thinking, “Why was there no backup power and why did everyone working at the airport seem so unprepared to handle this situation?” The situation occurred because a Georgia Power Substation had a […]
December 20, 2017
Background: Colorado Distribution Group in Denver, Colorado provides small parcel fulfillment services for many of their clients. The products range from police and military clothing to snow and ski recreation equipment. The Challenge: CDG’s main goal is to improve accuracy in packing high-volumes of orders and reduce unnecessary labor efforts for printing labels and shipping documentation. The process for picking and packing orders requires at least 3 warehouse operation staff members per shift.
December 15, 2017
The 2018 Third-Party Logistics Study was recently published. This year marks the 22nd year of publication. The paper discusses the findings from an annual survey of 3PL/4PL Providers, Shippers (not currently using 3PL/4PL services) and Shippers (currently using 3PL/4PL). The study is conducted by C. John Langley Jr. Ph.D and Infosys Consulting. Sponsors include Penske Logistics, Korn Ferry, Infosys and Penn State Smeal College of Business. The survey is 60 pages and covers various areas of the 3PL market including automation/digitization trends, new technologies such as blockchain, increased importance of […]
December 11, 2017
You get into work a little late, it happens, but you had to get that fancy coffee. You plop down at the same old desk: family photos, cat calendar, black computer screen. Today, you don’t reach out for the power button on the monitor, but lean back, prop your legs up, and take a long satisfying sip. Maybe years ago you would have been frantic to organize the morning activities, review the inbound orders, load balance your pickers, print your paperwork, and round up the team. Your mornings are much […]
November 28, 2017
In the early stages of a startup business things can get crazy with everyone wearing multiple hats. There is a “just get ‘er done…” culture. But as the business grows, formal processes need to be developed and smart businesses look for systems that can help support their growth. In a 3PL operation, Business Management Solution (BMS) is the term given to a software application that often provides at least 2 key components, a Warehouse Management System, and an Accounting System. A WMS is important to manage inventory, process receipt and […]