by Noelle Abarelli | Apr 17, 2024 | Blog
In today’s fast-paced business environment, selecting the right enterprise software can make or break an organization’s success. From streamlining operations to enhancing customer experience, the right solution can drive significant value. However, navigating the software selection journey isn’t simply about finding the most popular solution and implementing it. It requires careful planning, thorough evaluation, and strategic decision-making. In a recent webinar, The Journey: Buying Enterprise Software Effectively, Alpine experts explored all the facets involved in navigating the software selection process. Read the main takeaways below, or watch a recording of the webinar here.
Getting started
Selecting enterprise software effectively is a multi-faceted journey that involves several key steps. It begins with defining clear objectives and requirements, followed by the creation of a Request for Proposal (RFP) to solicit vendor responses. Leadership involvement is crucial at every stage to ensure alignment with organizational goals and objectives. In our experience, project success depends on eight critical factors.
#1 Leadership: Strong leadership is provided by executive management to oversee the project and provide support to the team.
#2 Achieving buy-in: The team should comprise subject matter experts and involve representation from all aspects of the business (e.g. warehouse team, IT group, sales, executive leadership, etc.) to ensure you don’t miscalculate resources, gain buy-in and ensure all requirements are met.
#3 Focus on the goal: The team needs to be focused on the project’s success with no distracting ulterior motives.
#4 Be methodical: Engage in a deliberate, engaged, and thorough process.
#5 Anticipate change: Be prepared to adapt and pivot as needed, large undertakings rarely go off without some surprises.
#6 Invest in due diligence: Fully vet any solution, technology, vendor/integrator references. This involves evaluating not only the software but also the vendor’s operations, culture, technology, and integration capabilities.
- You may be wondering if hosting a traditional demonstration is enough to vet vendors, and we’re here to tell you, it’s not. A traditional vendor demonstration is performed in a vacuum, you’re seeing how their solution works on the best of days when everything is within control and going as planned. It may not show you how the solution works with regard to the specific functionality you are looking for. In some cases, what you want to learn is not necessarily if a vendor performs a certain function, but how they do it so you can determine if it fits in with your processes.
#7 Contracting: Get details on all contracting needs and their structure regarding software and services. It’s critical to discover if the vendor provides everything you need, and what contract limitations may be.
#8 Execution: Ensure you have a strategy in place to handle change management, scope, budget control, and any ongoing needs.
Most importantly, it’s critical to determine what your organization considers a measure of success for the project. All team members must be aligned on this to work toward the same goal.
Why Implementations fail
Unfortunately, around 80% of implementations fail, and it’s not always because of the solution, but rather due to organizational complications. Sometimes it’s because there’s no organizational commitment or the organization sets unrealistic expectations to begin with. Other reasons include:
- The system implementation is viewed as an IT project rather than an organizational one
- The selected vendor is a bad match
- Inadequate education and training of the implementation team and its users
- Inflexibility in adapting to new processes (trying to do things the same way as before with the new software)
- Inaccurate data loaded into the system
And while there are many ways buying enterprise software can go wrong, there are tried and true strategies that can help you navigate the selection process with confidence.
Best Practices
As the software selection journey progresses, there are several best practices and insights to keep in mind.
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- A structured approach to the selection process is critical, with a focus on thoroughness and avoiding shortcuts. This includes getting a clear understanding of what the business requirements are. This is where real attention to detail is critical, and no item is too small to include.
- The RFP phase requires significant effort to ensure clarity and enable vendors to respond effectively. The list of business requirements will be the foundation of this RFP, and will enable organizations to vet solutions down to every last detail.
- Don’t limit your search to the well-known names. This is a significant investment, so you want to get a complete picture of all that’s available to you. Including up-and-coming vendors in the selection process can help keep established vendors competitive.
- During demonstrations, prioritize scenarios that align with the organization’s most critical needs and push vendors to showcase their capabilities beyond standard demos. If possible, have a list of worst-case scenarios specific to your operation that you can throw into the demo to see how the vendor would respond.
- Technical deep dives with vendors are essential for understanding their product roadmaps, especially regarding cloud-based solutions and ongoing development efforts.
- Don’t rush the selection process. Hosting periodic workshops with the team allows for detailed discussions on cost estimates, project plans, assumptions, and resource requirements. It will also ensure nothing has changed in the plan and that everybody is still working with the same end goal in mind.
- Create a point system that will allow for subjective scoring of each solution presented. Assessing subjective feedback alongside objective scoring helps make well-informed decisions and identify potential gaps in understanding.
Remember, the ROI break-even time frame for a WMS implementation varies based on factors like the organization’s goals, the current system, and the expected productivity gains. Be sure to calculate what the target time frame for your project is. Consider leveraging industry-accepted tools that help estimate the ROI and break-even time frame more accurately.
Conclusion
As you embark on your software selection journey, remember to keep your organizational goals at the forefront and leverage the insights shared in this blog post to guide your decision-making process. With the right approach and careful consideration, you can navigate the complexities of the software selection journey and unlock the full potential of your organization.
Researching, vetting, and sourcing enterprise software is not everybody’s expertise, that’s where we come in. If you’re looking to invest in enterprise software, but aren’t sure where to begin, we can help. We are experts in ensuring operations get the most out of their supply chain investments. Reach out. We’ll set you up with optimal solutions that drive maximum value.
by Noelle Abarelli | Feb 20, 2024 | Blog
MODEX 2024, scheduled to take place from March 11 to March 14 at Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center, is shaping up to be an amazing gathering for manufacturing, supply chain, and transportation professionals. With a comprehensive agenda featuring 5 keynotes, 150 educational sessions, and over 1,000 leading solution providers, MODEX 2024 aims to address the dynamic needs of an industry witnessing accelerated change. From traditional equipment to cutting-edge technologies like automation and robotics, the event promises a holistic exploration of the present and future of supply chain operations.
There’s a lot on offer, here are a few things we’re looking forward to!
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
This year’s MODEX conference promises an insightful lineup of five keynote speakers, each offering a unique perspective on leadership, technology, sustainability, and the transformative trends shaping the supply chain landscape.
On Monday, Bill Seward, President of UPS Supply Chain Solutions, will kick things off with an authentic and thought-provoking discussion about leadership, strategy, and excellence. A keynote panel titled: Charting the Course for Smarter Ports will follow that session.
On Tuesday, Gerd Leonhard, a leading voice on the dangers of unregulated “big tech,” will share his expertise on digital ethics, AI, human-centric technology, and sustainability.
Jeremy Renner, an Academy-Award-nominated actor, will kick things off on Wednesday with a unique blend of personal stories as a superhero on and off the screen. And, Thursday, attendees will have an opportunity to hear John Paxton, CEO of MHI, discuss the organization’s 2024 Annual Industry Report covering the trends and digital technologies that are transforming supply chains.
You can get all the details here!
EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS
There will be over 150 expert-led seminars conveying a broad array of supply chain, material handling, and logistics topics on offer. Sessions are offered free to all registered show attendees! Alpine and TZA will actively contribute to the knowledge-sharing aspect of MODEX 2024 through three educational seminars:
Monday, March 11, 2024
10:30 AM – 11:15 AM
Session Title: Mastering the Art of WMS Selection: Your Career’s Make or Break Decision
Presented By: Sean Moore, CIO, CJ Logistics
Location: Transportation and Logistics Theater
Monday, March 11, 2024
1:30 PM – 2:15 PM
Session Title: Maximizing Productivity: Optimizing Picking Efficiency Through Strategic Slotting
Presented By: Alpine, Conveyor Solutions and Systems in Motion
Location: Theater I
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
1:30 – 2:15 PM
Session Title: Performance Management – The Key to Unlocking your Labor Management Program’s Potential
Presented By: TZA & Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling
Location: Emerging Technologies Theater
See all sessions on offer here.
NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
MODEX 2024 goes beyond its role as an industry showcase, offering a plethora of networking opportunities catering to diverse interests and professional backgrounds. Here are a few events to consider:
Monday, March 11
– Women in Supply Chain Forum
An interactive workshop designed to empower and connect women in the supply chain industry.
– Transportation Marketing & Sales Association (TMSA) Workshops
Two interactive workshops covering how to become a DEI advocate and tools and techniques for small marketing teams.
– MHI Young Professionals Network Reception
A meet & greet networking reception providing a vibrant environment for young professionals in material handling and supply chain.
Tuesday, March 12
– Alpine/Deposco/TZA Happy Hour
Alpine, Deposco, and TZA invite you to an exclusive Happy Hour, offering a relaxed environment for networking, informal discussions, and connections with industry peers. Reach out for your invitation.
Wednesday, March 13
– Mpro Networking Breakfast
Exclusive breakfast and networking opportunity for marketing professionals in the material handling and supply chain industry.
– MHI Industry Night with Colin Jost
An entertaining evening with comedian Colin Jost, providing an informal setting for professionals to mingle and unwind.
You can get more information on networking opportunities here.
STOP BY AND SEE US
Amidst the myriad of exhibitors and sessions, Alpine will be located at Booth #C8385 and TZA will be located at #C8088. Alpine will be showcasing its innovative solutions including warehouse consulting, strategic planning, performance management, Human Resources, and labor planning services. TZA will be showing their ProTrack Labor Management System and a full set of services offered in support of performance management. Stop by or schedule a one-to-one meet-up with one of our experts to learn more!
by Noelle Abarelli | Feb 6, 2024 | Blog
Supply chains have had quite a tumultuous time these last four years. From pandemic woes to geopolitical difficulties, the status quo has been put into question again and again. And while the pandemic introduced complications and delays, that time period also forced innovation. Remote capabilities were expanded, the practice of diversifying supply chains became a necessity, and technologies to supplement the supply chain were more widely implemented. And with that came the expanding growth and adoption of generative artificial intelligence (AI).
As 2024 forges ahead, supply chain leaders are taking stock of what rises to the top as key priorities for the year, like resilience and optionality, the safe use of AI, cybersecurity, and how to prepare for potential shortages. Let’s review.
Resilience and Optionality
Companies are prioritizing building resilient supply chains by diversifying sources and locations. The need to do this became abundantly clear during the pandemic when a variety of industries faced material shortages and delays. Northern Tool, for example, is diversifying its sourcing, no longer relying on a single point of origin, securing warehouse capacity in other parts of the country. Having multiple sources gives companies the upperhand in locating backups when needed; flexibility in supply chain management is critical to fostering resilience.
Northern Tool also changed how they handle e-commerce orders. In the past, all online orders originated from a single warehouse, and only 17% of them were being fulfilled the day the order was received. By changing their hours of operation, hiring more employees, and updating job descriptions so employees could do more, as much as 99% of their orders can now be fulfilled on the day they are received.
Of course, resiliency does come at a cost. Having partnerships and agreements with multiple vendors may incur fees, a cost that may be worth taking if it safeguards your supply chain against the unknown. Meeting with multiple vendors and negotiating options that are beneficial for both parties is an excellent way to implement resilience strategies that will last for the long haul.
The AI Advantage
The adoption of technology can help too. A global survey of supply chain professionals across industries in 55 countries found that investing in the latest technologies such as cloud computing, AI, and IoT solutions is more than a tactical necessity. It’s a critical component of enabling business growth and fostering agile supply chain operations.
The aforementioned survey found that 76% of companies believe artificial intelligence will be an important part of their supply chain in the next three years. AI can help supply chains by predicting demand, optimizing routes, and automating mundane tasks. Supply chain leaders believe AI will be able to assist companies react to consumer demand more quickly, eventually fostering a self-driving supply chain with real-time adjustments. Some companies are already using AI and machine learning capabilities to predict individual shopping carts using algorithms, and the more data is collected, the more accurate that capability will become.
The main trend to watch out for in terms of technology is collaborative AI, or leveraging AI as a tool to support human expertise. AI will serve as a worthy partner in a variety of settings, including product development, market research, and quality control. With extensive data, and a deeper understanding of consumer needs and preferences, AI will be able to assist companies in developing products that are tailored to meet the needs and expectations of their target market. AI can help process vast amounts of data, giving companies deeper insights into customer preferences, demands, and emerging and waning trends.
AI is far from perfect, and its benefits are reliant on the fact that it is always learning, always improving. At the moment, it isn’t adept at handling more nuanced aspects like consumer preferences, but leaders predict it’s only a matter of time. Of course, with increased use of technology and the interconnectivity of it all, cybersecurity becomes increasingly more vital.
Security in the Digital Age:
More and more companies are becoming connected digitally, including smaller, less equipped companies. Increased digitization in supply chains exposes companies to new vulnerabilities. Supply chain businesses are not immune to cyber attacks, which is why risk assessments and cybersecurity standards are a must.
Every company will have a different set of cybersecurity standards, but some that are essential, regardless of size or industry are:
- Restricting system and data access to authorized individuals
- Use data encryption
- Implement network security measures
- Provide security training
- Implement an incident response plan
- Designate disaster recovery processes
- Comply with industry-specific security standards
- Practice continuous monitoring
- Develop an audit program to enforce the supply chain cybersecurity plan
Keeping companies safe requires vigilance and collaboration. Clear cybersecurity standards, regular third-party assessments, and continuous data protection are vital. Companies can take a myriad of steps to protect against cyber attacks, but there is no guarantee of safety.
Shortages are still possible
We may be in a period of inventory excess, but that can change at any time. From pharmaceuticals and food to battery minerals and climate-driven disruptions, there are many potential challenges ahead, bolstering the argument for implementing strategies that enable resilience now, so we’re not caught in the fray. Leaders are tracking three key problem areas.
- Pharmaceuticals and Medical Supplies: Ongoing shortages of crucial medicines and long lead times make finding alternative suppliers challenging. This highlights a need for early risk assessment and diversification of sources.
- Food: With concerns about the continued conflict in the Middle East, climate disasters, and lasting impacts of the Ukraine war, building strategic partnerships and exploring local sourcing can mitigate risks.
- Battery Minerals: Surging demand for electric vehicles and clean technologies clashes with geographically concentrated mining, raising supply concerns. Investing in domestic supply chains and long-term contracts can help diminish the impact.
As we step into 2024, the future of supply chains lies in a delicate balance between human expertise and technological prowess. With collaboration, innovation, and a proactive approach, we can foster a more efficient, resilient, and sustainable network for generations to come. As supply chain experts, we have what it takes to ensure you get the most out of your supply chain. If you’re looking for ways to best navigate your supply chain in 2024, look no further. Reach out to find out how we can create an optimal solution that delivers maximum value.
by Noelle Abarelli | Jan 17, 2024 | Blog
Sustainability has been a buzzword for a few years, and that’s not changing. According to the 2023 MHI Annual Industry Report, “The Responsible Supply Chain,” 48% of respondents reported increased influences to adopt a more sustainable supply chain. Consumers, stakeholders, regulators, and industry groups continue to pressure companies to take responsible steps to help the planet, and they can’t be ignored.
The folks over at Modern Materials Handling spoke to Hemateja Ari, Alpine’s Data Engineer, about all things sustainability, including packaging. In their article, Time to Act on Sustainability, they dive into the many ways supply chain executives can update their operations to address sustainability concerns, including smarter packaging, racking, alternate power sources, and artificial intelligence (AI).
Ari says one way to address sustainability is to focus on packaging as it’s a great opportunity for waste reduction. “Efficient packaging weighs and costs less to ship, and biodegradable packaging can reduce the carbon footprint.” He believes one of the easiest targets for reducing carbon footprint lies in smarter packaging, like right-sizing to send packages with less fill.
Retailers are also trying to do their part to help with sustainability. Amazon, for example, now offers customers the choice between next-day delivery or a slightly delayed delivery using fewer packaging materials. Ari understands most people will always choose next-day, and proposes removing the choice altogether so the more sustainable option is done every time. It’s a small step to take, but considering Amazon ships out 1.6 million packages per day, the impact would be tremendous.
While changing processes may seem overwhelming, the need to address sustainability is critical. Ari recommends working with your team to determine where it’s best to focus your sustainability efforts. Better yet, there is no need to implement a large and expensive solution, he recommends starting small and scaling as needed. For more tips from Ari and the other experts MMH spoke with, read the full article here. If you’re looking for new ways to make the most out of your supply chain investment, we’re here to help, simply reach out.
by Noelle Abarelli | Dec 19, 2023 | Blog
Over the past decade, many businesses prioritized the rise of e-commerce without considering the underlying supply chain. While businesses implemented an “all e-commerce all the time” approach, they ignored the importance of addressing the supply chain, leading to limited innovation and stunted growth. Now, to right that wrong, boardroom conversations are returning to supply chain solutions, prioritizing time-to-value, flexibility, and end-to-end accountability. The goal? Building an agile supply chain for the e-commerce age.
Körber Supply Chain published a helpful e-book for the upcoming year, Supply Chain Imperatives: 2024 and Beyond with tips on how to future-proof supply chains. They spoke to partners, thought leaders, and subject matter experts about the value of configuring your supply chain to match your business strategy for years to come. The book is divided into five helpful sections. Below you will find quick summaries of what the book has to offer, but we recommend downloading a copy of it now. It contains far more details that are sure to serve as a useful guide in the coming years.
Section 1: Foundational | Structural | Continuous
Stratagem makes the case for microservices in supply chains. Microservices is a software architecture where large applications are broken down into smaller, independent services that work together through APIs. They are ideal due to its agility, scalability, and resilience, which enables businesses to thrive in the face of growing consumer expectations and constant disruption.
Tsol highlighted nearshoring, which to the US and Canadian market, refers to work performed outside their borders but within a region incorporated by Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. It helps facilitate logistics, enables cost savings, and improves skilled labor access, helping to mitigate supply chain uncertainties.
Publicis Sapient dove into supply chain sustainability. Consumers are increasingly prioritizing sustainability, from sourcing to packaging and delivery. Organizations that fail to embrace this shift risk losing market share and damaging their reputation. To succeed in this new landscape, they must build a sustainable supply chain that meets the needs of today’s conscious consumers and secures their long-term success.
Section 2: Commerce and Order Lifecycle
Pivotree, a leader in frictionless commerce, stressed the increasing importance of seamless ordering and fulfillment in today’s competitive market. It recommends using an Order Management System (OMS) to enhance order processing and improve customer satisfaction, with real-time data on inventory, orders, and fulfillment; and a Warehouse Management System (WMS) to reduce space needs, enable error-free order processing, and real-time tracking and automated processes.
Experts over at Perificient argue that personalization reigns supreme and that a seamless omnichannel experience is the new gold standard. They believe the future is driven by AI, that it is transforming e-commerce into a holistic and immersive experience, with AI-powered customer support and intelligent solutions to manage inventory levels.
Körber explains how adopting the “on time in full” key performance indicator allows businesses to measure a company’s ability to deliver on their promise while capturing the highest gross margin on their inventory investment.
Section 3: Warehouse operations and design
As Körber’s 2023 Breakthrough Partner of the Year, Alpine Supply Chain Solutions was invited to contribute to the publication, and our Senior Managing Director, Greg Utter, provided his insight into the evolution of warehouse control systems and how they play a pivotal role in optimizing distribution centers and warehouses. As supply chain complexities continue to grow, the synergy between WCS, automation, and WMS solutions remains essential for maintaining competitiveness and efficiency, while fostering an agile supply chain.
EnVista shared best practices for warehouse management, covering omnichannel fulfillment strategies, cloud-based WMS solutions, automation & robotics, and AI and machine learning. By embracing these WMS best practices, businesses can block new levels of efficiency.
Thought leaders at Extolla focused on the significance of distribution center (DC) design and the consequences of neglecting it. They explain how a poor DC design with ineffective storage can lead to operational inefficiencies, inaccurate inventory management, safety hazards, and reduced employee well-being.
Section 4: Fulfillment
Easypost lists carrier diversification as a key step to take to avoid capacity crunches and spiraling costs. They uncover countless tips that equip businesses with the tools they need to maneuver the intricacies of a multi-carrier strategy.
Folks at Red Shift believe fulfillment optimization can help protect profit margins. Inventory management, order orchestration, physical fulfillment, shipping optimization, and customer communication are some of the main strategies operations can employ to improve fulfillment as a whole.
Section 5: Labor and Robotics
Nowadays it’s almost impossible to talk about labor without the mention of robotics. Experts at Bricz believe that labor challenges will continue, which means more robotics solutions should be expected. They predict fewer new vendors entering the robotics space with some established vendors consolidating and the automation space growing as both vendors and customers work to solidify new automation value drivers.
Vaibe believes gamification is the answer to addressing ongoing problems of low engagement and turnover. They stress that gamification is the answer to unlocking the power of employee engagement by reducing absenteeism and turnover rates and improving quality control and productivity.
The e-commerce revolution is here to stay, but its success hinges on an adaptable and agile supply chain. While the promise of instant gratification and global reach is undeniable, it’s important to remember that behind every purchase lies a complex, interconnected web. A successful supply chain isn’t just about keeping up; it’s about taking the lead. Körber’s e-book provides tons of actionable insights to equip your business for the exciting years ahead. Download a copy of it today, and for more details on how to implement supply chain solutions that offer a measurable ROI, simply give us a call, we’re here to help.
by Noelle Abarelli | Oct 31, 2023 | Blog
Warehouses today face many challenges that prevent them from meeting expectations, including poor inventory accuracy, late order fulfillment, inefficient operations, high turnover, and excessive labor costs. The root causes often come down to outdated legacy software systems that are obsolete and don’t take full advantage of current capabilities.
Upgrading Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Labor Management Systems (LMS) can drive dramatic improvements by leveraging new features and moving systems to the cloud. WMS optimizes inventory control and order processing. LMS optimizes labor planning, scheduling, productivity tracking, and incentive pay. Together, they enable warehouse success.
If your systems are more than seven years old, replacement is likely needed as upgrades can be painful and often the data architecture is outdated. New systems should align with corporate IT strategy and support automation plans. Assessing whether current systems meet evolving business needs is critical.
When selecting new WMS and LMS solutions, it’s important to fully understand your unique operational requirements, evaluate vendor experience, calculate total cost of ownership, meet with vendor implementation teams, visit customer sites, and leverage third-party consultants.
Avoid common pitfalls like lift-and-shift mentality, lack of executive sponsorship, under-communicating changes, and inadequate investment in change management. The implementation team dynamics and customer adoption readiness are key factors for success.
Benefits of optimized systems include improved inventory accuracy, labor productivity tracking, performance dashboards, and greater employee engagement through techniques like gamification. Quick wins can build momentum.
With the right solutions and implementation strategy tailored to your warehouse’s needs, you can unlock major gains in productivity, accuracy and customer satisfaction. Assess where you are today and chart a course to a future enabled by technology.
To learn more about creating a LMS/WMS program that meet associate expectations, determine whether you need to upgrade your systems or completely replace them, and get more tips on selecting and implementing a joint LMS/WMS solution, check out our webinar: Unlocking the Future of Warehouse Associates: Optimizing LMS/WMS for Success with TZA & Alpine.
