by Alpine | Apr 7, 2021
Logistics in America: WMS/TMS Buyer’s Guide
Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Transportation Management Systems (TMS) are fixtures in supply chain technology. Many organizations have relied on these solutions for decades, but as the retail landscape continues evolve, and e-commerce demands continue to grow, newer evolutions of WMS and TMS are needed.
In this session, we explore:
- The pros and cons of Cloud Solutions
- The decision to go with best of breed vs monolithic solutions
- Best practices for Inbound and Outbound shipping
The session is led by supply chain experts, Brad Forester, Founder/Managing Partner at JBF Consulting and Michael Wohlwend, Managing Principal at Alpine Supply Chain Solutions.
by Alpine Supply Chain | Mar 12, 2020 | Warehouse Management
Alpine Supply Chain has recently been certified by three different Goods-to-Person Technology Providers: @Opex “Perfect Pick,” @GreyOrange “Ranger” and @Slate River Systems Integrators “RAFT” solutions. Goods-to-Person technology has gotten quite a bit of buzz lately, and rightfully so. With the rise of e-commerce, the volume and mix of orders increases pressure to store, pick and deliver goods in a faster and more efficient manner.
If you are challenged with what items to designate and at what velocity, Alpine can identify the items that will work best in different Goods-to-Person Technology options, and will develop an estimate for assessing the potential ROI for the investment.
How it works:
“The goods-to-person concept is simple: incoming goods are removed from pallets, either manually or automatically. The cartons and/or pieces are then placed into totes (smaller goods) or into trays (larger goods), and stored in high-density automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS), carousels or robotic systems. As orders are required to be fulfilled SKUs are automatically retrieved from storage and brought to the picker, either at a pick station where the operator picks into an order container or to an ergonomic palletizing station where items are placed on a pallet. Since the picker does not have to walk, the focus at the pick stations and pack stations is on ergonomics and high productivity.” – Material, Handling, & Logistics
by Alpine Supply Chain | Jan 9, 2020 | Supply Chain Consulting
In the current issue of Inbound Logistics, Alpine’s Michael Wohlwend shares his thoughts on technology innovations and process insights for enhancing the value that 3PLs bring to shippers.
Many 3PLs continually invest in warehouse, transportation, and labor management systems. “Those are real-time execution systems to help plan labor and equipment and maximize space,” says Wohlwend. “Slotting optimization is also popular to support a 3PL customer’s lifecycle.” In addition, many 3PLs are looking for e-commerce capabilities.
Short excerpts from the Inbound Logistics article:
Indeed, many 3PLs continually invest in warehouse, transportation, and labor management systems. “Those are real-time execution systems to help plan labor and equipment and maximize space,”says Michael Wohlwend, managing principal with Alpine Supply Chain Solutions Consulting. “Slotting optimization is also popular to support a 3PL customer’s lifecycle.”
In addition, many 3PLs are looking for capabilities, such as the ability to pick and fill online orders and provide next-day service, that will enable them to help clients more effectively navigate a market increasingly ruled by e-commerce.
(In regards to streamlinging e-commerce): The growth of online ordering has enhanced the value 3PLs can provide. Customers’ increasing expectation of next- or same-day delivery adds to transportation complexity. Many 3PLs have gained experience in tight delivery deadlines and omni-channel distribution, and companies in other industries are leveraging that expertise.
“Companies are focusing on their core competencies and letting companies that specialize in logistics manage the distribution,” Wohlwend says.
