Supply Chain Management Archives

Driverless Trucks – Did They Change the Supply Chain as Expected?

It seems surreal to think that we’ve been talking so much about driverless trucks. Most of us probably never thought this could happen. But here we are, in a new day and age, and it is certainly happening whether we like it or not.

But, the question is, what changes have taken place since driverless trucks started being used more often? Has the supply chain been altered at all? These are the questions we’re here to answer today.

Why are Driverless Trucks Necessary?

The reality is that most accidents are caused by human negligence or errors. If you think about it, the number one problem today is distracted driving. When humans are removed from the equation, the number of accidents should go way down.

In addition, our country is facing a truck driver shortage that is unlike anything we’ve seen before. The drivers we do have tend to maintain about a 40% utilization factor within 24 hours. They are not able to drive as long as companies wish they could.

How Will the Supply Chain be Impacted?

Experts believe that the supply chain will be affected in three key areas:

*A Decrease in Distribution Centers – With so many trucks being able to travel much longer miles each day, fewer distribution centers will be necessary. The ones that remain may be further apart and much larger.

*Delivery Speed – Customers will be able to get their orders much faster than they did previously.

*Product Costs – Costs are expected to go down significantly, which is great for the market as a whole.

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Process Improvements Help to Improve Damaged Stock Realities

Reviewing the Process Can Reduce Accidents and Damaged Materials

Damaged stock is one of the primary factors reducing warehouse and supply chain profitability. The impact can be direct, as in the case of incomplete orders, or indirect, such as when an accident injures an employee.

Anywhere from two percent to 11 percent of products received are already damaged, but the problem isn’t simply a matter of chance. Experts recommend use of tugger carts as one of the proactive ways to reduce the amount of damaged stock in your warehouse.

Improve Workflows

How is stock typically handled during day-to-day operations in your warehouse? Review the process from start to finish and look for areas of improvement, such as reducing the number of times a case is touched.

Use Material Handling Equipment Whenever Possible

Material handling equipment involves a significant financial investment, but the costs will be more than offset by less product damage and fewer job-related injuries.

Reassess Racking Systems

If the racking system is inadequate, it could result in improper storage which is a leading cause of damaged stock. In addition to upgrading racks, consider installing safety equipment such as column protectors and aisle shields.

Train Employees

Employees are on the front lines when it comes to handling and processing stock. Incorporate product awareness into your ongoing safety training workshops.

Build a Culture of Cleanliness

It sounds simple, but employees sometimes become lax about keeping the warehouse clean, whether it’s due to work deadlines or thoughtlessness. Create and enforce standards of cleanliness and hold employees accountable.

DJ Products Makes Tugger Carts to Solve Any Need

No matter what types of products are handled in your warehouse, we have a wide range of tugger carts to improve safety and productivity. Use our handy online chat feature to learn more.

What Supply Chain Trends are Predicted for 2018 and the Years Beyond Part One

As the U.S. economy continues to improve, business owners and supply chain managers are now facing new challenges. Companies must contend with a shortage of logistics workers and truck drivers. Innovative and efficient warehouse equipment is crucial to maximize manpower and prevent workplace injuries that create even more interruptions to workflow. It is also important that managers understand and prepare for several key supply chain trends coming in 2018 and the years beyond.

Continued innovations in the omnichannel experience

Technology is advancing more rapidly these days than ever before. New improvements in artificial intelligence and advanced technologies reach consumers shortly after being developed and become rapidly integrated into their daily lives. The omnichannel approach to creating a cohesive customer experience is constantly evolving. Companies must keep up while managing revenue in different omnichannel paths.

Service chains take precedence over product chains

Consumers have a lot of options for products. Providing an excellent product is not enough. Companies have to make a personal connection with customers, and those customers have high expectations for post-sale service. People are more likely to share their bad experiences than they are to tell others about good customer service. Companies that consistently deliver top quality customer service will move ahead of those that provide spotty or mediocre service.

SCM will require professional credentials

That comes from SupplyChain247. There are already many universities that offer graduate degrees in supply chain management. Additionally, there are several professional associations. It is likely that professional credentials will soon be required for people working in supply chain management.

We are dedicated to providing material handling and warehouse equipment that saves time, maximizes manpower, and prevents injuries to your team. Contact DJ Products to speak with one of our knowledgeable sales engineers.

The Made in America Supply Chain as a Top 2017 Trend

As technology continues to advance at lightning speed, changes in warehousing and logistics reflect new methods and products. What are today’s hot trends in the supply chain?

“Made in America”

Policies of the current administration are likely to result in decreases in trade with China and Mexico. Europe is facing a similar situation, but the slow pace of Brexit negotiations could delay a decline in trade between Great Britain and Europe.

Logistics Is Becoming Increasingly Automated

Driverless vehicles are still on the distant horizon, but robots are decreasing the need for warehouse workers. In a recent survey by ARC, 15 percent of warehouse executives said that autonomous robots are a priority in their three-year plan.

The current threshold is development of robots with arms that can function as order pickers. Once that issue is solved, the loss of warehouse jobs is expected to accelerate.

E-commerce Continues to Revolutionize Shipping

As online shopping became more popular, logistics struggled to keep up with increased volume, culminating in the holiday season of 2013 when an estimated two million packages were delivered late. Large 3PLs like DHL are meeting the opportunity with innovative solutions such as drones and crowdsourcing.

Digital Supply Chain

The Internet of Things has progressed to the more wide-ranging Digital Economy. Next is the concept of a supply chain control tower, where IoT data is turned into actionable tasks.

Warehousing and Logistics Solutions from DJ Products

Are you looking for ways to improve productivity without sacrificing safety? Visit our website and chat with one of our sales engineers for information about the CartCaddyShorty and other electric movers, tugs and pushers.

Will the IoT Make Your Supply Chain “Smarter”?

Do you track your workouts with a FitBit or run your household with the help of Amazon’s Alexa? Welcome to the Internet of Things (IoT), a world of “smart” devices that are impacting your personal life and revolutionizing supply chain management.

Making Your Supply Chain “Smarter”

While these Internet-connected devices have been making a big splash, it’s not going to slow down any time soon. In fact, research firm Gartner recently issued a prediction that the number of IoT devices will increase thirty-fold by the year 2020.

How does this new technology impact supply chains and logistics? The IoT will connect people, processes, information and equipment to an extent never before possible, providing an amazing depth and breadth of data.

A Real-Life Scenario

A significant example of this benefit is in-transit visibility. As products pass through a number of points between manufacturer and consumer, an agile supply network is needed to follow them through all steps of the supply chain.

Cloud-based GPS and radio frequency identification (RFID) technologies can be used to transmit identity, location and other data that’s crucial to accurate tracking. With a chip in a pallet and a coordinated device in the shipping vehicle, stakeholders can monitor progress in real time and make proactive decisions based on the constant flow of data.

DJ Products: The Leader in Warehouse Handling Equipment

While the IoT takes supply chain management to another level, our battery-powered warehouse handling equipment makes labor-intensive tasks easier and safer. Contact us to learn more about our popular CartCaddy5WP and other products in our full line of electric pushers, tugs and movers.

Insulate Your Supply Chain from Bad Weather with Good Planning

Insulate Your Supply Chain from Weather Events

No matter how carefully you plan your operations, weather is a factor you can’t always predict. Use these tips to keep your supply chain running smoothly through rain, snow, sleet and hail.

“Weatherproofing” Your Supply Chain

1. It’s not enough to check the weather forecast in your immediate area. Monitor ongoing weather reports along the routes of incoming and outgoing shipments so you can adjust accordingly.

2. When bad weather hits, transportation providers can be stretched thin trying to handle the demand. Use providers that are large enough to accommodate greater amounts of freight.

3. Harsh weather creates a ripple effect that carries through the length of your supply chain. Make sure there is open and regular communication across the entire network so each part can devise alternate plans during slowdowns or stoppages.

4. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. You may want to diversify the modes of transportation you normally use to gain additional flexibility.

5. Provide as much lead time for loads as possible so all options can be explored. As an added benefit, you may even end up with enough time to complete deliveries before the bad weather arrives.

Industrial Tugs from DJ Products Stand Up to Any Type of Weather

When time is of the essence, you can’t afford to have your employees struggling to move heavy loads. Industrial tugs like our popular CartCaddy can operate across rough surfaces and up and down inclines. They’re also ergonomically designed to prevent repetitive motion injuries.

Visit our website to learn more about how our industrial tugs are the solution for your supply chain needs.

Tag: Supply Chain Management