The Ledger

Better Data Means Better Forklift Utilization

As most supply chain executives and warehouse managers know too well, the supply chain and the warehouse are overwhelmed with their data. Warehouse and forklift connectivity is generating data on worker performance, forklift utilization, and the health and status of vital equipment. One area where greater connectivity is poised to deliver value is forklift fleet service and maintenance. Already, connected service technicians, armed with new technology and increased connectivity, are helping make forklift service calls smarter and more proactive. As more data is gathered on forklift performance and operation, supply chain managers can expect service techs to arrive on-site already understanding the issue and having the right parts to make the repair.

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Data Quality is Key to Business Performance

 “The cost of bad data is an astonishing 15% to 25% of revenue for most companies.”

Business decisions are no better than the data on which they are based. Getting in front on data quality presents a great opportunity to improve business performance. Better data means fewer mistakes, lower costs, better decisions, and better products. Many companies that don’t focus on data quality will struggle to survive in the business environment of the future. There are four main reasons you should start paying attention to data quality now.

Real More at MIT Sloan Review >

Responding to a Volatile Market with Supply Chain Agility

To compete effectively in a complex, fast-changing business environment, companies recognize they need the ability to move quickly and easily in their supply chain. Facilities are spread out across far-flung regions and supply chain partners can come from anywhere in the world. Demand is always fluctuating, and disruptions are common. While managers on the front lines of business operations and supply planning understand the need for greater agility, gaining the visibility and insight needed to see what’s happening and respond effectively is often elusive.

Read More at The Digitalist by SAP >

Material Handling in the Digital Factory

“Material handling is playing a vital role in the emergence of the digital factory, as data analytics reshapes the workforce.”

The material handling market is growing as consumer demand and expectations increase.  This rapid evolution requires considerable distribution infrastructure to support it. What’s needed is either very larger warehouses or several small warehouses strategically located near consumer demand or, most likely, some combination of these facilities, feeding each other. The scalable nature of automation solutions allows for easier deployment of small, medium or large systems to support this kind of infrastructure. A key driver in this scenario is the ease of communicating between the systems that your vendor offers in order to allow for efficient operation strategies.

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