Shows
The ERP AdvisorThe ERP Minute Episode 218 - December 30th, 2025IFS announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Softeon. Salesforce opened a new office in Stockholm, continuing its investment across Northern Europe amid the region’s accelerating AI adoption. Oracle and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced a joint effort to further advance the DOE’s current and future AI and advanced computing initiatives. Oracle also announced enhancements to how hospitality brands engage with guests and manage their operations.Connect with us!https://www.erpadvisorsgroup.com866-499-8550LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/comp...
2025-12-3102 min
WMS PioneersA Look Back at Their NFL PicksThis episode, recorded last summer, is a fun look back at Softeon’s leadership team and where their NFL predictions currently stand.
2025-12-0510 minWMS PioneersNavigating Tariffs and UncertaintyIn the latest episode of The WMS Pioneers, Softeon CEO Jim Hoefflin and CTO Mark Fralick discuss the ongoing tariff war, supply chain uncertainty, and how businesses can stay agile amid change.
2025-11-0410 minWMS PioneersThe Power of One WMSSofteon CEO Jim Hoefflin and CTO Mark Fralick discuss what makes Softeon’s One WMS philosophy unique and how it drives value for customers.
2025-10-0809 minWMS PioneersLife After SAP WM: Choosing the Right WMS Path ForwardIn this episode of The WMS Pioneers, Softeon leaders Jim Hoefflin (CEO) and Mark Fralick (CTO) weigh in on what the end of life for SAP WM means for customers and why this transition presents a major opportunity for organizations to rethink their warehouse management strategy.
2025-09-1114 minWMS PioneersMuscle, Speed, and Flow: Softeon’s 3PL AdvantageIn this episode of WMS Pioneers, Softeon CEO Jim Hoefflin and CTO Mark Fralick explore how Softeon helps third-party logistics (3PL) providers identify efficiencies, drive operational excellence, and unlock the power of enablement for both themselves and their end customers.
2025-08-1212 min
Manufacturing Tech Australia64. Scalable Automation, AI Safety and Smart Packaging at CeMAT 2025: Insights from Locus Robotics, Packsize, Softeon and PowerfleetIn Part 3 of our CeMAT 2025 special we are back on the floor at Sydney Olympic Park talking to the innovators redefining warehouse logistics and supply chain operations. Kent Rogers from Locus Robotics shares why robots as a service is the smarter path for scalable automation. Emily Janssens and Neil Rypka from Visy and Packsize reveal how right sized packaging on demand is reducing waste and freight costs. Patrick Maley and Scott Gillies from Softeon explain how their unified WMS and WES platform is simplifying even the most complex warehouses. Jack Ellis and Ettienne Marais from Powerfleet show how AI...
2025-08-1127 minWMS PioneersCreating the Industry’s Best UI UX with Lessons from the FloorIn this episode of the WMS Pioneers, Softeon CEO Jim Hoefflin and CTO Mark Fralick discuss how Softeon is redefining the warehouse management system (WMS) experience through cutting-edge UI/UX, smarter interfaces, and a deep understanding of real-world operational challenges.
2025-07-0819 minWMS PioneersTurn Your Uniqueness into a Competitive WeaponIn this episode, Softeon CEO Jim Hoefflin and CTO Mark Fralick discuss how enablement empowers users to customize and adapt their WMS to unlock its full potential, why other vendors seem to have lost their minds, and how Softeon helps customers leverage their uniqueness as a competitive weapon.
2025-06-0309 minWMS PioneersBonus Live Episode: Patrick Maley on Robotics Selection at IntraLogisteX UKSofteon Chief Revenue Officer Patrick Maley delivered a well-received presentation on how to evaluate robotics and automation for your warehouse during IntraLogisteX UK 2025. This is a bonus episode of the WMS Pioneers podcast that contains the full audio.
Download the robot guide referenced in the episode at https://www.softeon.com/blog/robot-and-goods-to-person-selection-guide/.
2025-04-0818 minWMS PioneersWMS Pioneers Episode 6: The Power of Micro-tuningIn this episode, Softeon CEO Jim Hoefflin and CTO Mark Fralick discuss Softeon’s concept of micro-tuning, philosophy for upgrades, and commitment to creating more value for customers and partners as quickly as possible. Plus, a look back at how the executives’ preseason predictions for their favorite NFL teams, the Packers and Eagles, measure up in December!
2024-12-1715 minWMS PioneersWMS Pioneers Episode 5: Why SofteonIn this episode, Softeon CEO Jim Hoefflin and CTO Mark Fralick discuss their decision to join Softeon, the customer-focused culture they're building, and valuable advice for aspiring supply chain professionals on becoming indispensable in their organizations.
2024-11-2124 minWMS PioneersWMS Pioneers Episode 4: The Rise of the 3PLMark has a sneezing spell, while the Pioneers dive into the rise of third-party logistics (3PL), the intricacies of multi-tenant systems, and how Softeon empowers 3PLs to enhance both speed and flexibility.
2024-10-2235 minWMS PioneersWMS Pioneers Episode 3: What Makes a WMS Implementation Successful?In this episode, the Pioneers discuss the secrets to a successful WMS implementation, how to avoid death by a thousand keystrokes, and share battle scars from challenging go-lives.
2024-09-1738 minWMS PioneersWMS Pioneers Episode 2: Coffee Addiction, Robotics and AutomationSofteon CTO Mark Fralick loves coffee. And efficient, integrated, and harmonious warehouses! Mark joins Softeon CEO Jim Hoefflin in the second episode of the WMS Pioneers limited podcast series. The two friends describe the evolution of warehouse technology, where the industry stands today, and provide tips for leaders to navigate the sometimes-daunting landscape.
Lookout for new episodes every month. Watch them all at https://www.softeon.com/wms-pioneers.
2024-08-2023 minWMS PioneersWMS Pioneers Episode 1: The Early Years of WMS“Brothers from different mothers” as they describe it, Softeon CEO Jim Hoefflin and CTO Mark Fralick have worked together over the last 35 years. The duo, known at Softeon as “WMS Pioneers” developed one of the first Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) in 1993 after realizing there was a market shaping.
Lookout for new episodes every month. Watch them all at https://www.softeon.com/wms-pioneers.
2024-07-2332 min
Running on IceHow agile can you be?In this episode, we dive into all things warehouse management systems and how to make your WMS work for you. Our guest, Shayam Krishna, VP of Healthcare Solutions at Softeon joins us to break down the ins and out of an agile WMS and how to hunt for the right 3pl provider. For more information subscribe to Running on Ice the newsletter or podcast.Follow the Running on Ice PodcastOther FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2024-03-1830 min
Check CallWarehouse optimization of the futureIn this episode, we dive into the world of warehouse optimization with our guest, Mark Fralick, CTO at Softeon. Covering all things warehousing as well as the new partnership with enVista. For more information subscribe to Check Call the newsletter or the podcast.Follow the Check Call PodcastOther FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2024-01-3025 min
WMS PioneersImproving Your Warehouse Management System VocabularyGetting WMS team members on the same page in terms of terminology is a key part of a successful Warehouse Management System project. The WMS Glossary of Terms can help, defining more than 90 terms and acronyms, as an on-line resource or downloadable pdf. Great handout for term members at start of a project.
2023-09-2203 minWMS PioneersUnderstanding the Gartner WMS Critical Capabilities ReportLess well-known than the WMS Magic Quadrant, the Gartner Critical Capabilities report ranks WMS vendors purely on functionality across nine attributes, weighted by different levels of warehouse complexity. It is an important companion piece to the MQ to understand the WMS market, as we explain in this podcast.
2023-09-1503 minWMS PioneersSofteon’s Mark Fralick on a New Way to Think about Warehouse Execution Systems and Workload BalancingIn the second of our two podcasts featuring highlights of Mark Fralick’s interview with Bob Trebilcock of Modern Materials Handling magazine, Fralick suggests a new way to think about how Warehouse Execution Systems might orchestrate order fulfillment to balance work across the distribution center.
2023-09-0705 minWMS PioneersInterfacing versus Integration in Materials Handling SystemsHighlights from a recent Modern Materials Handling magazine podcast featuring editor Bob Trebilcock and Mark Fralick, Chief Technology Officer at Softeon. “Interfacing is easy. Integration is hard,” when it comes to warehouse automation, Fralick says. Trebilcock wants to know why.
2023-08-3104 minWMS PioneersUnderstanding Distributed Order Management Part 2We conclude our look at this important but little understood type of supply chain software.
2023-08-2404 minWMS PioneersUnderstanding Distributed Order ManagementDistributed Order Management or DOM is a powerful and unique tool to optimize order sourcing across an extended network. It is most well known in Omnichannel retail applications, but there are a number of use cases in B2B as well. Learn more in this informative podcast.
2023-08-0404 minWMS PioneersA Look at Warehouse Management Systems in the CloudAfter a somewhat slow start, some lessons learned from dozens of Cloud WMS deployments.
2023-07-2703 minWMS PioneersHighlights from CSCMP’s State of Logistics Report 2023Annual study finds US Logistics Costs as Percent of GDP soared to record level last year.
2023-07-1203 minWMS PioneersAn Update on State Laws Regulating use of Labor Standards in DistributionWashington latest to pass legislation, targeting Amazon but impacting many other companies.
2023-06-2804 minWMS PioneersImproving Your Warehouse Management System VocabularySofteon’s WMS Glossary of Terms provides a great resource for vendor selection and implementation team members.
2023-06-1403 minWMS PioneersTrends in Warehouse Management Systems from GartnerGartner recently released its annual Magic Quadrant report on Warehouse Management Systems. In addition to the vendor rankings, we’re always interested in the WMS market analysis Garter provides in the report.
2023-06-0103 minWMS PioneersA Look at Trends in Big Box Distribution CentersReal estate firm CBRE is out with its latest report, packed with interesting data points.
2023-05-0303 min
The New Warehouse PodcastEP 378: The Smart Warehouse with SofteonCMO Dan Gilmore and CTO Mark Fralick of Softeon join The New Warehouse from ProMat 2023 to discuss the smart warehouse of the future. Softeon is a supply chain software solutions company focused on supply chain execution, including warehouse management and warehouse execution systems. Their suite of products includes labor management, yard management, slotting optimization, and materials handling. Tune in to hear how Softeon removes barriers to automation and speeds up ROI, allowing warehouses to integrate technology into the warehouse.Learn more about Sonaria here. Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.
2023-04-2414 minWMS PioneersUnderstanding Task Management in WMSTask Management is one of the most essential capabilities of an advanced Warehouse Management System, but not well Understood
2023-04-2103 minWMS PioneersSlowing eCommerce Growth and the Impact on Investment in TechnologyVarious data points indicate a real slow down in e-commerce growth. Will there be a pullback in investments for hardware and software in support of e-fulfillment automation?
2023-04-0505 minWMS PioneersTowards a Mobile Robot Operating SystemMany companies are considering or deploying mobile robots in distribution. A key question: should you rely on the robot company’s software to manage the robots’ activities? Or would a platform that supports multiple robot types and vendors be the better choice? We explore this issue in this week's episode.
2023-02-2403 minWMS PioneersPart 2: A Look at the State of Distribution Technologies ReportIn this week's episode, we have part 2 of our review of the State of Distribution Technologies Report. Based on a survey of 187 logistics managers, this study provides interesting and valuable insight to readers.
The report by Softeon is available here: https://www.softeon.com/new-report-state-technologies-distribution-2022
2023-02-1003 min
The Logistics of LogisticsUnderstanding Distributed Order Management with Dan GilmoreDan Gilmore and Joe Lynch discuss distributed order management (DOM). Dan is the Chief Marketing Officer at Softeon, a global provider of innovative supply chain solutions that delivers supply chain success – every time. About Dan Gilmore Dan Gilmore is a recognized thought leader in WMS, with experience prior to his role at Softeon as the founder of Supply Chain Digest, CMO at RedPrairie (now BlueYonder) and as lead WMS analyst at META Group (later acquired by Gartner). Earlier in his career, he led the implementation of two major WMS projects for Forte Industries. About Softeon So...
2023-01-091h 00The Logistics of LogisticsKey WMS Trends for 2023 with Jim HoefflinJim Hoefflin and Joe Lynch discuss Key WMS Trends for 2023. Jim is the CEO of Softeon, a global provider of supply chain solutions from planning through execution, anchored by a technology platform that has three pillars: Warehouse Management System (WMS), Warehouse Execution System (WES), and Distributed Order Management (DOM) system. About Jim Hoefflin Jim Hoefflin is the CEO of Softeon, a global provider of innovative supply chain solutions that delivers supply chain success – every time. Hoefflin brings over 25 years of executive experience in leading software businesses with a proven track record of delivering growth and market leadership. He...
2023-01-0448 min
Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITYGuest: Dan Gilmore from Softeon discusses how distributors feel about automation; New numbers reflect the current health of the industry; The freight rates outlook for 2023Our guest on this week's episode is Dan Gilmore, chief marketing officer at Softeon. Increased demand and fewer available workers during the past couple of years have combined to accelerate the adoption of automation in distribution centers- and material handling companies have responded with a wide range of systems. But what do the end-users of today’s automation think about the available technologies? The latest numbers from the Logistics Managers' Index are in. The report reflecting November activity shows growth, but at a much slower pace. What's behind the numbers and what do they reveal about possible gro...
2022-12-0919 minWMS PioneersA Look at the State of Distribution Technologies ReportIn this week's episode, we review the highlights of a new research report from Softeon on how users view various distribution center technologies. The report by Softeon is available here: https://www.softeon.com/new-report-state-technologies-distribution-2022
2022-12-0502 minWMS PioneersHighlight Review from 3PL 2022 StudyIn this week's episode of Logistics Insights, we review highlights of the 27th annual "3PL Study" from Dr. John Langley and team, released at the recent CSCMP Edge conference in Nashville.
2022-11-1103 minWMS PioneersAdvice On Not Losing Critical Time Early In A WMS ProjectIn this week’s episode, we advise on not losing critical time early in a WMS project.
An often unrecognized key to Warehouse Management System implementation success is ensuring valuable days aren’t lost early in a project.
2022-10-2803 minWMS PioneersGartner’s Framework for Categorizing Robots in DistributionIn this week's episode, we take a look Gartner's seven categories of mobile robots for distribution and manufacturing, or what Gartner calls "Smart Intralogistics Robots."
2022-10-1803 minWMS PioneersCross-Docking in DistributionIn this week’s Logistics Insights podcast: Cross-Docking in Distribution
Cross-docking in distribution is often talked about, but there are several types, and it generally takes a robust WMS to well handle the complexity and timing issues. In this episode, we dive deeper into cross-docking.
2022-09-2705 minWMS PioneersUnderstanding the Gartner WMS Critical Capabilities ReportIn this week’s Logistics Insights podcast: Understanding the Gartner WMS Critical Capabilities Report.
Different from the WMS Magic Quadrant analysis, the Critical Capabilities report focuses solely on functionality across nine different attributes. Those attributes include core and extended WMS capabilities, adaptability, usability, the ability to support automated material handling systems, and several others.
2022-09-1403 min
WMS PioneersUsing a Statistical Approach to Labor Management in DistributionLabor is a hot topic distribution right now, with rising wages and labor shortages in most markets.
In fact, a recent survey by Gartner found that for the first time, addressing labor issues was cited as the top reason for investing in DC automation, surpassing reducing operating costs, the traditional driver of material handling systems adoption.
Labor management software can provide a variety of capabilities and benefits to address labor issues in distribution.
2022-08-2504 minThe Logistics of LogisticsUnderstanding WMS in the Cloud with Dan GilmoreDan Gilmore and Joe Lynch discuss understanding the WMS in the Cloud. Dan is the Chief Marketing Officer at Softeon, a global provider of innovative supply chain solutions that delivers supply chain success – every time. About Dan Gilmore Dan Gilmore is a recognized thought leader in WMS, with experience prior to his role at Softeon as the founder of Supply Chain Digest, CMO at RedPrairie (now BlueYonder) and as lead WMS analyst at META Group (later acquired by Gartner). Earlier in his career, he led the implementation of two major WMS projects for Forte Industries. About So...
2022-08-1945 min
WMS PioneersGetting Warehouse Management System Demos RightSoftware demonstrations are a critical step in selecting a Warehouse Management System or any other logistics software package.
How else are you going to determine the fit of various packages to your operational requirements?
Despite its criticality, it is surprising how often companies don’t really think through the many elements needed to get the demo process right – which in the end means selecting the solution that is right for you both short and long term.
Here are a couple of points...
2022-08-0903 min
WMS PioneersLessons from Dozens of Implementations of WMS in the CloudWarehouse Management Systems were a little late to the Cloud party but now are the great majority of implementations. Softeon, a tier 1 WMS provider, has successfully deployed Warehouse Management Systems in the Cloud dozens of times. Here are some lessons learned from those successes...
2022-07-2603 min
WMS PioneersCategorizing Robots for DistributionAt the recent Gartner supply chain symposium in Orlando, it was revealed that the number 1 topic for client inquiries is around robots for distribution.
A recent Gartner survey found that for about two-thirds of companies interested in robotics, the driver for doing so now is to combat labor shortages, not to drive cost reduction, which is very different than just a few years ago.
Gartner has categorized these robots into seven types.
2022-07-0603 min
WMS PioneersA Preview of a New Report on Distribution Center TechnologiesWith what appears to be growing interest in automation in distribution, driven by severe labor issues for many shippers and more, Softeon commissioned a survey and report on a variety of topics relevant to materials handling systems and warehouse software.
The report is based on survey data from a wide variety of business sectors, led by retailers and consumer goods companies of all sorts, but many other industry sectors as well.
The full report will be available soon, but here’s a little preview.
2022-06-1503 min
WMS PioneersOptimizing Order Picking with Carts - Part 2In our last episode, we discussed some of the ways efficiency can be improved with the right software tools. Here are some more ways you can optimize Cart Picking in ways you may not know about...
2022-05-2003 minThe Logistics of LogisticsThe Smart Warehouse With Dan Gilmore Want to know how you can deploy a smart warehouse for your business? Today's guest is Dan Gilmore of Softeon, a company that provides a full suite of flexible and robust end-to-end supply chain software solutions to deliver success. He joins Joe Lynch to talk about the idea and technology behind their system. They discuss some of the big trends impacting warehouses, e-commerce, and retail. From labor shortages to automation, Dan enlightens on the benefits of WMS and WES for any business. Tune in to better understand the perks of this new smart technology for optimizing your business!
2022-05-131h 04
WMS PioneersOptimizing Order Picking with CartsHow warehouse software can optimize cart picking in ways you probably don’t currently know about.
2022-04-2604 min
WMS Pioneers7 UNcommon Keys to WMS Project Success - Part IIIn our last episode, we discussed how Softeon and Thru-Put Partners produced a webinar on the “7 Uncommon Keys to End-End WMS Success.”
We covered the first 4 of those tips, which included:
Understanding WMS Value Upfront
Creating a clear decision-making framework
Getting the demo right, and…
Not wasting time early in the project
This week, the final three uncommon tips...
2022-02-0204 minWMS Pioneers7 UNcommon Keys to WMS Project SuccessRecently, Softeon and Thru-Put Partners – a leading supply chain consulting firm – produced a webinar with Modern Materials Handling Magazine on the “7 Uncommon Keys to End-End WMS Success.”
On this podcast we’ll cover the first 4 of those, and we promise these will be a little different than tips you might have heard from others.
2022-01-2504 minThe New Warehouse PodcastEP 243: Uncommon Keys from SofteonIn this episode host Kevin Lawton talks to Dan Gilmore of Softeon about their recently released white paper, "The 7 Uncommon Keys to WMS Success" and how to effectively implement them.Learn more about Sonaria here. Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the show
2022-01-0524 min
WMS PioneersSorting Out WMS, WCS and WESIn this week’s Logistics Insights podcast, we sort out the WMS, WCS and WES flavors of warehouse software.
2021-12-0304 min
WMS PioneersGartner’s Dwight Klappich on Important Trends in Warehouse Management SystemsGartner recently held its virtual Supply Chain Symposium for 2021.
That included a session on Warehouse Management Systems, or WMS, led by well-known Gartner analyst, Dwight Klappich.
During the session, Klappich detailed what he sees as key trends in WMS technology moving forward. As an intro to those trends, Klappich first noted that Warehouse Management Systems are getting smarter.
2021-11-1903 min
WMS Pioneers3 Key Trends in Warehouse ManagementIn this week’s Logistics Insights podcast, a look at three key trends in warehouse management systems, including the move to the Cloud, the rise of Warehouse Execution Systems and the increasing support for automation, such as for mobile robots and putwall systems.
2021-11-0504 min
WMS PioneersTool Maker Hilti Transforms Approach to Distribution Labor ManagementLabor challenges in US distribution are as high as we have ever seen. Almost everyone is scrambling for labor, and few are able to hire and retain all the DC labor they need.
Facing similar challenges, tool maker Hilti launched a program earlier this year to revolutionize the way it treats DC workers, across more than a dozen facilities in the US.
2021-10-1903 min
WMS PioneersImplementing New Tech (such as Voice) at the Start of a WMS DeploymentHere's a fact: if a company is deploying a new WMS solution, unless they are already using Voice or other picking technologies such as pick-to-light or “put walls,” these types of technologies are almost never designed in from the start, even if there is great interest in them for down the road.
But is that really the right approach?
2021-10-0603 min
WMS PioneersUnderstanding Directed Putaway in the Distribution CenterOne of the core concepts relative to Warehouse Management Systems is that of “directed putaway.”
While many logistics professionals are very familiar with this topic, it is clear from conversations with many companies that others don’t really have all the details – and that quite a few lack directed putaway capabilities with the system they are currently using to run their distribution center.
As the name suggests, directed putaway is all about the WMS communicating to DC associates through a mobile wireless terminal where in the DC a product should be stored, at the specific location...
2021-09-0904 minLogistics Matters with DC VELOCITYGuest: Dr. Emily Tucker on our vulnerable pharmaceutical supply chains; A new carbon-neutral cargo ship is unveiled; We discuss the current state of logistics.In this episode, our guest is Dr. Emily Tucker, assistant professor at Clemson University's Department of Industrial Engineering. Most of the medicines we rely on every day come from just two key trading partners overseas. That has created shortages and vulnerabilities in our medical supply chains and has limited our abilities to assure that we have medicines when we need them. Dr. Tucker explains why we have this problem and what can be done to solve it.Ocean going vessels make up a significant portion of the carbon released into the atmosphere. This week we learned that...
2021-08-2727 minLogistics Matters with DC VELOCITYGuest: Scott Cornell of Travelers on cargo theft; Ports set record volumes in July; A new type of truck insuranceIn this episode, our guest is Scott Cornell, transportation lead and crime and theft specialist at Travelers. Cargo theft is on the rise compared to pre-pandemic levels. Cornell talks about where cargo is stolen and what types of products are most desirable to thieves. He also discusses ways that supply chain professionals can better safeguard their cargo.Because of strong consumer demand, U.S. ports have been setting records all year long. July was no different, as ports continued to see robust business on imports, but not so much on the export side of their business. What's...
2021-08-2020 minLogistics Matters with DC VELOCITYGuest: Kathy Fulton of ALAN on preparing for hurricane season; Reactions to the Senate vote on infrastructure; A new report on supply chain sustainability initiativesIn this episode, our guest is Kathy Fulton, executive director of ALAN, the American Logistics Aid Network. Hurricanes can leave in their wake many supply chain disruptions, even for those not in the direct path of the storm. We are about to enter the heart of hurricane season. Kathy shares how companies can prepare their supply chains for when hurricanes impact the movement of goods and services. And what can be done to help others recover when a hurricane hits them directly?The U.S. Senate this week passed an historic infrastructure bill. Supply chain professionals have...
2021-08-1321 minLogistics Matters with DC VELOCITYGuest: Andrew Viteritti of the Economist Intelligence Unit on the likelihood of reshoring; Economic news shows continued growth in supply chains; Will companies require vaccinations for employees to return to offices?In this episode, we discuss the whether reshoring will take hold as one way of mitigating the many supply chain disruptions we have experienced this year. Our guest, Andrew Viteritti, commerce and regulation lead at the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), shares research on the likelihood that U.S. companies will bring production back to North America. Is it a feasible solution?New economic news shows that logistics activity continues to be very strong, with solid projections moving forward. Find out what's behind the numbers in the latest Logistics Managers Index report.Many companies want their...
2021-08-0619 min
WMS PioneersThe 10 Drivers for Adopting a NEW WMS - Part2In our previous broadcast, we discussed 5 of our top 10 catalysts for adopting a new WMS.
As a quick review, those 5 WMS project drivers were:
You are Experiencing Rapid Growth
You are Opening a New DC
You are Making Significant Logistics Strategy Changes
You have or are Consolidating Facilities
You Want to Significantly Increase DC Automation
Now, let’s add 5 more...
2021-07-2704 min
WMS PioneersThe 10 Drivers for Adopting a NEW WMS - Part 1In may be a mature market space, but by all counts, the market for new Warehouse Management Systems remains strong.
There are in fact a wide number of potential factors that drive companies to look for a new WMS solution, which we have handily grouped into 10 different logistics scenarios, and in Part 1, we lay out the first five.
You might need a new WMS if...
2021-07-0604 minLogistics Matters with DC VELOCITYGuest: Dan Gilmore of Softeon on how WMS systems are ready for complex automation: The White House releases a report on America's supply chains; National Forklift Safety Day emphasizes safe forklift operations; Funding for Mississippi River transportationIn this episode, guest Dan Gilmore, chief marketing officer at warehouse software company Softeon, discusses how today's warehouse management software systems are being developed to handle the huge surge in robotics and other warehouse automation systems. Today's WMS and WES systems must monitor and direct many warehouse functions in real time to keep products flowing. They also must be easy to integrate with all of the technology placed into DCs today. Are these software systems up to the challenge? This week the White House released its anticipated report on our nation's supply chains, focusing on the four...
2021-06-1127 min
WMS PioneersUnderstanding Dynamic Slotting in Warehouse Management SystemsDynamic Slotting is a technique available in some Warehouse Management Systems in which a forward pick location is created dynamically, rather than being dedicated to a single SKU.
This capability is needed in two primary situations: The first is when there aren’t enough pick locations to handle all SKUs a DC carries. The second scenario is when demand for SKU in a wave or general order pool far exceeds the storage capacity of the forward pick location for that SKU.
2021-06-1004 minLogistics Matters with DC VELOCITYGuest: Alex Wakefield of Longbow Advantage on supply chain visibility; New research initiatives for the trucking industry; Top supply chain prioritiesIn this episode, guest Alex Wakefield, CEO of supply chain technology firm Longbow Advantage, discusses the need for better supply chain visibility. He suggests that improvements in visibility for warehouse operations can actually provide better insights into bottlenecks and challenges in the transportation of goods to and from facilities.The American Transportation Research Institute, better known as ATRI, has released a report on the most important issues facing the trucking sector. Labor, of course, is a top concern. The report details some of the research that will be conducted to help trucking firms deal with driver shortages...
2021-05-2822 minLogistics Matters with DC VELOCITYGuest: Mike Klage of TOC Logistics on ocean shipping conditions; Retailers look for new carriers and capacity; Investors eye supply chain companies for new acquisitionsIn this episode, guest Mike Klage, solutions director at TOC Logistics International, shares what's happening out on the water. Ports continue to be overwhelmed with cargo and backlogs are becoming the new normal for ocean shipping. Some shippers are looking at alternative ports, such as those on the East Coast and and in the Gulf region, but will that solve their problems if capacity is scarce everywhere? We discuss the current state of ocean shipping and whether things might get back to pre-pandemic normal any time soon.In order to satisfy customer demand, retailers search for new...
2021-05-2124 minLogistics Matters with DC VELOCITYGuest: Jim Yarbrough of BSI on supply chain risks; The labor shortage hits supply chains hard; Lots of M&A action in railIn this episode, guest Jim Yarbrough, global intelligence program manager at BSI, shares the major supply chain risks from around the world. BSI recently released its Supply Chain Risks Insights 2021 report. It analyzes and assesses risks to countries and businesses globally. These include product theft, fraud, labor exploitation, and political and regulatory changes. He also shares how to make supply chains more resilient in light of these threats. As the world emerges from the Covid-19 pandemic, economic growth brings more demand for goods and services. This means more labor is needed at a time when labor is...
2021-05-1423 minLogistics Matters with DC VELOCITYGuest: Paul Beavers from PCS Software on why touchless transactions are here to stay; An important supply chain commodity is experiencing shortages; Tight capacity will be with us for the foreseeable futureIn this episode, guest Paul Beavers, the chief technology officer at PCS Software, discusses why he thinks touchless transactions are here to stay. During the past year, as the Covid-19 pandemic raged, many companies turned to contactless electronic transactions as a way of promoting social distancing and reducing risks to drivers. It is just another adoption trend that the pandemic accelerated, and as with many of the changes we have undergone during the year, companies are seeing the advantages of touchless handoffs. There is good reason to think that most users who adopted these technologies will not revert back...
2021-05-0718 min
WMS PioneersWhy You Need a True Platform for Autonomous Mobile RobotsAutonomous mobile robots are coming to a DC near you - likely your facility - and probably soon. A.M.R.’s have taken the distribution world by storm, driven by both operational efficiencies and the challenges with finding enough labor in most US markets.
This podcast dives into the benefits that can be achieved, the challenges, and the keys to making your investments future-proof.
2021-05-0604 minThe New Warehouse PodcastEP 171: SofteonIn this episode host Kevin Lawton talks to Dan Gilmore of Softeon about what a WES is and how it differs from a WMS. They also discuss some examples of how a WES helps to improve throughput in your operation.Learn more about Sonaria here. Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the show
2021-04-2631 min
WMS PioneersThe Core Benefits of Warehouse Management SystemsWarehouse Management Systems are well-known, yet we still continue to find many companies that are new to WMS.
Even for managers with some WMS experience, we’ve found it useful to review the core benefits that a WMS delivers. Here they are...
2021-04-2003 min
WMS PioneersBuilding Direct to Consumer Fulfillment Capacity and CapabilitiesDirect-to-Consumer (or DTC) strategies are very popular right now in retail and consumer goods companies and it’s easy to understand why - no company should be missing out on this megatrend with the numbers skyrocketing over the past year and COVID-19 pandemic.
2021-03-2604 min
WMS PioneersLessons Learned from Dozens of Cloud Warehouse Management System (WMS) ImplementationsWarehouse Management Systems – from some vendors at least – were a little late to move to the Cloud. Softeon has been doing Cloud WMS deployments for many years, but has really seen adoption take off in the past two year.
This is due to the major advantages from Cloud deployments in such areas as time and cost of the implementations and ease of system management post-go live, requiring little internal IT resources.
After a significant number of Cloud WMS deployments, Softeon has gained insights that are potentially of interest to prospective WMS adopters, which we’ll summariz...
2021-03-0804 min
WMS PioneersWarehouse Execution Systems - Not ONLY for Automated DCsMost WMS systems in the past did not concern themselves with utilization of materials handling equipment.
The result: big peaks and valleys in volume, resulting in lots of wait time and reducing total system throughput.
WES was developed to address that challenge, using algorithms to level-load cartons on to the equipment, and using techniques such as waveless order picking to meet that goal.
That capability can deliver real value and either increase throughput from an existing system, or reduce the size, floor space and cost of new equipment being planned.
But...
2021-01-1103 min
WMS PioneersUnderstanding the Opportunities for Put Walls in Order Picking - Part IIWhy are put walls becoming so popular?
Order picking efficiencies are gained through use of batch picking, where picks are grouped so that all items needed for orders to be processed in a given wall module or modules are picked in one stop in the picking area. This is generally much more efficient than discrete order picking
2020-12-0803 min
WMS PioneersUnderstanding the Opportunities for Put Walls in Order PickingAn introduction to the increasingly popular use of Put Walls for order fulfillment.
2020-10-2303 min
WMS PioneersTrends in Distribution Center Labor and How Technology Can HelpBefore the virus pandemic, labor challenges in distribution centers were almost at crisis levels.
The reality is there are many tools available to take on the DC labor challenge, whether your issue is labor costs, labor availability, DC throughput or like many all three.
2020-10-0503 min
WMS PioneersUnderstanding Distributed Order Management (DOM) Part 2: The Top Use CasesIn our previous episode, we discussed Distributed Order Management or DOM software solutions. In great summary, traditional order management systems are order processing oriented, while DOM is more focused on order fulfillment.
2020-09-1504 min
WMS PioneersUnderstanding Distributed Order Management - DOMA DOM system serves as a powerful hub that enables omnichannel commerce; integrates the extended supply chain; optimizes inbound and outbound order routing; provides real-time network inventory visibility, allocation, and management; automates complex channel and customer requirements; and maximizes profitability while meeting customer service commitments.
2020-08-1904 min
WMS PioneersZone Management in the Distribution Center and WMSWhat is zoning? In general, it involves grouping some set of individual storage locations of all types into defined zones that can be used by the WMS to improve operational effectiveness and precision. A WMS should have the ability to define any number of zones and create the logic for how the putaway logic is executed in preferred zone sequence.
2020-07-2003 minWMS PioneersMobile Robots and the New Task InterleavingTask interleaving is more talked about than executed, but in the right circumstances it can bring strong productivity gains. With the rise of autonomous mobile robots, or AMRs, a new type of interleaving has emerged.
2020-06-0503 min
WMS PioneersA Statistical Approach to Labor Management in DistributionDiscrete engineered standards are great for those companies that want to use them, but a more statistical approach can often deliver most of the value - at far lower costs.
2020-06-0503 min
WMS PioneersThoughts on Warehouse Management Systems in the CloudThere is no question that Warehouse Management Systems – WMS – were late to the Cloud versus Transportation Management and other types of supply chain software, for a variety of reasons.
2020-06-0403 min