Lift & Tilt Podcast – Episode 004 : Effects of the E-com Era on Supply Chains
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Date: 3/16/20
Host: Robert Dennard & Kurt Guntner
Overview: Robert and Kurt sample a citrus wheat beer from Community Beer Co. in Dallas, while discussing how the digital revolution is changing warehouses, distribution centers, and logistics. Supply chain processes, software, robotics, automation, real-estate, and personnel are being transformed to better meet customer demands as well as create greater efficiencies for organizations.
Topics Discussed
1) Doing More with Less
From going vertical with racking to increase storage capacity and open more floor space to employing artificial intelligence or machine learning software to increase efficiency of order fulfillment and inventory turn, e-commerce has forced companies to look for novel ways of efficiency.
2) Sustainable Solutions
The ability to reuse, recycle, or reclaim materials to minimize costs and appeal to eco-conscious buyers serves not only as a marketing function but creates margin in an ever increasingly competitive environment that is slashing profits.
3) Digital Development
Advanced inventory systems are using sophisticated algorithms to provide predictive insights into inventory movement. Paired with company websites, these inventory systems can analyze site traffic and predict SKU level demand spikes to reduce out of stock items.
4) Personnel
With increased reliance on sophisticated systems, robotics, and predictive forecasting, the need for more knowledge based personnel will continue to increase.
5) Real Estate and Geographics
As consumer demand for instant gratification continues to increase the ability to offer shorter delivery times at a lower cost has forced the need for more distribution centers strategically located to serve metro areas. In turn, real estate is at a premium for warehousing.
Source Articles:
Forbes | Logistics in the E-commerce Era
https://www.forbes.com/sites/betsyatkins/2019/05/06/logistics-in-the-e-commerce-era/#5814ae58574d
The Brew & Tasting Notes:
Community Beer Co. – Witbier
“Brewed traditionally using unmalted wheat as a base and lightly spice the kettle with freshly ground sweet and bitter orange peel and coriander seed. The hops are minimal, keeping the focus on the wheat, spices and the unique character contributed by authentic Belgian yeast strains, one of which originated from the same strain that Pierre brought across the Atlantic to America.”
Original Gravity: 12.8
Bitterness: 18 IBU
Alcohol Content (ABV): 5.2%
Produced by LTS Studios, an in-house division of Lift Truck Supply, Inc. – a full-line provider of Toyota forklift equipment, service, parts and rentals. LTS – Your Forklift Accessory & Parts Headquarters