John Auld

Logistics is at a breaking point. The way many warehouses are run today is suited for a world that no longer exists. Because most are stuck in the 1950s. When barcodes and paperwork ruled. But spreadsheets and timestamps don't offer the visibility that leaders need to elevate warehouse operations from good to great. You might know when and where something happened, but what, why, and how? That's a mystery that opens you up to massive cost and risk. But what if you could break from the status quo and transform your operations? For some, this isn't just a dream. They're making it a reality. And we're thrilled to share how. ✨ Introducing Warehouse Visionaries, a new podcast by OneTrack.AI, where Evan Stinson sits down with industry leaders shaping the future of warehousing and logistics. Each episode is packed with practical advice from industry visionaries and innovators from some of the world's most complex operations. Like Doug Draper from Inland Star Distribution Centers, Inc. And host of Global Trade This Week. On a recent episode of Warehouse Visionaries, Doug shares his thoughts on: ✅ Challenges facing the industry ✅ #AI, data, and technology in logistics ✅ Future #SupplyChain trends you need to know Are there any topics or guests we should have on a future episode? Let us know what you think! 👇

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Unlock the potential of your warehouse operations by embracing the importance of ongoing training and development for your employees. As the logistics industry evolves, investing in education and skill development is essential for ensuring safety, productivity, and employee satisfaction. Check out our latest article to learn how effective training strategies can transform your workforce into a dynamic team ready to tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow!

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Optimizing E-Commerce Fulfillment with West Coast Prep & 3PL As the e-commerce landscape continues to evolve rapidly, businesses face numerous challenges in managing their retail logistics operations effectively. From kitting and labeling to handling oversized or damaged inventory, the complexities can be daunting. At West Coast Prep & 3PL we understand these intricacies and offer tailored solutions to streamline your fulfillment processes. Our expertise lies in providing comprehensive warehousing, pick-and-pack services, and seamless shipping solutions. By partnering with us, you can offload the intricate details of fulfillment operations and concentrate on growing your core business. Our team of logistics professionals is well-versed in the nuances of e-commerce platforms like #AmazonFBA, ensuring that your products are prepared and labeled with precision, enhancing the overall customer experience. One of the key advantages of working with #WestCoastPrep3PL is our ability to handle the unique requirements of your inventory. Whether you need specialized kitting services or have oversized or distressed items that require extra care, our team has the knowledge and resources to manage these challenges efficiently. We understand that every business has distinct needs, and we tailor our solutions accordingly. Moreover, our commitment to staying ahead of industry trends and adopting the latest technologies allows us to provide cutting-edge logistics solutions. From advanced inventory management systems to optimized shipping routes, we leverage the power of technology to ensure seamless operations and timely deliveries. At West Coast Prep & 3PL, we take pride in being a trusted partner for businesses seeking to optimize their e-commerce fulfillment processes. By leveraging our expertise and resources across our two strategic locations, you can focus on your core competencies. If you're ready to take your e-commerce fulfillment to the next level, we invite you to reach out to our team today. Let's explore how West Coast Prep & 3PL can be your catalyst for success in the dynamic world of e-commerce. #prepandpack #3PL #ecommerce #wholesaleprep

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Your demand planner has had a fun couple of years. They’ve been able to do their thing… and demand inventory sent to your stores ASAP - all the time! Now you’re in charge of bringing down the costs of deliveries to your stores. You’re realizing that FDX, UPS, and LTL providers are not flexible enough to keep your demand planners from flipping out while also decreasing your costs. You don’t have the time to try and cobble together small local providers across the country. You don’t know who could even help with this. You know you’re too good to hire a consultant but you need something here. What if you could find a provider that has smaller vehicle types like cargo vans and box trucks with lift gates and cross-docks for consolidation? Ah but that can’t possibly exist - oh hey, that’s us at WARP! --- Contact Us: [Reach out today to learn more about WARP’s store replenishment solutions!] (https://lnkd.in/gqW5QPMy) #technology #middlemile #logistics #supplychain #crossdock #freighttech

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Warehouse Wisdom Wednesday! Let’s break down some warehouse basics. This week: Packing So far we've covered the movement of our material all the way from getting off the truck it arrived on to getting picked for orders but what happens after you’ve picked it? Well, we need to pack it and depending on what types of orders we are fulfilling there may be a lot to do or there may be very little to do. Packing is the process of getting the order prepped to ship out the door and eventually go to the customer. During the packing process there are a few steps that will take place: Quality control - verify that the correct products have been picked including the quantities and make sure there is no damage. Packaging - items are given the proper size box if they need to be boxed and are also given the proper protection which could be paper, bubble wrap or other options. Order confirmation - the order is confirmed as packed in the system so that the order status can be updated. Label printing - shipping label is printed based on the weight and dimensions of the package and then placed on the package. Order packaging can vary depending on the product and size of the order. If you are picking eaches then they will go into a box but if you are picking cases or pallets then they may not need to have any additional repackaging. The key at the packing step is to ensure that you have a strong quality check in place and that you are optimizing your shipment by not leaving any excess void which results in the shipment of air and ultimately additional cost. There are many different intricacies to packing depending on what you are shipping but these are some of the most common things happening in this area. Remember that this is your last real chance to make sure your customer's order is correct! I’ll be going more in depth on packing in the newsletter! 🧠 Join 70 WWW students and sign up for the newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/eJP6sXh8

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When bringing on a new client, expanding into a new facility, or even opening a micro-fulfillment-based store, it's critical to have the flexibility in your warehouse management system that allows you to flex your operations as needed, says Chris O'Stean, vice president of solutions consulting at Softeon. A sophisticated WMS has a great deal of configurability and flexibility, and you need to be able to support different types of products, channels and customers, O’Stean says. “You don’t want to have to start from scratch when you’re onboarding that customer. You want to quickly be able to get them up and running, and not have to reconfigure the entire application.” One key to this is what O’Stean calls “templatizing.” As he explains, that means having a template that is the foundation for the network, but can then be added to as needed. “Maybe, when initially I go live with the WMS, I have, say, two facilities and I develop a global template that those facilities have in common,” O’Stean says. “And then I just layer on top of that what might be unique or different for each building.” Then, with expansion, the same process can be repeated, using the underlying template and adding custom elements on top. “That way, I only have to configure or set up what’s unique about that additional building.” Having said that, when it comes to micro-fulfillment centers, you can’t take a one-size-fits-all approach to WMS. “You have to understand how much sophistication you want within the store,” says O’Stean. “Are you going to track inventory at the shelf level, or only in the backroom? Iff there is a backroom.” Fulfillment and picking can require different processes too, and you may or may not want to integrate with a point-of-sale system. “The key is to have a lot of flexibility in the system,” O’Stean says.

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Fun Fact: Casey has transloaded floor loaded cargo. And it wasn't just coordinating it. She was in the container pulling individual boxes out, palletizing them, shrink wrapping them, and labeling. But today we’re breaking down the crossdocking, consolidation, and distribution roles of a warehouse. These are grouped together because they actually can somewhat go hand-in-hand. 📦 CROSSDOCKING (or transloading) is the process of moving goods from receiving directly to outbound shipping with minimal holding or storage. This can be to transfer from one mode of freight to a different mode (ocean container in to van out), or from one carrier to another. 📦 CONSOLIDATION is the process of receiving multiple loads from various locations to then put together for final delivery. This can be in the form of receiving bulk of various items in to then group lower unit levels together for last mile. This can also be in the form of receiving multiple pallets from various locations 📦 DISTRIBUTION is a combination of storage and consolidation. In these operations, freight can arrive from multiple locations (consolidation) to then be broken down into lower unit levels and stored until the customer places an order for a certain quantity. In some warehouses, all three of these activities can be occurring. For example: ➡️ Freight can arrive inbound via container to then be stored until a customer places an order for a unit that gets sent out via parcel. ➡️ Various vendors send pallets in that get broken down, slotted, and then picked into mixed pallets to send out. ➡️ Freight arrives in via multiple containers to be unloaded and consolidated into mixed pallets without ever being slotted (I’ve done this a few times). Much like mentioned yesterday with storage, the same components need considered when thinking about the above three roles within a warehouse and how they fit into your supply chain operations: 1️⃣ PRODUCT. Product considerations include volume, velocity (or how fast the product flows through), storage requirements, proximity to customer base, and what method is going to be the most efficient and cost-effective (from a timing, inventory, and total cost of ownership perspective). 2️⃣ WAREHOUSE LAYOUT & DESIGN. Layout and design considerations include capacity, the movement of goods within the facility for efficiency, and the area required to store or perform the above actions. 3️⃣ COST IMPLICATIONS. Cost implications are not only related to the product itself, but also from an overhead and capital cost perspective as well. While inventory is an investment, so are the resources, infrastructure, and overhead costs associated with warehousing operations. How the roles fit together within warehouse operations, and where those warehouses are placed within your supply chain, will dictate the subsequent processes. #supplychain #processimprovement #warehousing #warehouseprocesses #warehouse

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🚨 Exciting News from Browns Distribution! 🚨 We've got something special up our sleeves—and we think you're going to love it. Our warehouse has up 2,000 pallet spaces left, and they're up for grabs! 🏗️ Whether you're looking to expand your storage or make room for that growing inventory, we've got you covered. But wait, there's more! 📦 Not only will your products be safely tucked away, but they'll also be stored in a BRGS-accredited warehouse. That means top-notch safety standards, rigorous quality controls, and peace of mind that your goods are in the best hands. ✅ Why Browns Distribution? ✅ Premium Storage: Secure, clean, and efficient. ✅ BRGS Accreditation: A stamp of excellence in warehousing. ✅ Flexible Solutions: Whatever your storage needs, we've got the space! ✅ Competitive and Clear Rates: Don't break the bank and know exactly what you're paying for. Don't miss out on this golden opportunity to give your products the home they deserve. 🏠 Reach out today and claim your space before they're all gone! #Browns #WarehouseSpace #StorageSolutions #BRGSAccredited #SupplyChain #Logistics Kerry Wood Darren Simpson David Brown Jnr Tom Armstrong Hayley Parry ACIM luke cobden

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Handle the Tricky Ship with a 5PL? In my conversation with Paul we discussed just how Bulu is handling the Tricky Ship and taking the 3PL to the next level...a 5PL. Dive into this episode to find out the Bulu journey and how their passion has built a strong operation over time to help their clients succeed.

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Mass retail compliance rules are ever changing and can be tough to manage. It's all about strategy and the right 3PL to assist in managing this. If you haven't explored a consolidation program, now may be the time. #retailconsolidation #fines #3PL

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Q4 is here, and the holiday rush is right around the corner! If you’ve been thinking about switching up your warehouse provider, now is the time to act! With onboarding and tech integrations often taking weeks, don’t wait until it’s too late. Making the move now ensures a smooth holiday season without any hiccups. Let’s get your logistics running like clockwork—before the real rush hits! Ready to make a change? Let’s talk about how we can set you up for success this holiday season. #3PL #Logistics #WarehouseSolutions #Q4Planning #IronLink #HolidaySeasonPrep

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Inventory control is something we take very seriously at TCA. Today veteran warehouse associate Stephany is showing our newest team member Diego how to properly perform a bin count. Keep up the great work you two! #inventorymanagement #teamworkmakesthedreamwork

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❓ If we decide we are a match, can I please speak to a few of your customers? This and 11 additional questions to ask your potential new barcoding or WMS Vendor before making an investment. Check this out today! https://buff.ly/2QVhGww #SupplyChain

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A few weeks ago, I sat down with Tyler to walk through the Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) process using mugs as an example. We covered: ☕ Product Prep: Ensuring proper labeling (UPC or FN SKU) and durable packaging to withstand Amazon's fulfillment process. 📦 Shipping to Amazon: Using Amazon's send workflow, ensuring proper labeling of cartons/pallets, and partnering with carriers for seamless delivery. 🧐 Quality Control: The importance of having an SME (Subject Matter Expert) at your prep facility to avoid mistakes and costly delays. 💡 Amazon’s Changing Rules: How inventory distribution has become more complex, requiring more effort and additional fees for inventory placement. #AmazonFBA #EcommerceTips #BusinessGrowth #Fulfillment #AmazonSeller #SupplyChain

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Tay-Tay's Supply chain-chain - How Taylor Swift's Eras Tour Mastered the Art of Time-Sensitive Logistics 🌍🚢 When it comes to large-scale logistics, JIT/JIS strategies aren’t just for CPG or manufacturing—they’re essential for massive events like Taylor Swift's Eras Tour. The challenge of moving 850 tons of equipment across continents underscores the complexities of international logistics. Swift’s team transported 90 cargo containers (TEUs) via maritime shipping from the UK to the U.S., spending over $15 million to ensure her stage setup, costumes, and production essentials arrived on time. This JIT-like precision was key to ensuring seamless transitions between back-to-back performances across Europe and the U.S.​. Much like manufacturing, every piece—whether a stage component or a set of costumes—had to be in place at the right moment. It highlights the critical role of real-time tracking, container optimization, and expert logistics partners like Fly By Nite and Rock It Cargo. Timeliness wasn't just a preference, it was essential for success. If something doesn’t go right with her logistics, EVERYONE would be talking about it, the fact that this is not mainstream is credit to the team’s performance. When things go wrong, like during Drake’s It’s All A Blur tour in Memphis, TN, in August 2023, tens of thousands of fans were disappointed, and the show lost an estimated $1.5 million to $3.5 million in revenue due to the cancelation. The production was cited as “logistically impossible” to execute. Similarly, delays in Milwaukee forced the show to be postponed by a day due to "logistical and technical" issues. 🚀 Are you making excuses and telling your customers "It's All A Blur" or are you in the success "Era" of on time delivery? How is your supply chain leveraging precision to meet customer demands? What strategies have helped you maintain seamless operations, and where do you find unexpected successes or ongoing challenges that your customers constantly notice? Let’s discuss some behind-the-scenes wins that deserve more recognition! #TaylorSwift #Logistics #SupplyChain #JIT #MaritimeShipping #GlobalLogistics #Operations Sources: 📚 FreightWaves – How much does it cost to ship a Taylor Swift tour overseas? (https://lnkd.in/ePsqkiAz) 📚 FreightCaviar – Inside the $100M Logistics of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour (www.freightcaviar.com) 📚 KCH Transportation – Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour Logistics (https://lnkd.in/echYBZ2z) 📚 UK Parliament – Recognising the economic impact of Taylor Swift's Eras tour on the UK economy (https://lnkd.in/eebtpydR) 📚 Daily Memphian – Drake’s ‘logistically impossible’ Memphis concert canceled (www.dailymemphian.com) 📚 WTMJ – Drake & 21 Savage concert in Milwaukee postponed due to production issues (www.wtmj.com)

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