Lot traceability is an essential practice for maintaining product integrity, ensuring quality, and meeting regulatory requirements. It becomes crucial in industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, or manufacturing, where products are batch-specific and the FDA requires specific lot traceability. With a Warehouse Management...
Many distribution businesses are losing money due to inefficient warehouse operations. The encouraging news is that these losses don’t always require significant investments to fix. Often, minor yet strategic process adjustments can drive major gains in revenue. In this article, I outline some practical...
As warehouses evolve to meet the demands of faster order fulfillment and higher accuracy, Augmented Reality (AR) is emerging as a transformative technology. By overlaying digital information in the real world through AR glasses and handheld devices, warehouse operations can...
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the distribution industry by optimizing operations, enhancing decision-making, and improving customer satisfaction. From streamlining logistics to predicting demand, AI offers tools to significantly boost efficiency and profitability. In this article, I explore key ways AI...
Catch weight is a term used in industries that deal with products sold by weight but whose individual units can vary in size. For distributors handling these types of products, such as meat, seafood, or other perishable goods, managing these...
Managing production inventory presents a different level of complexity compared to handling finished goods. In industries like metal fabrication, woodworking, plastics, and machining, inventory is not always measured in whole unit. Materials like sheets, rods, coils, or bars are often used in fractions. A...
In previous articles we have addressed how to manage product returns in a DSD operation. But one issue we would like to expand upon are Returns Off Truck (ROT). ROT refers to the process of accepting returned products at the...
Running a distribution business involves managing the flow of goods from suppliers to customers efficiently. A sustainable distribution business growth requires strategic planning, operational excellence, and adaptability to market demands. In this article, I provide a guide outlining the essential steps to help you...
We have explored strategy in all aspects of a distribution operation, like price strategy, slotting, sales, etc. However, we have not addressed the distribution operation strategies. A strong distribution strategy is crucial for getting products into customers' hands efficiently and...
Warehouse capacity calculation is critical for optimizing storage, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring smooth logistics. It involves determining a warehouse's total storage capacity and assessing how much inventory can be effectively stored while maintaining accessibility and safety. In this article,...