Global Distribution Centre2020

Registration & Coffee

Welcome Remarks by Conference Convenor

Get Near-Perfect Inventory Accuracy with Cycle Counting in a Cloud Warehouse Management System

Cycle counting is periodic counting of inventory within a warehouse to ensure that the physical inventory at the bin location matches the count reported in the warehouse management system. The theory behind cycle counting is that counting a smaller percentage of items on a more regular basis will lead to greater overall accuracy. These frequent inspections significantly reduce errors thereby maintaining incredibly high accuracy rates across the entire facility. The benefit is that organizations using this practice of inventory control can perform inspections at any time with little or no oversight.

How Can Supply Planning Enable Cost and Inventory Optimization?

Many cost optimization efforts adopt a functional approach which focuses on individual cost centers and categories. This session will provide insights on the critical role of supply planning to harmonize individual functions into a cost-optimized network response that maximizes the value from assets and delivers efficient customer outcomes.

How Can You Take Your Forecasting Beyond Sales

The complexity of fulfilment operations within the retail environment continues to grow as offerings such as buy online pick-up in-store, supplier drop-shipping and ship-from-store grow in popularity. This is driving a rethink in how retailers view forecasting in their organizations, causing and evolution which incorporates traditional forecasting of where the sale will occur (e.g. we will sell 10 units in 4 weeks-time) with anticipating where the sale will be fulfilled from.

Overcoming the Challenges Associated with Segmented Supply Chain Processes & their Impact on Warehousing

If a business’s various supply chain processes don’t work together, it can’t ensure across-the-board customer satisfaction. Larger companies generally have many private warehouses and distribution centers, managed by different in-house and outsourced operators, that run on different systems. As a result, they employ different tactics to ensure their supply chain runs smoothly. The key to solving this supply chain segmentation is to consolidate these processes, rather than let them function in silos.

Refreshment & Networking Break

How not to Overlook the Importance of Physical Transformation

Although digital transformation has received the lion’s share of attention from analysts and technology companies alike, businesses must take care not to lose sight of physical transformation. The method of flowing truckloads of products from large distribution centers to stores has become outdated. Businesses must update their supply chain and distribution networks to compete in this new market, in which speed of delivery and inventory reduction are paramount.

Best Practice in Automating the Data Collection Process in a Warehouse

Running a warehouse these days is all about data. Digital technology can take the guesswork out of inventory and warehouse management with employees scanning products every step of the way. Your facility should collect as much data on your products as possible, including where they’re coming from, when they arrive, what condition they are in, where they’re going and when they’re set to leave.

Collaborative Demand & Supply Planning using Analytics Solutions

Analytics solutions these days can be a powerful enabler for supply and demand planners to reveal insights and drive strategic and tactical actions in an agile manner. Analytics solutions can be successfully implemented into a company’s existing supply and demand planning process by focusing on three key steps in the implementation cycle: creating a single-source-of-truth data source; creating a centralized dashboard and reports that everyone can trust to collaborate; and creating a personalized dashboard and reports for each process owner and contributor.

Networking & Lunch Break

How Can Lack of Inventory Visibility and Metrics Impact you DC Efficiency

In the world of omni-channel logistics, it’s crucial that businesses know the status of their inventory and whether it’s at a distribution center or retail location. The last thing a company wants is to promise next-day delivery to its customers and not be able to follow through. Inventory can be particularly challenging to keep track of during the holiday shopping season. To address this challenge, businesses must develop an efficient order fulfilment process through the use of a fine-tuned WMS.

Getting Your S&OP Process To Perform Full Capacity

S&OP has been around for decades, but today it is more valuable and more critical than ever. Global markets require a better balance between the priorities of customer service and cost. This requires a risk management process for both the demand and fulfillment sides of the business, and top management must be directly involved in the process.

Maximizing Man and Machine In The Modern Warehouse

The impact of digital transformation and connected commerce are resounding across industries. Forward-thinking companies around the world are challenging themselves to serve more customers, more quickly, more directly and more personally. In other words, omnichannel distribution projects aren’t just for retailers anymore, and warehouse technologies need to keep up. That’s why cutting-edge WMS now features an embedded Warehouse Execution System (WES) and powerful, new Order Streaming capabilities.

Strategies to Overcome Challenges Posed by Poor Visibility into Inventory in Transit

Both major enterprises and startups alike generally have relatively poor visibility into inventory in transit, which has led to an increasing demand for real-time freight visibility solutions. Leading omni-channel logistics solutions not only enable visibility into shipments and trucks, but into orders and stock-keeping units, as well. These solutions also incorporate optimization capabilities and collaboration capabilities that facilitate communication and the exchange of data and information between trading partners.

Managing Impact of Demand Fluctuations on Warehouse Performance

Seasonality, changes in the economy, weather, and many other factors play a role in volatility of demand. For example, a global financial crisis will result in decreased consumer confidence, and therefore, more products sitting in warehouses. Warehouses must always use timely and accurate information in order to forecast demand.

Minimising Product Damages during Handling in Warehouses

In warehousing operations, whenever items are broken, it becomes expensive. While some damage is inevitable, it can be greatly reduced through proper warehouse management. Always look for pallets that have broken planks, stringers, or nails because they can break. Pallets also have to be stacked, loaded and wrapped correctly. An efficient warehouse is going to be properly lit, clean, and one that avoids overloading shelves and racks. Rack safety netting, pallet rack column protectors, accumulation conveyors, low clearance warning bars, and steel guarding are all also important to install to protect both product and people.

Measure the Profitability of Voice in the Warehouse

From receiving, to put-away, to picking, to shipping, Voice has proven itself as a stronger, more efficient alternative to technologies like paper-based or RF scanner-based systems, and pick-to-light. With accuracy rates of up to 99.995% and productivity increases often between 15-25%, voice-enabled work demonstrates a direct payback to the bottom line - typically, in less than one year. Fortunately, the impact of voice technology is easy to calculate with a few common metrics.

Managing Reverse Logistics Challenges to Ensure Your Warehouse Maintains Good Inventory Control and Operational Efficiency

Closing remarks and End of Conference Followed by Global Warehousing Awards