Warehouse Automation Matters

In this episode of Warehouse Automation Matters, Mary Hart spoke with Jim Shaw, President and Co-Founder of Zion Solutions Group, and Chip Steffey, Director of Sales, about how warehouse leaders are adapting operations as labor dynamics and demand patterns continue to shift. Drawing on decades of experience advising distribution and fulfillment operations, Shaw and Steffey discussed why traditiona...

In this episode of “Warehouse Automation Matters,” host Mary Hart spoke with Kevin Sullivan, COO of Conectiv Supply Chain Solutions. They discussed the company's rich history in media and entertainment, the importance of flexibility in 3PL solutions, and how automation varies across different industries. Sullivan shared insights on balancing customization with scalability, the onboarding proce...

Fast is easy. Perfect is hard. Inside scale3PL’s playbook for the most demanding moment in supply chain history. In this episode of Warehouse Automation Matters, host Mary Hart spoke with Adam Lawicki, Executive Vice President of Strategy at scale3PL, about the changing landscape of e-commerce fulfillment and the critical role of automation. They discussed the pressures brands face in a world wher...

In this episode of Warehouse Automation Matters, host Mary Hart interviews Bryan Corbett, VP of Sales and Marketing at Barrett Distribution Centers. They discuss Bryan's journey into the 3PL industry, the importance of evaluating 3PLs beyond just cost and location, and the significance of human elements in logistics partnerships. Bryan shares insights on identifying red flags in potential part...

In this episode of “Warehouse Automation Matters,” host Mary Hart discussed the benefits of warehouse automation with Dave Green and Mike Wills from Peak Technologies. They explored the hesitations companies face regarding automation, the significant ROI timelines, and the softer benefits such as employee satisfaction. The conversation highlighted the importance of solution providers in designing...

In this episode of Warehouse Automation Matters, Mary Hart sat down with Mike Geiger, VP of IT at KSP Fulfillment, to unpack what it takes to hit 10 million robotic picks, and why that milestone is just the beginning. Geiger shared how automation stabilized labor, reduced training time, and improved employee experience, all while giving KSP the flexibility to scale during peak season. From buildin...

In this conversation, Mary Hart interviewed David Welsh from Radial about the company's journey in scaling warehouse automation. They discussed the motivations behind adopting automation with fulfillment robots, the implementation process with Locus Robotics, and the operational changes observed. David shared insights on collaboration with partners, the impact on employee experience, and the l...

In this episode of Warehouse Automation Matters, host Mary Hart interviewed Tony Altman, President and CEO of Motivational Fulfillment. They discussed the evolution of the company, its commitment to continuous improvement, and the integration of technology and automation in warehouse operations. Altman shared insights on change management, the importance of communication, and how automation enhanc...

In this conversation, Oscar Mendez, Head of AI and Data Science at Locus Robotics, discusses the transformative role of AI in warehouse automation. He emphasizes the importance of holistic AI that not only focuses on tasks but also delivers tangible business value. Mendez explains the significance of physical AI, trustworthiness, and explainability in AI systems, and how these elements contribute...

In this episode of Warehouse Automation Matters, host Mary Hart discusses the transformative impact of Low-Code Application Platforms (LCAP) in warehousing with experts Bryan Batchelder and Dave Castanon from Datex. They explore the challenges of legacy systems, the advantages of low-code solutions, and real-world applications of Datex Studio in enhancing warehouse operations. The conversation hig...

What should warehouse managers prioritize when choosing a new WMS? According to Amit Levy, EVP of Sales and Strategy at Made4Net, it's not just about ticking off features. In this episode, Levy joins host Mary Hart to unpack the real-world considerations that make or break a WMS implementation, from inventory accuracy and scalability to user adoption and IT alignment. You’ll hear how modern WM...

In this episode of Warehouse Automation Matters, host Mary Hart spoke with Bryan Boatner, Global Managing Director of Automation at Ranpak, on the importance of automation in warehouse operations with a focus on right-sized packaging, waste reduction, and the role of data in optimizing processes. Boatner shared insights on how automation can enhance efficiency, sustainability, and customer experie...

In this episode of Warehouse Automation Matters, Mary Hart interviewed Mert Selcuk, Senior Manager of Supply Chain Strategy and Capabilities at Staples Canada. They discussed the journey of implementing warehouse automation along with the challenges, strategies, and technologies involved. Selcuk shared insights on the importance of collaboration with vendors, the role of data in decision-making, a...

In this episode of Warehouse Automation Matters, Mary Hart interviewed Chris Caouette, Chief Revenue Officer at North Bay Distribution, on challenges and innovations in the 3PL and e-commerce fulfillment space. They explored the evolving role of 3PLs, the importance of technology and automation, strategies for competitive shipping rates, and how to improve customer satisfaction and inventory manag...

In this episode, Mary Hart spoke with Austin Feagins from Staci Americas about the complexities of technology and compliance in beauty product fulfillment. They discuss the unique challenges faced by the beauty industry, including high customer expectations and strict regulations. Austin shares insights on common compliance issues, the critical nature of the pack-out process, and how technology, i...

In this episode of Warehouse Automation Matters, host Mary Hart spoke with Kevin Hume, co-founder of ThruPut Partners, about the evolving landscape of supply chain design and the importance of agility in warehouse operations. They discussed the limitations of traditional supply chain methods, the application of agile methodologies, and the significance of technology integration. Hume shared a case...

In this episode of Warehouse Automation Matters, Mary Hart interviews Derek Morse from Barrett Distribution about the transformative role of analytics in warehousing. They discuss how analytics has evolved from manual data collection to a data-optimized approach, the key performance indicators (KPIs) that warehouse leaders should track, and the challenges of adopting a data-driven strategy. Morse...

In this conversation, Mary Hart interviewed Barbara Porter, COO of Fragrance.com, about top trends in retail warehouse automation. They discussed the significant impact of AI and robotics on operational efficiency, the importance of sustainability, and the challenges faced when integrating new technologies. Porter shared insights on consumer expectations, the balance between speed and quality, and...

In this episode of Warehouse Automation Matters, host Mary Hart and Kait Peterson, VP of Product Marketing at Locus Robotics, discuss the critical role of flexibility and automation in modern warehouse operations. They explore the challenges faced by warehouses today, including labor shortages and fluctuating demands, and how automation can help address these issues. The conversation covers the im...

In this episode, Mary Hart sat down with Bob Duron and Diron Raines of nGroup to discuss their evolution as a third-party logistics provider, focusing on labor management, automation, and the complexities of holiday returns. Duron and Raines highlighted the top challenges of peak seasons, the benefits of warehouse automation, and the importance of flexibility in operations. They highlighted the in...

In this episode of Warehouse Automation Matters, host Mary Hart speaks with Ken Ray, WMS Systems Engineer at Cooper Lighting Solutions, about the intersection of holiday spirit and warehouse efficiency through complex cartonization. Ken shares his journey to becoming a licensed Santa Claus -- named Ken Kringle -- and discusses the importance of data in optimizing carton sizes for shipping. The con...

In this conversation, Mary Hart and Chris Budney discussed the critical aspects of preparing warehouses for peak season. They explored the challenges faced by warehouses, including labor shortages, inventory management, and the importance of technology. Budney emphasized the need for flexibility, effective communication, and the integration of automation to enhance efficiency and meet consumer exp...

In this episode of "Warehouse Automation Matters," Mary Hart sits down with Erik Pichette and Adam Schwarz from Locus Robotics to explore the intricacies of optimizing and automating warehouse mezzanines. They discuss best practices for efficient design, from slotting strategies to handling peak demand, and emphasize the importance of collaboration and planning to avoid common pitfalls. The conver...

In this conversation, Mary Hart and Guy Courtin discuss the rise of online pharmacies and their impact on logistics companies. They explore how e-commerce trends are reshaping the pharmacy landscape, the unique challenges of delivering pharmaceuticals, and the role of technology and regulatory requirements in ensuring safe and efficient delivery. The discussion also touches on sustainability, retu...

Greg Walls, Vice President of Revenue at Paccurate, discusses the importance of better packaging decisions in shipping. Right-sized packaging automation involves using the minimum necessary dimensions to fit a product in a box, resulting in higher volume utilization of space, which is crucial in reducing transportation costs and waste in the supply chain. By using the right carton size, businesses...