Maximizing the efficiency of your distribution center (DC) site requires strategic planning and ongoing analysis.

Not all Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) are created equal, and you must consider many variables when selecting one. The right WMS solution can streamline order fulfillment, increase inventory accuracy, enhance employee performance, and maximize equipment utilization. Above all, a WMS saves time and money while increasing customer satisfaction.

As the debate between globalization and regionalization continues, getting the most from your third-party logistics (3PL) provider is more important than ever. Businesses need to be agile and able to not only proactively respond to customers, but also adjust in response to any unanticipated business change.

A yard management system (YMS) can provide significant benefits to your operation. Despite this, the yard is often the last area to automate and many operations still manage their yards with radios and clipboards.

Demand to provide the optimal customer experience continues to escalate, and companies must continually seek out better ways to deliver customer satisfaction and retention. Many companies find that value-added logistics services help give their supply chain a competitive edge.

The consequences of supply chain fraud can be severe, yet many companies significantly under-scrutinize their processes. Smart companies have practices in place to help pinpoint and prevent fraud.

Implementing materials handling automation within a distribution center requires an experienced systems integrator, which acts as a matchmaker to ensure the software communicates fully and freely with the facility's equipment. Systems integrators are also responsible for the deployment's speed, progress and outcome; they are the keepers of schedules and standards, the maestros who ensure that the whole becomes greater than the sum of its parts.

Even Einstein would have trouble understanding hazardous materials or dangerous goods (DG) regulations, agree 56 percent of respondents to a recent Labelmaster survey. And simply keeping pace with the changes in regulations is an inherent challenge, say 59 percent of respondents.

Managing your transportation budget is the key to shedding excess cost. Working in today's competitive market provides many options to help slim down freight spend. As freight transportation continues to change, service providers are using technology to improve and meet the dynamics of the supply chain.