Right now, nearly every organization is feeling the pressure to meet market demands, improve their customers’ experiences and ensure compliance with ever-changing regulations. From container shortages to low transportation capacity, it’s been difficult for manufacturers and retailers to return to normal operations even as the pandemic winds down.

Industrial warehousing is facing several challenges in today’s market. Customer expectations are rapidly changing, while product lifecycles are shortening, and warehouse availability is shrinking. A recent report by commercial brokerage, CBRE outlined warehouse availability in the U.S. fell to record lows in the third quarter, industrial space is all but disappearing near some of the country’s busiest distribution hubs, thus adding to the supply-chain squeeze. What’s more, labor shortages in the workforce are creating an urgent need for companies to optimize the use of technology and keep the workers they have. All these rapid changes mean warehouse operators must adapt and adjust their data collection solutions to keep up.

When navigating supply-chain disruptions, start with the front line of your operations and identify which technology solution can positively impact your workforce. Our partners at Zebra identified additional solutions to improve accuracy from dock to stock.

1. Invest in supplier management for accurate one-touch or no-touch receipt
2. Match the technology to the workflow and mobilize workers whenever possible
3. Target inbound processes as a place to start utilizing RFID for automated data capture
4. Stay connected at a safe distance. Replace face-to-face interactions with Wi-Fi enabled push to talk or text messaging,

Accounting for inventory and asset visibility, optimizing workflows, engaging technology, coordinating operations, and exceeding customer expectations are what will help meet or exceed the key performance indicators companies set forth when facing supply chain disruptions. Companies have a lot to juggle, especially in their warehousing operations and The SMS Group can help.

 

Let Us Help

For more than 30 years, the SMS Group has helped customers deploy innovative data collection solutions to improve their operations. From the big picture to the crucial details, The SMS Group gives you the power to track, analyze, and improve everything in your supply chain. Our team of experts can help you integrate diverse data collection, distribution, and processing technologies to give you the real-time information and insight you need to drive better performance and boost bottom-line results. Contact us online to learn more.

Source: https://www.wsj.com/articles/tighter-warehouse-space-adds-to-the-supply-chain-squeeze-11634896801

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