Episode 474: AI for warehousing with Powerhouse AI
In today’s episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, we are talking AI for Warehousing with Henrik Bergsager, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Powerhouse AI. Powerhouse AI is a vision AI technology company focusing on the warehouse and supply chain industries. This discussion delves into the problems Powerhouse AI addresses, its practical applications, and the significant benefits it offers to the industry. This episode is packed with insights into the transformative power of vision AI technology in the warehousing and supply chain sectors. Revolutionizing Inventory Management with AI The use cases and benefits of AI for warehousing continue to grow. Powerhouse AI’s approach to AI technology makes it more accessible to warehouses of all sizes. As Henrik explains, “Our goal is to make vision AI technology more accessible to all the players in the space, both big and small.” By transforming visual data into actionable insights, Powerhouse AI significantly reduces the manual effort required for tasks like cycle counting. Bergsager shares a vivid example: “You simply scan the location and you take a picture of the pallet and it tells you, okay, this many boxes on this pallet,” illustrating the simplicity and efficiency of their solution. How AI for Warehousing Enhances Accuracy and Efficiency Powerhouse AI’s technology streamlines processes and achieves remarkable accuracy levels that surpass traditional manual counts. Henrik notes, “Once it’s up and running, it’s highly accurate… we are hitting those benchmarks, which is exciting because it kind of goes beyond what would be normal human error.” This accuracy is pivotal in warehouses where precision is crucial and manual cycle counts are prone to error and other inefficiencies. Smart Label Scanning and WMS Integration Expanding beyond inventory counts, Powerhouse AI’s smart label scanning feature revolutionizes how inbound and outbound operations handle data. Bergsager explains, “Instead of you kind of reading and figuring out what’s written on a label, your system does that for you.” This capability streamlines data capture and facilitates seamless integration with existing Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), enhancing data quality and operational efficiency. Warehouses do not need the cleanest data for implementation, as Powerhouse AI fills in the gaps. Powerhouse AI provides a way to clean up your data on several criteria, including SKU number, pallet, supplier, and vendor. Henrik adds, “Over time, you will get a pretty good data set. You don’t need a baseline in order to do that, you will just contribute to what’s already in your WMS, and gradually by using the application, you will get better and better data.” Key Takeaways on AI for Warehousing Powerhouse AI democratizes access to vision AI technology, enabling companies of all sizes to enhance their operational efficiency. The platform significantly reduces manual effort in inventory management through innovative use of visual data, boasting higher accuracy rates than traditional methods. Smart label scanning and seamless WMS integration further extend the platform’s capabilities, making it a versatile tool for improving supply chain operations. The New Warehouse Podcast Episode 474: Building the Case for AI for Warehousing With Powerhouse AI
H&E opens new branch in the Decatur AL area
Effective April 1, 2024, H&E Rentals (H&E) announces the opening of its Decatur branch, the sixth general rental equipment location in the state of Alabama. Since the second quarter of 2023, H&E has opened 16 new branches across the country and acquired five others. The facility is located at 930 Old Trinity Road, Trinity, AL 35673-6556, phone 256 916-2900. It includes a fully fenced yard area, offices, and a repair shop and carries a variety of construction and general industrial equipment. “The location of our Decatur branch complements our existing facility in Huntsville, just 20 miles to the east. Our territory now provides even greater coverage to northwest Alabama, extending over to Mississippi and also reaching above the state line into Tennessee and down along I-65 and I-22. We can serve customers in Decatur, Athens, Hartselle, Vinemont, Hamilton, Russellville, and Florence, as well as Lewisburg and Pulaski, Tennessee, and points in between,” says Branch Manager Josh Benner. “By having several H&E facilities within reach, we can source equipment from an expanded fleet and provide the specific unit that is needed for any job, including pump and power products from our Birmingham (Specialty) location. The Decatur branch specializes in the rental of aerial lifts, earthmoving equipment, telescopic forklifts, compaction equipment, generators, light towers, compressors, and more and represents the following manufacturers: Allmand, Atlas Copco, Bomag, Case, Club Car, Cushman, Doosan, Gehl, Generac Mobile, Genie, Hamm, Hilti, Husqvarna, JCB, JLG, John Deere, Kobelco, Kubota, LayMor, Ledwell, Lincoln Electric, Link-Belt Excavators, MEC, Miller, Multiquip, Polaris, Sany, Skyjack, SkyTrak, Sullair, Sullivan-Palatek, Tag, Towmaster, Unicarriers, Wacker Neuson, Yanmar, and others.
Combilift introduces COMBi Safe-Lift anti-overload device
Forklift operators who are insufficiently aware of the load they are lifting and the risks that come with exceeding the forklift-rated capacity not only compromise their safety but also place everyone working around them at serious risk. Several factors can influence a forklift truck to become overloaded and these include load center, weight of load, lift height, and the type of load. The load center, which is the distance from the face of a fork to the center of gravity of the load plays a crucial part. The position of the load center can also vary depending on the type of load being lifted, for example, liquid loads or non-uniform loads. Forklift operators should be competent in understanding the weight of the load. Combilift’s new product, the Combi Safe-Lift, is an anti-overload device that enables operators to avoid the pitfalls of potential overloading, which can have serious consequences if it occurs. The Combi Safe-Lift incorporates a strain sensor on the mast section (See Pic.) and a lift cut-out valve on the hydraulic line to disable lifting if the unit is potentially overloaded. Managing Director Martin McVicar: “We offer the Combi Safe-Lift as an option at the moment but we believe that this simple and cost-effective system should become a standard option on all counterbalance trucks in the future. Fitting a straightforward device such as the Combi Safe-Lift is an effective way to reduce risks for the operator and other personnel, and also to avoid product damage as well as costly repairs.”
Nucor to acquire manufacturer of data center infrastructure
Nucor Corporation just announced that it has acquired Southwest Data Products, Inc. (SWDP), a manufacturer and installer of data center infrastructure for $115 million. SWDP’s offices and manufacturing facility are in San Bernardino, California and the company employs approximately 147 teammates. Nucor is also announcing the launch of Nucor Data Systems, a new business unit that will help better serve our customers in the data center infrastructure industry. “We are excited to add SWDP and new teammates to our Nucor family of companies. This acquisition will give us new capabilities to serve a rapidly growing market and will bolster Nucor as a preferred supplier to many of the nation’s largest and most innovative hyperscale cloud and colocation data center operators,” said Chad Utermark, Executive Vice President of New Markets and Innovation. “The SWDP acquisition furthers our expand beyond strategy to invest in steel-centric businesses that operate outside of the cyclical nature of steel production.” Specifically, SWDP and Nucor Data Systems will provide Nucor’s Warehouse Systems businesses with expanded capabilities in airflow containment structures, as well as new product capabilities that include manufacturing cabinets/enclosures and caging for data centers and installation services. SWDP’s compatibility with Nucor Warehouse Systems’ current manufacturing capabilities will create significant growth opportunities, and SWDP’s location near Nucor Warehouse Systems’ production facility in southern California will facilitate both integration and growth efforts. This acquisition also creates a number of synergies with Nucor’s core steelmaking business. SWDP uses many types of steel as raw material that can be provided by Nucor facilities, including sheet steel, steel tubing, and wire mesh. With our circular, recycling-based steel production process, sourcing steel from Nucor mills will ensure our nation’s green and digital economy is being built with low embodied carbon steel. SWDP has a strong reputation for high-quality products, fast lead times, and quality installation services. The company has an exceptional customer base of leading companies requiring data centers. Growth in data centers is being fueled by the increasing use of artificial intelligence, cloud-based services, and video streaming across a growing number of applications.
Women In Trucking Association announces its April 2024 Member of the Month
The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has announced Micha Kay as its April 2024 Member of the Month. Kay is the Regional Human Resources Development Manager at Old Dominion Freight Line. Kay has been in the trucking industry her whole life. Her dad worked as an OTR truck driver during her childhood until he retired in 2021. Times were different back then, and he used to be able to take Kay on the road with him. She has vivid memories of sitting on the bed in the back of his truck with her coloring books and watching talk shows on his small TV as they drove across the country. She used to be able to get out and help him unload pallets on the dock as well. Growing up with a fairly absent dad due to him being an over-the-road driver gave her such an appreciation for truck drivers and what they do every day. Although Kay recently re-entered the transportation industry in 2022, she started her career in transportation back in 2009 as a nighttime driver check-in clerk, which helped her get through college. Kay always knew that one day she would come back when she found the perfect company to work for, and that is exactly what she did! When she left transportation in 2011, she entered the construction industry, where she spent most of her career. She knew it was going to be a challenge. Both transportation and construction are very male-dominated industries, and Kay knew it would take some work to make a name for herself. She believes that being true to yourself and your abilities is key. “Just believe in yourself and keep the male versus female mentality at bay. We are all in this together, and reaching our goal of fulfilling our promises to our customers is our number one goal.” Kay started college as an education major until her junior year when she switched to human resource management. Her desire to teach and develop people has helped immensely in her career in HR. Now she finds herself overseeing twenty-five locations, which she loves. Every day is different, and she is passionate about “boots on the ground” traveling to all locations so that she can interact with the drivers. She is extremely enthusiastic about mentoring, training, and development. In fact, she teaches all internship programs and runs both management and training programs, which she thoroughly enjoys. Kay has won several awards throughout her 15-year career in HR but most recently received the Old Dominions Service 2.0D award for providing exceptional service to the OD family. Kay is incredibly involved with her drivers; she recalls one instance when she went out with one of them for a ride-along. They were downtown, and the driver was as calm as could be with one hand on the wheel and backing up into a dock that no way looked like there was enough room to back a car into let alone a truck. She was in full panic mode thinking that this was not going to fit, but it did, he got it in with no problem, and she just sat back amazed. Beyond Kay’s amazing career, she is a single mom with two teenage daughters. When she is not working, she is involved in her daughter’s sports schedule and family time. She also opened her own side business in 2021, specializing in resume writing and career coaching. In short, Kay absolutely loves seeing people reach their career goals and dreams. Kay would like women interested in the trucking industry to know that, first and foremost, if you hear that trucking and transportation are not lucrative or productive, this is a misconception and a false reality. It is an illustrious career choice. You just need to be fully confident in yourself and your skills that you bring to the table. Respect is earned and with that you can thrive. Kay ultimately sees herself in the future working in the transportation industry. She is enthusiastic about what she does and wants to continue doing what she does to help the industry grow even stronger.
Iowa and Iowa State Basketball Dancing in March Bobbleheads unveiled
To celebrate the Iowa Hawkeyes and Iowa State Cyclones runs to the Sweet 16, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum unveiled officially licensed Iowa Hawkeyes and Iowa State Cyclones Basketball Dancing in March Bobbleheads. On Saturday, Iowa’s Women’s team will face Colorado in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. The officially licensed bobbleheads are being produced by the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, an official licensee of Iowa and Iowa State. The bobbleheads are now available in the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum’s Online Store at this link for Iowa and this link for Iowa State. The bobbleheads, which are expected to ship in September, are $40 each plus a flat-rate shipping charge of $8 per order. Each bobblehead will be individually numbered to 2,024. Standing on a basketball court base with each school’s colors, the bobbleheads feature Iowa State’s mascot, Cy the Cardinal, and Iowa’s mascot, Herky the Hawk, dancing and wearing a basketball jersey. The backing behind the bobblehead features a basketball texture with “MARCH” across the top, a bracket, and each school’s logo. Iowa will take on the 5th-seeded Colorado Buffaloes in the Sweet 16 on Saturday in Albany, New York. The 1st-seeded Hawkeyes knocked off 16th-seeded Holy Cross in the First Round and the 8th-seeded West Virginia Mountaineers in the Second Round to keep dancing and advance to the Sweet 16. Iowa State will take on the 3rd-seeded Illinois Fighting Illini in the Sweet 16 on Thursday in Boston, Massachusetts. The 2nd-seeded Cyclones knocked off the 15th-seeded South Dakota State Jackrabbits in the First Round and the 7th-seeded Washington State Cougars in the Second Round to keep dancing and advance to the Sweet 16. The Iowa and Iowa State Bobbleheads join over a dozen other schools in the Dancing in March Bobblehead series includes schools that reached the Sweet 16 in the Men’s and Women’s NCAA Tournaments. “We’re excited to unveil these Iowa Hawkeyes and Iowa State Cyclones Bobbleheads celebrating both teams run to the Sweet 16 this March as both schools are dancing again,” National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum co-founder and CEO Phil Sklar said. “These bobbleheads are the perfect way for Iowa and Iowa State fans, alumni, students, faculty, and staff to celebrate March Madness each year and show off their school pride year-round!”
New documentary to highlight the Return to Vietnam 50 years later
“Mission Veteran Expedition: Honoring Vietnam Veterans in the Transportation Industry” returns to Vietnam with ten veterans, documenting their personal experiences of historic events and healing In November 2023, ten Vietnam veterans embarked on a journey they never thought possible, returning to Vietnam, and exploring the locations and memories that for 50 years have held deep significance for each of them. Mission Veteran Expedition, a collaborative venture between CDLLife, FASTPORT, and nonprofits Waypoint Vets and Wreaths Across America, made this journey possible and, together, just announced the upcoming release of a new documentary of the trip, “Mission Veteran Expedition: Honoring Vietnam Veterans in the Transportation Industry.” The documentary, captured and produced by U.S. Army veteran Nicholas Mott, owner of Seven Five Media, was released this morning and is available for anyone to view at no cost on Wreaths Across America’s YouTube channel Today – National Vietnam War Veterans Day. Click here to view a short preview of the documentary. “The documentary offers an intimate and compelling look at the journey of these veterans,” said videographer Nicholas Mott. “Capturing the essence of their experiences and the profound impact of the Mission Veteran Expedition was truly an honor. I hope other Vietnam veterans will watch it and find it healing.” The trip offered ten veterans, each of whom has made a living in the transportation industry, an extraordinary opportunity to revisit Vietnam and reflect on their service there. The documentary explores this impactful journey, which combines travel, camaraderie, and history. Waypoint Vets, a non-profit organization dedicated to uniting and empowering veterans through camaraderie and adventure, led the expedition, ensuring each participant experienced a meaningful and lasting journey. The itinerary included a variety of experiences, including: Grounds Tour of the Former Saigon Embassy Walking Street Food Tour through Ho Chi Minh City Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta Luxury Tour War Remnants Museum Halong Bay Cruise Defense POW / MIA Accounting Agency Tour A ‘Welcome Home’ ceremony hosted at Sirius XM studios in Hollywood, with interviews on Radio Nemo “The Mission Veteran Expedition successfully commemorated these veterans’ valiant contributions while allowing them to experience the beauty of Vietnam’s landscapes and the richness of its culture,” said Sarah Lee, Army combat veteran and founder of Waypoint Vets. “For many veterans, the memories associated with Vietnam are often intertwined with the challenges of war. This expedition redefined these associations and replaced them with new, healing memories. By engaging with Vietnam on a deep, personal level, the trip forged lasting connections and helped veterans find solace in the beauty of a nation at peace.” As commemorative partners of The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration, FASTPORT and Wreaths Across America have had the honor of “Welcoming Home” more than 7,500 Vietnam veterans. “I feel the trip’s culmination was an important piece of closure for the participant’s journey,” said Brad Bentley, President of FASTPORT, who traveled to Vietnam with the group. “These men returned to the United States to a hero’s welcome, and for millions who never received this show of gratitude for answering the call of duty, it was truly an honor to say, ‘Welcome Home.’”
LexxPluss demonstrates safe, interoperable and scalable mobile robot conveyancing technology in the US
Japanese automation solutions company LexxPluss has established itself in the US, announcing its new demo space as a practical showcase for its intralogistics technology. LexxPluss is investing heavily in the US to provide its autonomous mobile robots (AMR) technology. The Japanese automation solutions provider has announced a new US demo space to showcase the capabilities of its flexible robotic fleet solutions and the flagship 30×30 ft facility is located in the Indiana IoT Lab, in Fishers, Indiana. In addition to the demo space, LexxPluss has established a US subsidiary, opened a new US sales office in Indiana, and is expanding its team. Recent US hires include Business Development Manager Morgan Chang and Project Manager Sandeep Chilukuri. With its Lexx500 autonomous mobile robot and LexxFleet, the fleet management system, LexxPluss aims to solve problems by creating sustainability through the use of automation and other technologies. This includes adding value to intralogistics operations by reducing workload and improving the safety of workers at manufacturing, automotive, and logistics sites. With a range of sensors, a multi-sensor guidance system, easy-to-use interfaces, and open architecture, the Lexx500 AMRs are designed to be highly scalable and interoperable; from a single robot to a fleet of units working together safely and flexibly alongside existing automated systems and human workers. The low upfront cost and ability to transport irregular cargo and large payloads of up to 500 kg is ideally suited to manufacturing and logistics businesses. Combining dynamism with experience to create sustainable materials handling LexxPluss was created in 2020 by Founder and CEO Masaya Aso and a team of autonomous technology experts with decades of experience in the robotics and autonomous driving industry in companies such as Bosch, Amazon, and Honda. Its technology has been successfully deployed in Japan and the company was recently chosen by both EY for its Innovative Startup 2024 Award in Japan and by Forbes as one of 100 Japanese startups to watch in 2024. Having secured Series A funding worth $10.7 million in 2023 for expansion in the US, LexxPluss is now leveraging its expertise and relationships in Japan. The company sees significant potential in the US, with market intelligence agency Interact Analysis forecasting the US mobile robots market will grow at a CAGR of 37% between 2023 and 2027, expanding from $1.1bn to $3.8bn. Seamless integration, larger payloads and multi-sensor safety with LexxPluss AMRs A trio of products will be officially launched by LexxPluss at Automate 2024 in Chicago this May: the Lexx500 AMR, LexxFleet fleet management solution, and LexxTug towing interface. Each of the products being launched in the US has been renamed as part of LexxPluss’ commitment to achieving success in international markets (with the products previously called Hybrid-AMR, Konnectt and WaniGripper). LexxPluss has equipped its mobile conveyancing robots with superior multi-sensor safety that combines LiDAR sensors, ultrasonic sensors and depth cameras to ensure they can operate safely and collaboratively with a human workforce. The company is also committed to open architecture, making its mobile robots easy to integrate with other systems and simple to maintain on-site. Announcing the opening of the US demo space, LexxPluss COO, Rizo Itakura,says, “There is huge potential for greater automation in the US. Our products remove barriers to scaling up and integrating automation with existing systems. Customers can start with a single unit, using existing carts and production machinery to generate greater efficiencies and improve the working environment. Interested companies and potential partners are welcome to visit our demo space in Indiana, to learn first-hand how our solutions can help to create sustainable intralogistics operations.” Morgan Chang, LexxPluss US Business Development Manager, adds, “We are excited to launch our new demo space and see this as part of our commitment to open mechanical design and transparent technical information sharing. This is something that sets LexxPluss apart, offering the highest levels of interoperability with existing systems and operations, alongside our determination to offer high levels of safety, reliability and scalability. I look forward to meeting potential new partners and customers at the LexxPluss stand at Automate 2024 (Booth #3076), where we will be showcasing our technology and officially launching a range of exciting products.”
Women In Trucking Association announces 2024 Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award finalists
The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has announced three finalists for the 2024 Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award (DWLA). Sponsored by the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) and Truckstop, the award promotes the achievements of women employed in the North American transportation industry. Finalists for the 2024 DWLA have demonstrated extraordinary leadership within their company as well as the industry. This year’s finalists are Sherri Garner Brumbaugh, president and CEO, of Garner Trucking, Inc; Ramona Hood, president and CEO, of FedEx Custom Critical, Inc.; and Sarah Ruffcorn, president, of Trinity Logistics. Sherri Garner Brumbaugh has more than 33 years of experience in the trucking industry, beginning her career at her family-owned and operated truckload carrier in 1991. She became the owner of Garner Trucking, Inc. in 2012. This year, Garner celebrates 64 years in the industry. Garner Brumbaugh has served the industry as a board member for The American Trucking Association, the Ohio Trucking Association, and Indiana Motor Truck Association. She also served on the advisory committee on human trafficking for the Federal Department of Transportation. Other organizations important to Garner Brumbaugh are her volunteer efforts with the Boy Scouts of America and transporting a truckload of wreaths for Wreaths Across America to her hometown cemetery and Arlington National Cemetery. In 2024, for the eighth consecutive year, Garner Trucking, Inc. was named a Best Fleets to Drive For and recognized as a two-time Hall of Fame recipient. Ramona Hood is president and CEO of FedEx Custom Critical®. She began her career with FedEx in 1991 in an entry-level position and worked her way up to hold various executive leadership positions at FedEx Custom Critical and FedEx Supply Chain. Hood has been recognized for her excellence in thought leadership, responsibility, and passion-driven results. A few specific recognitions include Crain’s Cleveland 2022 Power 150 list, Business Insider’s powerful women leading top logistics companies in 2021 and service on the Brinker International Board of Directors noting her deep experience in sales, operations, supply chain, marketing, and talent management to promote growth and brand differentiation. Most recently, she was appointed to the Knight Foundation Board of Trustees due to the impact she has made on the Akron-area community as a business leader. Sarah Ruffcorn, president of Trinity Logistics, a Burris Logistics Company, is responsible for leading a complex people-centric freight solutions company arranging freight for businesses of all sizes. Ruffcorn joined Trinity Logistics in 2002 following completion of her Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Communications from Western Illinois University. Her natural curiosity and commitment to excellence led to roles with increasing responsibility and leadership. She has continued her education with executive education programs focused on strategy, finance, and leadership including attending the Wharton School of Business. A champion for servant leadership, Ruffcorn has a strong passion for coaching others to help them work at their highest potential. Ruffcorn currently serves on the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) Board of Directors, TIA’s Women in Logistics Committee, and Tidal Health Medical Partners Board of Directors. Members of the judging panel include: Brent Hutto, chief relationship officer, Truckstop; Anne Reinke, president, and CEO, TIA; Dr. Stephanie S. Ivey, associate dean for research and professor, Herff College of Engineering; Erin Van Zeeland, chief commercial officer/senior vice president and general manager-logistics, Schneider and winner of the 2023 DWLA; and Jennifer Hedrick, president and CEO, WIT. The award highlights the crucial roles of leading women in the dynamic and influential field of commercial transportation and logistics, which encompasses logistics service providers as well as motor carriers. The winner of the 2024 award will be announced during the TIA Capital Ideas Conference and Exhibition on Thursday, April 11 in Phoenix, AZ.
PTDA to Host 2024 Canadian Conference
The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) will convene for the PTDA 2024 Canadian Conference in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada on June 4–6. Delegates in the power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) industry, representing PTDA distributor and manufacturer companies, will broaden cross-channel networks, expand connections and deepen business relationships. “Opportunities to cultivate strong relationships between channel partners in the Canadian PT/MC industry are crucial for both corporate and industry expansion,” says PTDA President, Brian Nowak, Kurz Industrial Solutions. “Attendees at this year’s Canadian Conference can look forward to a robust program offering valuable networking opportunities, information on critical market trends and insights on bolstering workforce support.” The conference’s Distributor-Manufacturer Idea Exchange (DM-IDEX) is a favorite of both manufacturer and distributor executives. This face-to-face cross-channel business program delivers measurable ROI. New this year, DM-IDEX will offer open time for more informal meetings, in addition to scheduled appointments for those who prefer time for deeper discussion of business ventures, market strategies and issues. Well-respected industry thought leaders and popular speakers will offer presentations on relevant and timely topics. Opening keynote Amber Mac, award-winning podcaster, author and media host on the topic of Artificial Intelligence (AI), will share practical lessons and insights as she guides attendees through her four-part blueprint for thriving in our AI future. A diverse panel of hiring experts from Indeed, a post-graduate program, and HR representatives from a PT/MC manufacturer and distributor company will share best practices to help reimagine hiring strategies. Using a universal issue—recruiting new employees—attendees will get creative during the interactive team activity, “Achieve Better Outcomes Through Disruptive Problem-Solving.” Led by Ken Tencer and Saquib Vali, and hosted by the PTDA Foundation, participants will learn to radically change their thinking and approach to appealing to the next generation of talent. Jeremy Bess, Economist, ITR Economics will present the closing keynote “Calculating the Risks and Opportunities for 2024 and Beyond.” In his presentation, Bess will provide a data-driven analysis of Canada’s economic trends, glimpsing what to expect for PT/MC-relevant industries. Receptions, group meals, and golf will provide opportunities for more informal networking throughout the conference. Those registering before April 30, 2024 receive a $100 discount.
Episode 473: Warehouse Staffing: A deep dive with Traba’s Read Egger
In this episode of The New Warehouse, Kevin is joined by Read Egger, the Head of Growth Operations and Go-To-Market at Traba. This innovative company is tackling the persistent challenges of staffing in the warehousing sector by merging technological solutions with thorough vetting processes, ensuring the delivery of not just any staff, but the right staff. Traba’s approach addresses critical staffing issues, leveraging technology to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of warehouse operations. The conversation with Read provides valuable insights into how Traba is setting new standards in staffing solutions. Transforming Warehouse Staffing Through Technology Read explains, Traba is not your typical staffing agency. It’s a tech-enabled labor marketplace focusing on the light industrial sector, aiming to match the right workers with the right jobs. “We are a tech-enabled labor marketplace that specifically focuses on serving light industrial clients and light industrial workers,” Read explains. This approach not only streamlines the staffing process but ensures a higher quality of temporary labor by closely matching worker skills with client needs. “Our foundation is rooted in building products that help workers and businesses achieve their highest level of productivity when using temporary labor with a level of operational support not seen in staffing in general.” The Vetting Process: Ensuring Quality and Fit One of the cornerstones of Traba’s success is its rigorous vetting process. “You have to go through a background check…federal, county, global watch list, sex offender check all those things just to enter our labor supply,” Beyond background checks, Traba conducts interviews and on-job evaluations to verify worker skills and fit, setting a high bar for staffing quality in the industry. In cases where specialized skills or experience are necessary, like driving a stand-up forklift, the vetting process is critical. “It’s all those factors of vetting and clearly communicated expectations that flow into having a good end result for the worker and the business.” Future Directions: Data-Driven Workforce Solutions Looking ahead, Traba is set on becoming a vital component in the broader supply chain by leveraging data for labor management systems and demand planning. “And then from there, becoming more of an integral component of the greater supply chain,” Read shares, highlighting the ambition to integrate Traba’s solutions into larger operational frameworks, thus optimizing labor efficiency and productivity at a grander scale. Key Takeaways Traba is leveraging technology to solve traditional staffing issues in the warehousing sector. Their rigorous vetting process ensures that only qualified and suitable workers match client needs. Traba is looking towards the future by using data-driven solutions to enhance labor efficiency and supply chain operations further. The New Warehouse Podcast Episdoe 473: Warehouse Staffing: A Deep Dive with Traba’s Read Egger
Global Shop Solutions Director achieves 20-Year Milestone
One of the most important aspects of ERP software for manufacturers is the stability of the software provider. Global Shop Solutions has recognized Chris Pinaire, MBA, Director of New Implementations, for his 20 years of dedicated service to the manufacturing industry. Pinaire began his career with Global Shop Solutions as a customer service representative. With his background in management information systems and keen problem-solving abilities, he was quickly promoted to helping manufacturers successfully implement ERP software and consulting with existing customers to simplify their manufacturing processes. After several years as a senior consultant, Pinaire was elevated to his current position where he has had a significant impact on the manufacturing industry. “Chris is smart, hardworking, and constantly looking for ways to make the implementation process faster and easier,” says Dusty Alexander, Global Shop Solutions President and CEO. “He manages a team of more than 70 implementation specialists, who average a 95% success rate for new implementations. His commitment to excellence makes us better every day.” Pinaire attributes his tenure at Global Shop Solutions to the work, the people, and the satisfaction of helping manufacturers solve problems and find the best solutions for their businesses. “The work is interesting and challenging,” says Pinaire. “There’s never a dull moment, and I love the people I work with. We operate as a unified team and always support each other to find the best solutions for our customers.” “I also admire the way Global Shop Solutions grows its people internally,” adds Pinaire. “Keeping people interested requires having a path for them to grow. Five, 10 or 15 years ago we didn’t have a lot of positions that exist today. Adding new positions as the business grew provided a path to keep our employees hungry and growing, playing a key role in the stability of our workforce.” For Pinaire, it’s ultimately all about helping the people associated with Global Shop Solutions achieve the results they want. “I’m motivated by helping our customers and my employees grow,” he says. “Transforming an inefficient, manual, paper-driven company into a lean, paperless manufacturing enterprise makes all the time, effort, and travel worthwhile. It is exceptionally rewarding to grow our new consultants into confident, independent experts.”
Wauseon Machine to showcase integrated automation solutions at Automate 2024
Visit Booth #1257 to learn more about robotic and custom-tailored automation solutions Wauseon Machine, Inc. (WM) has announced its participation in Automate 2024. The show is scheduled to take place from May 6-9, 2024, at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. Automate is the premier event for automation professionals and Wauseon Machine will be showcasing cutting-edge technology. Wauseon’s expansive show floor will feature leading automation solutions ranging from robotics to vision systems, motion control, artificial intelligence, and more. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore tomorrow’s innovations and connect with Wauseon’s team and Executive leadership. As part of its commitment to delivering comprehensive automation solutions, Wauseon Machine is proud to partner with industry leaders including Fanuc, Staubli, Yaskawa, ABB, and Epson. These partnerships enable Wauseon Machine to integrate a wide range of capabilities, ensuring seamless automation solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. McAlister Design & Automation, a subsidiary of Wauseon Machine, will showcase its innovative Battery Test and Assembly System, which caters to the growing demand for electric vehicles and consumer electronics. This system ensures the quality of battery packs by inspecting and testing individual cells before assembly, thus enhancing product reliability. Automate 2024 will not only provide an excellent platform for networking but also offer valuable training and educational opportunities. From panel discussions to expert-led training and on and off show-floor networking events, attendees can expect a rich and immersive experience designed to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing. “We are excited to participate in Automate 2024 and showcase our integrated automation solutions alongside our esteemed partners,” says Joe Gemma, CRO of Wauseon Machine. “Our collaborative approach enables us to deliver innovative and customized automation solutions that drive efficiency and success for our clients across various industries.” Visit Wauseon Machine at Automate 2024 to learn more about their integrated automation solutions and explore the future of manufacturing.
Upper Mississippi Waterway Association names Williams as executive director
The Upper Mississippi Waterway Association (UMWA) has tabbed Gary Williams to lead the organization. Williams comes to UMWA with 35 years of experience in transportation, business development and merchandising of commodities. “We’re excited to have Gary on board as executive director,” UMWA President Jeremy Putman said. “He has a wealth of experience on the waterways and will help lead the strategic change of our association.” Williams’ experience includes barge, vessel, rail, truck, and containerized freight, trade, and logistics in the eastern and western corn belts, the Pacific Northwest, and Canada. He also served on the National Grain and Feed Association’s waterborne commerce committee. Williams has a degree in agriculture economics from Ohio State University. “I look forward to getting to know the membership better and understanding the challenges and opportunities facing the industry,” Williams said. In addition to Williams, UMWA is requesting ideas for strategic planning from its membership. The board is looking for member input, including a request for member profiles. “We want to connect with our membership and understand the challenges each faces as they go about their work on the waterways,” Putman said. “This is an exciting time to shape this organization and serve our membership for years to come.” UMWA member profiles So, what does a member profile look like? UMWA board members simply want to know your business and you better. The more the board understands its members, the better the strategic planning. Simply send a couple sentences, or paragraphs, to [email protected] explaining who you are, what you or your business does, and why you’re a member of UMWA. UMWA will take care of the rest.
NFI Driver earns highest recognition by Truckload Carriers Association
On March 26, Howard Robinson of NFI was awarded the TCA Professional Driver of the Year award at the Truckload Carriers Association’s (TCA) Annual Convention. Howard was one of five recipients of this distinguished title and is a shining example of perseverance, professionalism, and safety in the transportation industry. Howard has been a driver for 30 years, starting his career with MCO Transport, which was acquired by NFI in 2022. Throughout his 30 years of driving, he has achieved a perfect record of zero accidents and violations. Howard stresses the importance of safety at every turn, and in 2023, he was a recipient of NFI’s Million Mile Award, which awards drivers for completing over a million safe miles. “It’s exciting to have one of our own recognized with such an honor by the TCA. We pride ourselves on safety and our people,” said Brian Webb, President of Port Services at NFI. “Driving for more than 30 years and over a million miles without any accidents or violations is admirable. Howard sets a great example for all drivers, and we’re proud to have him on our team.” At NFI, Howard is known for his radiant personality, neverending smile, and conscientious nature. He is highly regarded and cherished by his team, customers, management, friends, and family. Often the first in the yard and the last to leave, Howard is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure the job gets done. Outside of NFI, Howard has an extensive list of accomplishments. As a proud Veteran, Howard dedicates his life to serving others. Along with his wife, Judy, he leads a prison ministry and a Bible study at a local nursing home. Howard has transformed a troubled past and the lives of others through his unwavering commitment to his faith, family, and community. This award is a testament to his drive for excellence and paves the way for current and future NFI drivers.
ProGlove and topsystem partner to deliver ultimate hands-free picking solution
Product bundle combines trailblazing Pick-by-Voice solution with best of breed wearable scanners ProGlove is joining forces with topsystem, a division of Ehrhardt Partner Group (EPG), to address the industry’s highlighted need for mobile logistics solutions. The two organizations will offer a joint bundle that combines topsystem’s LYDIA Voice Pick-by-Voice solution with ProGlove’s MARK family of wearable barcode scanners. This will further untether the frontline worker, enabling additional mobility while providing additional guidance. Operators will benefit from the ultimate hands-free experience to improve safety, quality and efficiency. Easy pairing for extended data capturing To connect topsystem’s LYDIA Voice solution with ProGlove’s wearable scanning products, operators simply scan a pairing QR barcode. The combined solution then enables faster job completion and improved data quality in processes where advanced data capture is required. This is the case, for example, if serial or batch numbers need to be captured. Initial tests suggest that processes can be accelerated by up to 15 percent in environments that require the input of extended numeric sequences. The new bundle will be a perfect match for jobs such as picking, replenishment, sorting, inventory counting, cross-docking and more. “We are very excited to have ProGlove as a strategic partner and to be able to sell this bundle to our customers. Pick-by-Voice is based on a hands-free concept, but whenever an industry or process requires extended data capture, it makes sense to combine Pick-by-Voice with scanning technology. Due to its ergonomic design and high performance, the Pro-Glove scanners harmonize perfectly with LYDIA Voice, as employees still have their hands free,” said Sascha Egener, Director Sales Voice Solutions at topsystem. “Combining LYDIA Voice with our wearable scanners is a huge step forward for shop floor workers,” said Pierre Mikaelsson, CPO at ProGlove. “It gives them the ultimate hands-free working experience while providing guidance to promote their well-being, efficiency and effortless data collection.”
Dematic FIRST® Scholarship program applications open
Applications for the Supply Chain and Logistics Scholarship Due Saturday, May 18 THE SITUATION: The Dematic FIRST® Scholarship program supports high school and college students in their journey to become future supply chain and logistics leaders and innovators. This scholarship will award: Two $5,000 scholarships 10 $1,000 scholarships THE APPLICATION: Applications will be submitted online. Students will be asked to upload: High school transcripts for graduation verification or expected graduation date. A one-page essay (1,000-word limit) responding to this prompt: You have been awarded a grant to design and develop a robot of your choice. Describe the purpose of your robot and the problem it solves, highlighting its positive and negative impacts on the world. Explain your design process, including how you prioritize features and navigate trade-offs between different components. Identify the key team members you will need and justify their roles in the project. A letter of recommendation (recommended, not required) from an adult mentor/coach on your FIRST team, teacher, or guidance counselor. WHO: To be eligible to apply for this scholarship, students must: Have participated in a FIRST® Robotics Competition (FRC®) or a FIRST® Tech Challenge (FTC®) Team during high school. Apply and be admitted to a post-secondary institution (including trade schools) as a full- or part-time student. You do not need to have already been admitted at the time of application for this scholarship. Must be pursuing a post-secondary degree or certification at a North American academic institution. STEM degrees and certifications are preferred. Available for any undergraduate students for the fall of 2024. Previous Dematic FIRST Scholarship program winners are ineligible to win again. WHEN: Applications are due Saturday, May 18. APPLY HERE
MHI and WERC responds to Key Bridge tragedy
MHI and our Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC) division are deeply saddened by the devastating collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all those affected by this tragic event. “We are humbled by the efforts of the first responders and rescue teams for their bravery in the face of danger. We stand in solidarity with the city of Baltimore, the state of Maryland, and all involved as they navigate through this incredibly challenging time,” said John Paxton, CEO of MHI. “This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of resilience to keep the supply chain moving even during crisis and disruption. As a major East Coast logistics hub, supply chains will face major challenges in the days ahead as the Port of Baltimore and surrounding intermodal, trucking, and warehousing infrastructure are disrupted.”, added Paxton. The robustness and agility of the supply chain industry point to a rapid recovery from this tragedy. As associations serving this industry, MHI and WERC are committed to supporting its members and the broader community during this recovery.
U.S. Rail Report for the Week Ending March 23, 2024
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending March 23, 2024. AAR also weighed in on the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse and how railroads are working to limit disruptions. “The top priority following the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge must be supporting the individuals and families impacted,” said AAR SVP of Policy and Economics Dr. Rand Ghayad. “At this time, there are many unknowns about the long-term business impacts. However, recent years have shown us the resilience of railroads and the broader logistics sector in adapting swiftly to challenges while continuing to serve our customers. Those lessons will be put to work in the days ahead to minimize disruption to the fullest extent possible.” For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 470,593 carloads and intermodal units, up 2.1 percent compared with the same week last year. Total carloads for the week ending March 23 were 215,277 carloads, down 6.1 percent compared with the same week in 2023, while U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 255,316 containers and trailers, up 10.2 percent compared to 2023. Five of the 10 carload commodity groups posted an increase compared with the same week in 2023. They included grain, up 2,735 carloads, to 21,467; chemicals, up 1,822 carloads, to 33,702; and motor vehicles and parts, up 888 carloads, to 16,109. Commodity groups that posted decreases compared with the same week in 2023 included coal, down 14,169 carloads, to 53,727; nonmetallic minerals, down 2,835 carloads, to 27,607; and metallic ores and metals, down 2,129 carloads, to 18,519. For the first 12 weeks of 2024, U.S. railroads reported a cumulative volume of 2,555,094 carloads, down 4.3 percent from the same point last year; and 3,014,729 intermodal units, up 9.1 percent from last year. Total combined U.S. traffic for the first 12 weeks of 2024 was 5,569,823 carloads and intermodal units, an increase of 2.5 percent compared to last year. North American rail volume for the week ending March 23, 2024, on 10 reporting U.S., Canadian and Mexican railroads totaled 324,001 carloads, down 5.3 percent compared with the same week last year, and 340,799 intermodal units, up 9.4 percent compared with last year. Total combined weekly rail traffic in North America was 664,800 carloads and intermodal units, up 1.7 percent. North American rail volume for the first 12 weeks of 2024 was 7,798,583 carloads and intermodal units, up 1.8 percent compared with 2023. Canadian railroads reported 91,620 carloads for the week, down 3.1 percent, and 73,851 intermodal units, up 7.9 percent compared with the same week in 2023. For the first 12 weeks of 2024, Canadian railroads reported a cumulative rail traffic volume of 1,887,198 carloads, containers, and trailers, down 0.9 percent. Mexican railroads reported 17,104 carloads for the week, down 7.8 percent compared with the same week last year, and 11,632 intermodal units, up 3.2 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first 12 weeks of 2024 was 341,562 carloads and intermodal containers and trailers, up 6.6 percent from the same point last year. View the charts
Is your customer feedback used to diagnose or sell?
You walk into your general practitioner’s office. You have some pain in your knee lingering for a while from an old sports injury, and it’s starting to cause concern. When the doctor comes in, she doesn’t start by asking questions about your condition. Instead, she hands you a short survey with some broad questions – including things like, “When it comes to selecting a heart medicine, what do you look for?” Then, she says that as an expert, you must have heart disease and writes you a prescription for her own product. This would be an incredibly frustrating and worrisome experience. Why did the doctor not take the time to listen to me? Why did they not want to understand my specific concerns? Why did they presume a wholly separate issue? Even worse, you know you don’t have heart disease and feel you were sold a solution for an issue you didn’t have. It sounds ridiculous. You’d likely never want to see that doctor again. However, businesses exhibit this behavior all the time. Consider how many companies conduct customer outreach through surveys to gather information that is not used to diagnose, but rather gather insights to more effectively sell what they offer. Consider how many companies approach potential clients with a solution without truly understanding the customer’s problems. Why don’t companies take more time to truly understand customer needs? In short, because it’s hard, it takes time, and sometimes, we don’t want to hear what they have to say. Customer feedback isn’t simply about capturing data from questionnaires, reporting the top three frustrations customers have, and then deciding which one is the least costly and painful to implement. It’s also not rolling your eyes when you hear the same concerns over and over again. The hidden opportunity with customer feedback is if you take the time to have qualitative conversations with customers and observe them in the context of their challenge, you can uncover new opportunities to grow, differentiate, and innovate that your competitors don’t see. If your competitors are doing the same surveys and taking the same generic approaches to customer feedback as you, they are gathering the same insights and information. This isn’t leverage, it’s box-checking. Think about some of the greatest companies you admire and the products and services they’ve produced. Every one of them began with a founder or inventor who saw a problem that wasn’t addressed, overlooked, or not considered by other companies. They saw past the superficial insights and focused on the small, nuanced, subtle things. They understood how their competitors operated and thought, and saw an opportunity. This takes honest thought, observation, reflection, and validation of our assumptions. As leaders, we want our companies to grow. We ask our teams for feedback and ideas. We want to find the next innovation that will catapult our organization to the next level. But if no one in the organization is out there genuinely examining customers’ needs, fears, and frustrations, but rather simply listening to sell, you’ll get the same thing you’ve always got – another missed opportunity to create a unique competitive advantage. About the Author Andrea Belk Olson is a keynote speaker, author, differentiation strategist, behavioral scientist, and customer-centricity expert. As the CEO of Pragmadik, she helps organizations of all sizes, from small businesses to Fortune 500, and has served as an outside consultant for EY and McKinsey. Andrea is the author of three books, including her most recent, What To Ask: How To Learn What Customers Need but Don’t Tell You, released in June 2022. She is a 4-time ADDY® award winner and host of the popular Customer Mission podcast. Her thoughts have been continually featured in news sources such as Chief Executive Magazine, Entrepreneur Magazine, Harvard Business Review, Rotman Magazine, World Economic Forum, and more. Andrea is a sought-after speaker at conferences and corporate events throughout the world. She is a visiting lecturer and startup coach at the University of Iowa, a TEDx presenter, and TEDx speaker coach. She is also an instructor at the University of Iowa Venture School.