New uses for old
software
In “New uses for old things,” one of our
favorite departments in the magazine
Real Simple, the magazine’s editors suggest alternative, often surprising, uses
for everyday objects. That’s exactly what
came to mind when we read the Feb. 2,
2012, e-newsletter published by Logistics
Viewpoints. In it, Precision Software
Marketing Manager Linda Olster
explained how companies could use
their transportation management systems (TMS) to streamline the handling
of returned goods and improve their
customers’ overall experience. What follows is a summary of her suggestions:
▪ Incorporate the return process into the
initial outbound shipment by including
an authorization form and return carrier
label with the package. This is common
practice in retail but not in other industries. It will reduce the number of customers’ calls for authorization/shipping
information, while eliminating a separate step for producing and sending the
paperwork and label.
▪ Use the TMS to alert customers that a
warranty replacement shipment is en
route. This can reduce the number of
inquiry calls. If the customer places the
return item in the empty box when the
carrier arrives, it also will shorten the
turnaround time and minimize inventory in the network.
▪ Utilize package-tracking functionality
in the TMS to learn when a customer has
initiated a return. Knowing what is on its
way and when it will arrive supports
optimal staffing in receiving and inspection, and it can speed processing of any
credit due to the customer.
▪ Use the TMS to analyze trends. The
data collected can reveal how long it
takes from the initial customer request
to the arrival of defective items at the
disposition site. Using that information
to identify and eliminate the cause of
delays can improve efficiency and reduce
inventory in the network. ;
inbound
That’s one “jumbo” RFID project!
When you think of tracking items with RFID,
what comes to mind? Most likely a pallet, a
case, or perhaps apparel, if you’re familiar
with item-level applications. But how
about something bigger … much
bigger … like an elephant?
According to a story and accompanying video in the RFID Network’s e-newsletter, the Dallas Zoo is using
RFID technology to track the movement of elephants in its 11-acre “Giants of the
Savanna” exhibit.
Members of the small herd—six older females known as the
“Golden Girls”—wear ankle bracelets outfitted with real-time locator
system (RTLS) tags made by Convergence Systems Ltd. of Hong Kong.
Readers located in observation towers record the elephants’ position
every 30 seconds, and the data are overlaid on a map of the habitat.
This information graphically shows where the elephants like to go,
which animals in the herd they spend the most time with, and how
much exercise they’re getting.
The unique system is the first such installation by Animal
Performance Systems, a new company that’s developing RFID applications for zoo research. ;
Is your warehouse or distribution center reactive, effective, responsive,
or collaborative? According to warehousing expert Jeroen P. van den
Berg, Ph.D., author of the new book Highly Competitive Warehouse
Management, answering that question will help facility operators evaluate their current practices and determine what they must do to
achieve best-in-class performance.
To help companies assess their current situation, van den Berg has
developed what he calls the “Warehouse Maturity Scan.” The scan—
actually an online questionnaire—indicates a facility’s current level of
maturity and suggests areas for improvement, he said in a press release.
To date, over 500 warehouses and DCs have completed the survey,
according to the book’s publisher. Thirty-eight percent of them were
identified as having the potential to achieve 10 to 20 percent savings,
and 55 percent could achieve 20 to 30 percent savings in operating costs.
The book also provides a warehouse action plan that readers can use
to move from one level of operational effectiveness to the next, van den
Berg said. The plan focuses on the areas of workforce culture, process
redesign, information technology, and supply chain alignment.
The 319-page book, published by Distribution Group, sells for
$59.95. For more information, go to www.distributiongroup.com/high-ly_competitive_warehouse_management.php. ;
How mature is your warehouse?
