Abustling distribution center is a crucial cog in most logistics operations, but hese busy facilities can also run up
big bills of their own, not to mention suck up
energy. In the relentless search to cut costs and
“green up” their distribution operations, many
companies are turning to an unlikely tool—
their warehouse management system (WMS).
DCs have traditionally used their WMS platforms to direct basic material handling operations, such as planning a swift, efficient path for
moving goods through the DC and directing
complex tasks like picking and shipping. That
hasn’t changed. But now, some are finding that
every time the WMS identifies a wasteful step in
a distribution operation, it’s also an opportunity to trim the building’s power bill—cutting
costs and saving the planet at the same time.
The typical DC incurs expenses around the
clock, burning electricity to keep the lights on
and conveyors humming, hosting up to three
shifts of pickers and drivers each day, and heating or cooling large volumes of air. Reduce that
electric bill, and a DC manager can cut the com-
Savvy companies can use their
warehouse management systems to
uncover hidden inefficiencies that
waste energy and money.
BY BEN AMES
ways your WMS
can cut costs
and “green up” your DC
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