GO FIGURE …
99.2%
The percentage of light truck or delivery service driverjobs that require “occasional communication or less,”making the job the #1 most secure profession during apandemic that calls for social distancing measures.
SOURCE: CONSTRUC TION COVERAGE WEBSITE
Third-party logistics service provider (3PL) Saddle CreekLogistics Services is investing in mobile computers tomodernize its warehouse operations, announcing thatit has deployed more than 1,500 devices from ZebraTechnologies Corp. in an effort to keep pace withchanging customer needs and support its growing omnichannel supply chain operations.
Lakeland, Florida-based Saddle Creek has rolled outan array of data-capture, bar-code printing, mobilecomputing, and tablet solutions. Together, those devices are expected to boost productivity, improve operational efficiency, and enhance customer service, thecompany said.
“Omnichannel fulfillment and logistics require avast array of sophisticated technology solutions thathelp retailers, manufacturers, and e-commerce companies get products where they need to be quickly andcost-effectively,” Tony Hollis, Saddle Creek’s director oftechnology and innovation, said in a release. “Zebra’smobility, scanning, and printing solutions have been anintegral part of our ability to modernize our operations,increase customer satisfaction, and grow our business.”The investment is in line with the strategy espousedby new Saddle Creek CEO Mark Cabrera, who tookover the top position six months ago with a promise toexpand the 3PL’s capabilities in network configuration,sophisticated technologies, and transportation management in order to keep up with roaring e-commercedemand. n
Saddle Creek equips warehouse
staff with 1,500 mobile devices
from Zebra
Retail chief supply chain officers (CSCOs) should
follow three best practices to mitigate disruptions
and revenue reductions caused by the Covid- 19 pan-
demic, according to business research and advisory
firm Gartner Inc. Company officials say the goal is
to combine an effective near-term response to the
pandemic’s impact on the supply chain with “a clear
plan that positions organizations for success as the
economy recovers.”
“The global outbreak of Covid- 19 is creating a very
dynamic environment in retail supply chains,” said
Thomas O’Connor, senior director analyst with the
Gartner Supply Chain practice, in a release. “Demand
is shifting from physical stores to online channels as
consumers seek to avoid public places due to fear of
infection or government restrictions. Whether you’re
a CSCO dealing with increased or declining demand,
this is a unique challenge for everyone.”
Gartner’s recommended three best practices are:
b Leverage available data. CSCOs can use available
data from the markets first impacted—including
China, Italy, and South Korea—as they look to fore-
cast consumer responses to the virus. For example,
there was a clear peak in sales during the week begin-
ning March 1, when many Italians were ordered to
self-quarantine.
b Work closely with suppliers. Many retailers that
source from China already experience challenges
caused by raw-material shortages as well as limited
availability of goods. Retail CSCOs should work
closely with suppliers to focus on smaller pack sizes
so more consumers have access to high-demand
products and investigate the setup of temporary dis-
tribution facilities to support replenishment.
b Run a smart workforce. No organization isimmune to Covid-19: Sick employees must stayhome; and stores, warehouses, and other facilitiesmight be closed during quarantines. “This is a timefor creativity and care,” O’Connor said. “Employeeswho aren’t needed in shops at the moment can, forexample, deliver products to online shoppers or workfrom home in customer support [roles]. However,the most important thing is to ensure the safety ofevery member of the workforce, be it by providingprotective equipment or guaranteeing paid leave incase of an infection.” n
Gartner offers three actions
to mitigate Covid- 19–related
disruptions
