POUNCING ON AUTOMATION Automation is helping Tiger Tail USA “keep our team lean and efficient,” says Spring Faussett, president of the muscle recovery tools producer. Oracle/Netsuite’s manufacturing, inventory, and accounting system enables Tiger Tail to more systematically manage orders. Among other benefits, Tiger Tail can enter product and vendor information, and then use reports and alerts to ensure proper ordering lead time and quantity forecasting. When Tiger Tail receives inventory, it can quickly add this information and make it visible to all users. The company also uses inventory reports to work with vendors and shipping companies to ensure full truckloads. “Although the system is expensive for our small company, it saves at least one employee and lowers accounting costs over the course of a year,” Faussett says.
and allow information to flow securely, says Gary Cassell, global industry lead, manufacturing and automotive, with Appian. Organizations can act on the information to build resilience and optimize performance. When companies link their systems through a digital layer, they minimize the need to rip out solutions that are working but disconnected. End-to-end solutions often encompass multiple systems. For instance, supply chain execution systems can expedite operations for swift, efficient task completion, while warehouse control systems (WCS) can serve as vendor- neutral hubs, orchestrating diverse material handling technologies for uninterrupted material flow. A WCS can integrate with a warehouse management system to optimize material flow. The result? “An integrated process, enhancing warehouse throughput and performance,” Moore says.
On Tiger Tail’s consumer websites, custom APIs push orders into Netsuite, minimizing human handling. Custom APIs allow Tiger Tail to easily add new websites and products, which otherwise would be difficult to manage, Faussett adds.
Connect Through the Cloud and APIs
Justin Haines, director, fleet solutions with Coyote Logistics, which offers such a solution. Improve Yard Management In contrast to the automation seen in many warehouses and in transportation management, the “yard often is clipboards and walkie-talkies,” says Greg Braun, chief revenue officer with C3 Solutions, which offers yard management solutions. Yet technology has a role to play here. Yard management automation can include a range of solutions. Some systems allow drivers to check in with their smart phones. Artificial intelligence can support task optimization, such as determining optimal trailer moves, Braun says. As technology advances, the value of automating the supply chain will only grow. Companies that are quicker to leverage automation will gain first mover advantages, as well as the ability to attract top-notch talent. “It’s a win-win,” Dekhne says. n
exchange of data between all supply chain parties in real time, so data-based decisions can quickly be made. APIs also offer a scalable solution for sharing data, unlike the generally cumbersome practice of emailing spreadsheets back and forth. APIs encompass a set of defined rules that allow different applications to communicate with each other. They enable access to information by sharing folders via the cloud. Optimize Routes It’s not only the operations inside warehouses or distribution centers where automation can drive efficiency. Route optimization software can leverage AI to dynamically match carrier capacity with loads, minimizing empty miles and helping carriers fill their trailers, says
Automation has generally lagged where old systems need to be linked with new software solutions. Cloud-based software solutions can help by enabling the rapid
Route optimization technology can improve delivery productivity while hitting customer service targets. This improvement can reduce delivery costs—distance, vehicles, or drivers—and increase delivery capacity.
February 2024 • Inbound Logistics 37
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