Distribution Partner

Another trend that’s moving mainstream is multilevel distribution centers. Driven by the necessity to locate distribution operations in urban areas on the brink of customers, today’s DCs are often built “up”, not “out”, with the associated technology to maneuver products from floor to floor — like elevators and spiral conveyors.

Innovations in distribution technology are generating tons of press. Autonomous robots work alongside, and sometimes replace, human workers for tasks like moving goods round the warehouse and picking product using robotic extensions. They promise more flexibility and a potentially lower cost point than investments in conveyors and sorters. and that they are often married with the GTP systems mentioned above to make highly-efficient goods-to-robot solutions.

Visionary companies are making investments in distribution technologies to realize competitive advantage. But emerging technologies aren’t for everybody . a radical analysis is required to form sure the worth is there for an operation. As these technologies become more capable and fewer expensive, they’re going to be adopted by more companies and enter mainstream use.

The Outlook

Two major trends will drive significant changes in distribution within the next few years. The relentless demand for faster order processing will push companies to maneuver inventory closer to their customers. which will end in more compact, multilevel distribution centers being inbuilt urban areas. and therefore the got to reduce reliance on human labor will cause new technologies that make labor more efficient, and/or eliminate the necessity for human labor altogether. thereupon will come a good greater movement toward “lights out” (unmanned) distribution centers.