UNEX Manufacturing Graduates Over 15 Partners from UNEX University

UNEX Manufacturing, Inc., the trusted industry leader in providing innovative order picking solutions, announces that over fifteen distributor partners graduated from an intensive, two-day course called UNEX University. UNEX professionals passed on their knowledge of the material handling industry, the issues and challenges facing businesses in this sector, and how UNEX solutions could help solve these problems with state-of-the-art order picking and conveying systems.

“We value our distributor partners and want to share best practices and industry insights with them to help them grow their business with UNEX solutions,” said Brian C. Neuwirth, VP Marketing and Sales at UNEX Manufacturing. “The two-day agenda covered everything UNEX – describing where UNEX participates in the supply chain ecosystem, introduction to order picking and applications, and technical information on UNEX products. By the end of this training, the partners will be ready to become Masters of Pickology themselves.”

The attending distributors broke off into small groups, led by UNEX outside sales managers, to work their way through a typical carton flow application. This included measuring rack, assessing the product being flowed, designing a carton flow solution to fit the hypothetical customers’ needs, and creating a quotation for the solution. These workshops were designed to help distributors identify opportunities for UNEX solutions and give them the information they need to put together a complete proposal.

“UNEX University is all empowerment,” said Neuwirth. “We would not be the company we are today without the excellent work done by our partners in the past. By providing them with an in-depth education on all things UNEX, we strengthen those existing relationships and better prepare our partners to strike out on their own and find great opportunities to put our solutions to work.”

The technical data portion of the seminar served a similar purpose, and helped distributors understand what measurements and data are most important when discussing UNEX solutions with potential customers. Other workshops on Lean Manufacturing, Assembly and Proving ROI were included. The distributors were also given a presentation on marketing, which taught them how UNEX and these partners can work together to grow their businesses.

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UNEX VP of Operations Named Provider Pro to Know

UNEX Manufacturing, Inc., the trusted industry leader in providing innovative order picking solutions, announces that VP of Operations, Howard McIlvaine, has been named a 2017 Provider Pro to Know by Supply & Demand Chain Executive magazine. As VP of Operations, McIlvaine is responsible for the day-to-day management of the operations of the organization. He was chosen for this prestigious award because he works tirelessly to bring quality and value to customers in the wine & spirits distribution, food & beverage, retail and manufacturing industries.

“Howard works tirelessly to ensure our products are of the highest quality and value for customers who need to keep their assembly lines moving without interruption or their retail shelves stocked,” said Brian C. Neuwirth, VP of Sales and Marketing at UNEX Manufacturing. “He also believes in giving back to the community and has worked with several organizations which serve children, adolescents, young adults and adults on the autism spectrum and with behavioral and related disabilities. He has hired several people to work alongside UNEX staff teaching them life skills, good work ethics and particular job proficiencies.”

Because of Howard’s work with Spectrum360, UNEX was awarded a New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA) Award for Excellence. NJBIA’s Awards for Excellence (AFE) program honors achievements in four categories: Business Success, Community Service, Environmental Quality and Outstanding Employer.

UNEX addresses the manufacturing, retail and distribution industries. For the manufacturing industry, our customers face challenges with keeping pace with customer demands – customers of today want to order make-to-order custom items created just for them. They also want their product orders as quickly as possible. No one waits 4-6 weeks anymore. It needs to be days, not weeks. To keep pace with customer demands, manufacturing operations require flexible, space-saving, durable and efficient lineside order picking solutions. UNEX provides products that keep assembly lines moving without interruption, errors or injuries. With UNEX solutions, manufacturing operation will achieve the best mix of carton flow, lane and aisle configurations, workstations, return lanes and pick trays, all designed to keep processes and profits flowing.

In distribution and retail, SKU proliferation, limited space, sluggish pick rates, and workplace injuries are some of the many challenges confronting distribution centers. UNEX products have helped distributors reduce travel time on the pick line by up to 80% and increase pick productivity by more than 40%. We have helped multiple distribution centers triple and even quadruple the number of SKUs stored in the same footprint.

Howard also believes that UNEX customers are facing challenges integrating new technologies with old technologies.  As business changes and increases they need to do things differently, so they look at new technologies to replace equipment.  But if they do this mid-stream how does that work with equipment up and down stream of it?  UNEX specializes in simple solutions, but they have learned that the company needs to be able to integrate with the newer technologies around us and help customers accomplish this.

Howard believes his customers are facing other challenges, but they are things that UNEX doesn’t play a big part in, like the cost of fuel going back up.  But even with things like this UNEX still tries to help customers by packing and shipping their products as efficiently as possible.

Community service awards and recognitions by several material handling industry publications and associations position UNEX as a leader in the manufacturing, retail, wine/spirits, automotive and food/beverage markets.

• Award for Excellence by the New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA) – These awards honor companies whose energy and vision have made a significant contribution toward improving the economy, the environment, their employees and the communities. UNEX Manufacturing was named in the Community Service category for their partnership with Spectrum360, which serves children, adolescents, young adults and adults on the autism spectrum and with behavioral and related disabilities.
• UNEX’s VP of Operations, Howard McIlvaine, was honored by Spectrum360 for his exemplary support helping people within the program. McIlvaine was recognized as a Hall of Fame 2016 Corporate Honoree.

As VP of Operations, Howard McIlvaine is responsible for the day-to-day management of the operations of the organization. Prior to becoming VP of Operations at UNEX, Howard worked as the Engineering Manager. He started with UNEX as a manufacturing engineer. Howard graduated from Rutgers University with a BS in Mechanical Engineering.

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A Banner Year for UNEX

UNEX Manufacturing, Inc., the trusted industry leader in providing innovative order picking solutions, had an exceptional year in 2016, highlighted by new client wins, product introductions and industry awards for excellence. The company also added new seasoned employees to the team to support the organic growth the company has experienced. Community service awards and recognitions by several material handling industry publications and associations position UNEX as a leader in the manufacturing, retail, wine/spirits, automotive and food/beverage markets.

“With the growth in e-commerce orders, making businesses pick a smaller amount of item numbers per order, but a greater volume of orders, companies are getting desperate for order picking solutions that help them improve picking accuracy, speeding fulfillment and reducing labor requirements,” said Brian C. Neuwirth, VP of Sales and Marketing at UNEX Manufacturing. “These organizations are reaching out to us to help them manage proliferating SKUs, increase space utilization in the warehouse and speed their order picking processes.”

In the past year, UNEX has updated their carton flow racks and workstations with accessories that hold monitors, tools or customized items. Their Pick-Plank solution, which helps to ergonomically reach cartons and pallets in a storage rack, was named a Best New Innovation Finalist for the 2016 MHI Innovation Award competition. The MHI Innovation Award serves to educate and provide valuable insights on the latest manufacturing and supply chain innovative products and services.

As UNEX continues to grow its client base with new customers in target industries and adds new products to its offerings, a change of sales territories became necessary to maintain exceptional customer support and service.

UNEX received the following industry awards in 2016:

• Most Valuable Supplier (MVS) Award granted by the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA), which recognized UNEX for demonstrating an exemplary commitment to their dealer network, their employees and their community.
• Brian C. Neuwirth was named a Provider Pro to Know for 2016 by Supply & Demand Chain Executive The annual awards recognize leaders in the supply chain industry that offer solutions and services that bring game changing value to customers’ businesses.
• Food Logistics Top 100 Green Supply Chain Provider Awards for 2016 – UNEX was chosen for helping retailers, manufacturers and distributors invoke green warehouse processes by reducing energy usage and improving energy efficiency.
• SDCE100 Award from Supply & Demand Chain Executive Magazine – UNEX was chosen for optimizing and reorganizing the warehouse space for Capital Candy Company that better utilized the existing space to handle a growing number of SKUs and to maximize pick efficiency.
• Award for Excellence by the New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA) – These awards honor companies whose energy and vision have made a significant contribution toward improving the economy, the environment, their employees and the communities. UNEX Manufacturing was named in the Community Service category for their partnership with Spectrum360, which serves children, adolescents, young adults and adults on the autism spectrum and with behavioral and related disabilities.
• Supply & Demand Chain Executive Green Supply Chain Award – UNEX was selected for providing eco-friendly designs for client warehouses that are not only good for the environment, but save on energy and operational costs while contributing to higher productivity and improved employee health and comfort.
• UNEX’s VP of Operations, Howard McIlvaine, was honored by Spectrum360 for his exemplary support helping people within the program. McIlvaine was recognized as a Hall of Fame 2016 Corporate Honoree.

“We look forward to a successful 2017, helping our clients outshine the competition with improved efficiencies and a focus on lean processes within their assembly and distribution areas,” added Neuwirth.

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UNEX Manufacturing Wins SDCE Green Supply Chain Award

UNEX Manufacturing, Inc., the trusted industry leader in providing innovative order picking solutions, has been chosen for a Supply & Demand Chain Executive Green Supply Chain Award for 2016. UNEX was selected for providing eco-friendly designs for client warehouses that are not only good for the environment, but save on energy and operational costs while contributing to higher productivity and improved employee health and comfort. Implementing environmentally friendly equipment can include no-noise, non-powered products, which lack any use of electricity, thus saving energy costs.

“We have helped numerous clients optimize the space in their freezer/cooler area instead of expanding that section of their operation, dramatically lowering energy consumption and saving costs,” said Brian C. Neuwirth, VP Sales and Marketing, UNEX Manufacturing. “We are pleased to be given this prestigious award for the second consecutive year for our cost-effective, flexible solutions that help distribution operations with green initiatives to keep products flowing through fulfillment.”

“Our honorees are showing that the bottom line and corporate responsibility are not mutually exclusive,” says Ronnie Garrett, editor of Supply & Demand Chain Executive. “This has been increasingly evident over the past few years and is relatively clear with the large number of entries we received this year—almost 200—for our annual green awards. Sustainability has, for these companies, become a key part of their supply chain strategies. Our goal is to honor those companies in our annual awards and credit them with the recognition they deserve. They have recognized the need for supply chain sustainability, something that’s not always easy to do.”

This year’s awards recognize small, mid-size and large enterprises that leveraged green practices and solutions to further drive sustainable improvements in their supply chain. The Green Supply Chain Award also distinguishes companies making green or sustainability a core part of their supply chain strategy, and are working to achieve measurable sustainability goals within their own operations and supply chains. The 2016 Green Supply Chain Awards honor companies taking green initiatives in the areas of Sourcing/Procurement, Fulfillment/Logistics, Operations, Product Lifecycle Management, and other areas of the supply chain. Winners are listed in the December 2016 issue of Supply & Demand Chain Executive.

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UNEX Manufacturing Introduces New Accessories for Flow Cells

UNEX Manufacturing, Inc., the trusted industry leader in providing innovative order picking solutions, introduces several accessories for its line of modular flow rack systems, Flow Cell.  Demand for these new items was driven by customer or distributor requests, while others were created after observing actual applications of UNEX products in the field and identifying ways to enhance products for customer use. Other items introduced, such as the cantilever beams, will expand the capability of UNEX Flow Cells into applications served by other products.

“One of the best ways to boost productivity, improve ergonomics, eliminate waste and maximize your space is to implement our Flow Cells into your assembly, manufacturing or order picking processes,” said Brian C. Neuwirth, VP Sales and Marketing, UNEX Manufacturing. “These new accessories make for better Lean manufacturing practices because tools, parts and electronic equipment can be placed right by your fingertips, eliminating excessing movement and wasted time.”

The new accessories for UNEX Flow Cells include:

• Cantilever Beams – Used for handling non-flowable or odd shaped items, available in lengths of 12, 18 and 24-inches, all with a 15-degree angle. These can be mounted angled up or down and hold weights 180, 135 and 90 pounds respectively.

• Tool Holder – Designed to hold pistol-grip style tools of many sizes, such as hand-held drills. It can be mounted to either side of a post or on top of a perforated beam or another surface. Using the Horizontal Mount Bracket, the tool holder can be mounted with Tek-screws directly to the bottom of the UNEX 12 and 18-inch deep workbench tops.

• Handle Bars – Horizontal (15 to 48-inch length) or vertical (6 to 36-inch length) configurations available. Handle bars make the mobile Flow Cells easier to handle and maneuver.

• Monitor Arm, Keyboard Tray/Monitor Arm, Parts Tray & Arm and T-Bar Arm – These can be used to attach monitors, custom shelves or other electronics equipment. The ability to have work instructions, pick lists, assembly instructions, etc. will make it easier to follow directions.

UNEX Flow Cells are robust, modular dynamic storage solutions for automotive, food/beverage, retail, CPG and manufacturing industries. Using UNEX Flow Cells increases space utilization by up to 50 percent, increases productivity up to 30 percent and speeds picking and fulfillment operations.

“These accessories represent a new stage in the Flow Cell product line,” said Neuwirth. “We see Flow Cell being adapted to new trends in the industry that emphasize automation and mobility.”

To request a quote on any new Flow Cell accessory, click here. If you have any additional questions about specifications or applications, contact our team of expert Pickologists!

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source https://www.unex.com/unex-manufacturing-introduces-new-accessories-for-flow-cells/

UNEX Hosts Beer Logic at ASSEMBLY Show

UNEX Manufacturing, Inc., the trusted industry leader in providing innovative order picking solutions, is hosting Beer Logic while at The ASSEMBLY Show, featuring Editor-in-Chief of Assembly Magazine, John Spovieri; Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Brian C. Neuwirth; and Chad Pilbeam, marketer, public speaker and beer enthusiast who uses humor and his love for beer to lead attendees to a new and sudsy perspective on how their operations can thrive. This special event takes place, Wednesday, October 26 from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM at conference room #8 at The ASSEMBLY Show convention center.

“UNEX solutions help assembly and manufacturing facilities decrease wasteful activities, improve the ergonomics of assembly processes, and drastically improve space utilization and storage on the assembly line,” said Brian C. Neuwirth, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at UNEX Manufacturing. “We want to share our knowledge and experience, along with industry thought leadership in a fun and entertaining way, which is why we are looking forward to meeting new prospects and current customers at the Beer Logic event on October 26th.”

With the help of a glass of Revolution Brewing’s finest libations, Beer Logic attendees will discover that everything they’ve ever needed to know about assembly can be learned from beer. Click here to register!

The ASSEMBLY Show takes place in Rosemont, IL at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, October 25 – 27, 2016. UNEX Manufacturing will be showcasing their lineside assembly and Flow Cell solutions at Booth 1014. These products speed picking operations, consolidate storage on the assembly line and reduce the footprint of lineside storage.

The ASSEMBLY Show provides assembly driven content, education and suppliers showcasing new techniques, products and services for the automotive and industrial manufacturing industries.

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source https://www.unex.com/unex-hosts-beer-logic-at-assembly-show/

UNEX to Exhibit at NBWA Show Booth 419

UNEX Manufacturing, Inc., the trusted industry leader in providing innovative order picking solutions, announces the company will be exhibiting its patented Span-Track material handling solutions at the NBWA 2016 Show. The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) 79th Annual Convention will take place September 25 – 28, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois. UNEX Manufacturing will be exhibiting in Booth 419.

“With the boom in craft beers and the proliferation of SKUs in wine and spirits distribution centers, companies need to reimagine their warehouses with solutions that increase accuracy and efficiency,” said Dave Scelfo, VP of Marketing, UNEX Manufacturing, Inc. “Our beverage clients better utilize their existing space by organizing their growing number of SKUs, increase pick rates by reducing footsteps and improve visibility and accessibility with UNEX carton flow solutions.”

UNEX will be showcasing the following equipment specifically designed for the beverage industry in their booth 419:

• Keeping Kegs Upright with Keg Flow – Specifically designed for beer kegs, UNEX Keg Flow is a special version of Span-Track that features side rails to help steady the heavy kegs, and heavy duty rollers to handle the weight. As 1/6 kegs are tall and narrow, they can easily pitch over without the help of guard rails. UNEX Keg Flow racks feature 1 to 6-inch guard rails that keep kegs in place and upright.

• Improving Split-Case Picking Efficiency – Seeing into and picking from boxes containing bottles can be cumbersome when the boxes are on tall shelves. UNEX offers several methods to help with split-case picking:

o Layback shelving – Bottom shelf sticks out further with each successive level more recessed, giving the picker an unobstructed view of what is in the box and allowing the picker to easily maneuver the bottle out of the box.
o Tray shelving – Trays attach to the storage shelf and slope down at 35-degrees to present the box, giving pickers an unhindered view into the box.

• Fitting Racks with Span-Track – UNEX Span-Track helps store beer SKUs that are readily accessible for workers, speeding the picking process. It also allows distributors to store 10 times or more products in the same footprint.

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source https://www.unex.com/unex-to-exhibit-at-nbwa-show-booth-419/

UNEX Offers Quick Ship Program for Roller Rack

UNEX Manufacturing, Inc., the trusted industry leader in providing innovative order picking solutions, announces the company is offering a Quick Ship Program for its Roller Rack solution. UNEX Roller Racks are used by distribution, manufacturing and retail operations where carton flow is required, optimizing efficiency and safety. The Quick Ship Program will deliver the 8-foot deep models within 1 week, helping clients to advance material flows throughout the warehouse and to speed picking operations.

“UNEX offers Roller Rack structures that are easy to assemble and designed to meet your operation’s unique needs,” said Brian C. Neuwirth, VP of Sales and Marketing of UNEX Manufacturing. “This Quick Ship Program helps customers who need to quickly update their warehouse operations to meet customer service requirements due to seasonal orders or who just want to update their existing operations with off-the-shelf UNEX solutions.”

UNEX Roller Racks are pre-configured and easy to assemble in <1 hour, helping companies to:

• Boost order picking efficiency – Available knuckle track improves access and sight lines, and reduces strain on workers.
• Increase order picking rates and space – Roller Racks are proven to speed pick rates and free up warehouse space for additional SKUs.
• Ensure First in, First out (FIFO) rotation – Inventory is replenished from the back without interrupting order picking in front, making sure inventory is turned appropriately.
• Reduce travel time – SKU storage is up to 7 times denser per bay than pallet rack storage, which translates into up to 80% less travel time for pickers.
• Reduce costs – Roller Rack carton flow rack structures require less steel than pallet racks, which costs less money and improves ROI. Plus, the quick-to-build, knockdown design reduces freight costs and damage.

Check out the image below for a list of part numbers available through our Quick Ship program, and request a quote here!

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source https://www.unex.com/unex-offers-quick-ship-program-for-roller-rack/

UNEX Manufacturing Wins SDCE100 Award

UNEX Manufacturing, Inc., the trusted industry leader in providing innovative order picking solutions, announces the company has won the prestigious SDCE100 Award from Supply & Demand Chain Executive Magazine. UNEX was chosen for optimizing and reorganizing the warehouse space for Capital Candy Company that better utilized the existing space to handle a growing number of SKUs and to maximize pick efficiency.

“We are pleased to be recognized for our space-saving solutions that help customers better manage picking organization, optimize space utilization and reduce the amount of reaching and bending required to pick certain items,” said Brian C. Neuwirth, VP Sales and Marketing at UNEX Manufacturing. “As an SDCE 100 winner, clients recognize our customizable solutions maximize productivity, speed fulfillment and make the best use of limited warehouse space.”

“Our goal with 2016’s SDCE 100 is to shine the spotlight on successful and innovative transformation projects that deliver bottom-line value to small, medium and large enterprises across the supply chain,” says Ronnie Garrett, editor of Supply & Demand Chain Executive. “The selected projects can serve as a roadmap for supply chain executives looking for new opportunities to drive improvement in their own operations. We congratulate all of our winners for a job well done!”

Capital Candy was running out of space and the surges in inventory made the need to increase productivity greater than ever. Capital Candy decided to reorganize the pick areas for each product group with UNEX carton flow solutions to match the unique needs of each area. This would maximize pick efficiency and provide a space friendly operation allowing Capital Candy plenty of room to grow. Applying a multifaceted carton flow approach allowed Capital Candy to reconfigure its warehouse and unleash greater productivity for each pick area.

Since implementing UNEX solutions, Capital Candy has realized all of the project’s objectives and gained several other benefits in the process, including:

• 1,000 New SKU’s Added
• Pick Rates Improved 35%
• Labor Costs Down/Sales Up
• FIFO Issues Resolved
• Gained Room for 24 Additional Pallets In one Aisle After Installing Pick-Plank

The SDCE 100 is an annual list of 100 great supply chain projects. These projects can serve as a guide for supply chain executives who are looking for new opportunities to drive improvement in their own operations. These projects show how supply chain solution and service providers help their customers and clients achieve supply chain excellence and prepare their supply chains for success.

About Supply & Demand Chain Executive

Supply & Demand Chain Executive is the executive’s user manual for successful supply and demand chain transformation, utilizing hard-hitting analysis, viewpoints, and unbiased case studies to steer executives and supply management professionals through the complicated, yet critical, world of supply and demand chain enablement to gain competitive advantage.

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UNEX Named Top Green Supply Chain Provider

UNEX Manufacturing, Inc., the trusted industry leader in providing innovative order picking solutions, announces the company has been named to Food Logistics Top 100 Green Supply Chain Provider Awards for 2016. Food Logistics is the only publication exclusively dedicated to covering the movement of product through the global food supply chain. UNEX was chosen for helping retailers, manufacturers and distributors invoke green warehouse processes by reducing energy usage and improving energy efficiency.

“UNEX solutions are far more energy efficient than most automated material handling systems, so our customers save a tremendous amount of energy,” said Brian C. Neuwirth, VP of Sales and Marketing at UNEX Manufacturing. “We are pleased to be recognized for helping clients implement green practices like reducing energy usage and lowering transport emissions.”

“The 2016 Top Green Providers reached a new record high for applicants and recipients, confirming the importance of sustainability in the global food and beverage supply chain,” says Lara L. Sowinski, editorial director, supply chain network, at AC Business Media. “Our industry’s continued focus on environmental stewardship and the role that growers, manufacturers, logistics companies, retailers and others play is driving heightened awareness and actions aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions while simultaneously boosting cost and energy efficiencies.”

UNEX material handling products do not require any energy to operate. The gravity-powered conveyor moves products smoothly and quickly without being motorized. UNEX Span-Track can be used to condense storage in freezer and cooler areas, which means less energy is consumed in these areas, which typically use significant amounts of energy. The UNEX Flow Cell is 100% recyclable and can be used to boost productivity, improve ergonomics, eliminate waste and maximize space in the warehouse.

Food Logistics’ annual Top Green Providers list recognizes companies whose products, services, or exemplary leadership is enhancing sustainability within the food and beverage industry. The list offers logistics professionals a guide to the providers, manufacturers, and software and technology companies that have found new ways to promote sustainability throughout their operations and those of their customers.

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source https://www.unex.com/unex-named-top-green-supply-chain-provider/

UNEX Wins Food Logistics Green Supply Chain Award

UNEX Manufacturing, Inc., the trusted industry leader in providing innovative order picking solutions, win the 2018 Food Logistics Green Supply Chain Award. Food Logistics’ annual Top Green Providers recognizes companies whose products, services, or exemplary leadership is enhancing sustainability within the food and beverage industry.

“Using green supply chain technologies within your distribution operations will help to lower energy costs and decrease your carbon footprint to address consumer concerns about sustainability,” said Brian C. Neuwirth, VP of Marketing and Sales at UNEX Manufacturing. “We are pleased to once again win this prestigious award.”

“The agricultural sector and food supply chains at large have long recognized the importance of environmental stewardship for long-term sustainability in both business and for future food production globally,” notes Lara L. Sowinski, editorial director. “Food Logistics remains committed to promoting those in our industry who understand their leadership role in sustainability and work to raise the bar with new products, services and strategies each year.”

Each year, the criteria for earning a spot on the list become more stringent for applicants. For example, the editorial staff evaluates a company’s participation in such programs as the EPA’s SmartWay and other recognized sustainability programs; facilities that are LEED-certified, and/or feature solar panels, LED lighting and other energy saving installations and retrofits that produce measurable reductions in GHG emissions, to name a few.

UNEX provides a number of cost-effective, flexible solutions that help distribution operations with green supply chain initiatives to keep products flowing through fulfillment. UNEX boosts storage capacity and accessibility to storage areas, allowing companies to keep their same footprint, which reduces energy consumption.

About Food Logistics

Food Logistics is published by AC Business Media, a business-to-business media company that provides targeted content and comprehensive, integrated advertising and promotion opportunities for some of the world’s most recognized B2B brands. Its diverse portfolio serves the construction, logistics, supply chain and other industries with print, digital and custom products, events and social media.

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UNEX MANUFACTURING SHOWCASES AT NBWA

Full & Partial Case Picking Solutions Deliver More Efficient Picking ProcessesUNEX Manufacturing, Inc., the trusted industry leader in providing innovative order picking solutions, will be exhibiting their robust picking and flexible storage solutions at the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NWBA) Annual Conference on October 11 – 13, 2015 in Las Vegas. The convention provides valuable education programs and networking opportunities for the $253 billion beer industry while introducing distributors to new brewers, products and innovative technologies. UNEX will be showcasing their solutions that address SKU proliferation, flexible storage, more efficient order picking and clutter-free warehouses.“To keep up with the rapidly changing environment of the beer industry, distributors must continue to modernize their warehouses and fulfillment operations,” said Brian Neuwirth, V.P. of Sales & Marketing at Unex Manufacturing, Inc. “We have had a lot of success in the beer, wine and spirits industry with our Span-Track solutions that allow distributors to house 10 times more product in the same footprint than the previous solution.”For example, Atlas Distributing made room for an influx of craft beers without having to add any more space. Workers can now locate and retrieve SKUs faster and easier because they are densely housed in visible rows with UNEX Span-Track systems. Another distributor offers over 400 different brands, which are housed in customized roller tracks to keep the hundreds of kegs off the ground and in a more condensed area. Using the Heavy Duty Span-Track solution, kegs can be easily loaded from the front of back of the lane, creating a more efficient order picking process.UNEX offers a comprehensive line of products for full case picking that speed picking operations by condensing and organizing SKUs to reduce travel time and minimize space utilization. For split case picking, solutions include tilted pick shelves/trays and knuckled track that increase pick rates and improve accuracy.The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) will offer 23 education seminars at its 78th Annual Convention and Trade Show October 11 – 14, 2015, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada. Award-winning journalist Candy Crowley and Captain Chesley B. “Sully” Sullenberger, the airline pilot responsible for the “Miracle on the Hudson,” are featured speakers. A diverse selection of educational seminars taught by industry experts will be given on warehouses of the future, warehouse design, beer industry data and more. Registration is available online at www.nbwa.org/convention.

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UNEX Wins SDCE 100 Award for 3rd Consecutive Year

UNEX Manufacturing, Inc., the trusted industry leader in providing innovative order picking solutions, was chosen for a 2018 SDCE 100 award from Supply & Demand Chain Executive. The Supply & Demand Chain Executive 100 award recognizes innovative ideas and solutions that guide industry leaders to maximize efficiency, profitability and more. UNEX Manufacturing was selected for helping to speed assembly operations using carton flow systems to keep up with the growth of the client, which is an automotive business that transforms vans, SUVs and taxis into handicapped-accessible vehicles.

“We are extremely pleased to be selected for the third consecutive year to win this prestigious award for helping our client fit more products into their existing footprint, while speeding assembly lines,” said Brian C. Neuwirth, VP of Sales and Marketing at UNEX Manufacturing. “Our Flow Cells are made of steel construction and support up to 1000 pounds per level, making them 13 times stronger than the tube and joint flow rack systems that were previously installed at the client’s facility.”

“First and foremost, we want to congratulate the winners of this year’s Top 100 for their successful and innovative projects, which serve as models to companies of all sizes for what is achievable in their supply chains,” says John Yuva, editor for Supply & Demand Chain Executive. “Regardless of company size, these projects are best-in-class examples of the types of efficiencies and bottom-line results that supply chain executives should be striving toward in their own operations. Our 2018 winners provide a roadmap for how to get there.”

The 2018 Supply & Demand Chain Executive 100 spotlights a few of the industry’s most successful and transformational projects that deliver value to enterprises across a range of supply chain functions. The supply chain projects featured in this awards program offer a forward-looking perspective for the industry on new opportunities designed to drive operational success.

By implementing UNEX carton flow workstations and lineside racks in the sub-assembly area, workers efficiently complete small assembly tasks such as welding components, modifying doors or preassembling axels. Individuals work from a convenient work table with parts, lights and tools all within reach, rather than having to move around to different locations to find things, resulting in increased productivity. UNEX Span-Track is a patented carton flow solution that increases space utilization by 50%, reduces carton imprints with 300% more surface area than other roller track options, and increases throughput up to 150% when compared to order picking from pallets.

About Supply & Demand Chain Executive

Supply & Demand Chain Executive is the executive’s user manual for successful supply and demand chain transformation, utilizing hard-hitting analysis, viewpoints and unbiased case studies to steer executives and supply management professionals through the complicated, yet critical, world of supply and demand chain enablement to gain competitive advantage.

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Why Go With Carton Flow?

Streamlining product flow is an ongoing challenge in most fulfillment facilities. It’s more than simply having the right product on hand to fill orders, although that is certainly an overriding goal. Product flow affects inventory availability and accessibility, product rotation, replenishment and storage processes, travel time, handling and ergonomics, and picking speed and accuracy. For fulfillment operations that handle large volumes of fast-moving inventory consisting of a wide variety of SKUs, the proven turnaround solution is a well-designed carton flow rack system.

Why carton flow? In today’s e-commerce environment, distributors are less likely to be handling full pallets; instead inventory is moved to the pick area in individual cartons, where pickers pull items to fulfill the more typical smaller, multi-SKU order. In this type of application, using carton flow racks can increase operational efficiency by as much as 75%, often immediately. How?

Carton flow rack systems are shelving units consisting of multiple levels of pitched tracks, complete with either wheel beds or rollers. Cartons are loaded from the rear at the apex of the rack, where gravity propels the carton forward on the rollers toward the picker, in the same sequence in which it was loaded. If there is already a carton in the queue, the newly added carton simply falls in line until it is needed.



This first-in/first-out (FIFO) design not only ensures efficient inventory rotation, but also allows picking and replenishing operations to take place simultaneously from opposite sides of the rack. Ongoing replenishment means the correct carton always on hand, within reach and in clear view. Freed from the need to wait or travel, workers are able to pick more quickly, accurately and efficiently. For optimized turnaround, carton flow rack systems are the tool of choice.

At the same time, it’s important to choose the best carton flow system for your distinct application and product mix. A robust carton flow rack system will minimize product hang-up, which can result in operational delays, damaged inventory, risk to workers and costly maintenance issues. Matching the carton flow system’s size and capabilities to your operational needs is important to achieving optimum space utilization and pick productivity. The best systems are modular, portable, adjustable, customizable, attractive and guaranteed by warranty.

Your ideal solution will provide flexibility, durability and smooth product flow. We predict you’ll see a dramatic turnabout.

UNEX Manufacturing offers a variety of carton flow systems designed to suit your warehouse application. For example, UNEX Shelf Track is a line of carton flow shelving solutions specifically designed to bring all these benefits to your operation by retrofitting into your existing carton flow shelving. For all your flow needs, contact your UNEX Pickologist today.

The post Why Go With Carton Flow? appeared first on Carton Flow and Order Picking Solutions from UNEX.

source https://www.unex.com/why-carton-flow/

The Perks of a SpeedCell Solution

E-commerce retailers and businesses offering apparel, shoes, outdoor equipment, arts & craft supplies, or even furniture use SpeedCell Storage Solutions to improve storage and order picking operations. The unique, patented design of SpeedCell offers high density storage for slow to medium-speed items within crowded warehouses, helping to increase storage capabilities up to 60 percent.

One furniture, bedding and home goods retailer uses our SpeedCell solution to hold everything from linens to kitchenware to furniture components. Instead of storing open, full cases, items are removed from boxes and stored per SKU in SpeedCell, keeping the warehouse clean and orderly. The company’s WMS directs order pickers to the proper location, whether in the SpeedCell area or in the full case area.

• SpeedCell provides high density, scalable storage that uses every inch of potential storage space within your pallet racks.

• SpeedCell columns come in a variety of sizes, with standardized cells of (sizes). Customized columns and cells are also available.

• SpeedCell Storage Solutions are made from high-strength industrial textiles that are fire, flame, mold and static resistant. Each cell holds up to 35 pounds; each column holds up to 240 pounds.

• SpeedCell cuts labor costs by 40% on average with less travel and greater efficiencies.

• ROI of typically less than 1 year.

One arts & craft retailer ran out of space in the DC and couldn’t add more room in the building because they were landlocked. Buying a new building was too costly. Instead the retailer put SpeedCell within their DC and now holds 77% of their SKUs in 17% of the building. Initially the retailer installed 4 columns and found it would hold 20 bays of products. The firm uses SpeedCell to house open boxes for e-commerce orders, which equates to thousands and thousands of SKUs.

Besides dense storage, SpeedCell improves picking efficiencies. Columns can move left or right in racks, allowing order pickers access to rows behind. As a result, order pickers speed their order picking rates because they don’t have to walk around. They just step next to a column, push it aside to reach the one in the back and select the correct SKU. No longer do workers have to travel up and down rows to fill orders.

UNEX SpeedCartt uses SpeedCell columns installed in a wire cart to improve the picking of orders or restocking of shelves or cells. SpeedCartt was introduced after SpeedCell’s engineers watched how several companies were picking orders from cut-out cardboard boxes set in racks. The pickers used shopping carts to sort orders as they walked up and down aisles to gather items to fulfill orders. Often orders would get mixed up in the shopping carts. With the SpeedCartt, which offers up to 50 cell locations per cart, order pickers have better order accuracy and restocking is much easier.

If you need greater efficiency and productivity in your order picking of slow to medium-speed products, want to cut labor costs by 40% on average or decrease travel in your warehouse, then look at SpeedCell from UNEX Manufacturing.

The post The Perks of a SpeedCell Solution appeared first on Carton Flow and Order Picking Solutions from UNEX.

source https://www.unex.com/perks-speedcell-solution/

Planning Ahead for the Rapid-Fire Seasonal Surge

Sure, it’s plus-90˚ outside, but operators inside the DC are gearing up for Holiday 2018 seasonal surge: watching product trends, stocking up on inventory, planning picking and packing operations, and making sure every aspect of the distribution channel is operating like a well-oiled machine.

At least that’s what’s on every logistics pro’s wish list.

Each year, as SKU variety and volumes increase, inventories grow larger, delivery requirements get shorter, and omni-channel sales continue to skyrocket, warehouse space and cost pressures seem to ratchet up. Throw in the emergence of the season’s latest must-have toy or other “it” gift, along with the panic buying of last-minute shoppers, and there go the best-laid plans….

Or not.



Realistically, the timeline is already getting tight- but there’s still time to engage the strategic tools and make the operational tweaks that can streamline your throughput and optimize your functional capacity. Here are a couple of solutions that can help make holiday 2018 a more fulfilling season:

• Use slotting software to analyze and optimize inventory movement. There’s no such thing as a “standard” product path in warehouse operations. To achieve maximum productivity and profitability, inventory movement must be tailored to your specific warehouse layout. SKUBE, the unique slotting software from UNEX, examines your total operation and generates a custom 3D model that strategically maps optimal SKU flow, defines the ideal storage location and media for your specific product mix, and maximizes storage density and space utilization. SKUBE analysis helps reduce footsteps, decrease search and travel, improve ergonomics and safety, and increase overall order picking productivity.

• Fine tune order picking processes to accelerate speed and accuracy. Making the correct product visible and accessible is key to picking precision. UNEX pick solutions are durable, flexible and dynamic, so you can be sure the right product is presented at the right pick point at the right time. From angled metal pick shelves that save space and boost efficiency, to innovative Flow Cell carton flow solutions that organize the workflow, ensure FIFO inventory rotation and facilitate line and process changes, UNEX solutions make picking fast and easy.

UNEX helps reduce the stress of accommodating seasonal surge demand by keeping distribution processes and profits flowing. That’s a smart move any time of year.

UNEX Manufacturing helps retailers and distributors plan for rapid-fire seasonality by rationalizing SKUs, fine-tuning order picking processes, and speeding fulfillment with state-of-the-art material handling solutions. Trying to get ready for the holidays? Contact your UNEX Pickologist today.

The post Planning Ahead for the Rapid-Fire Seasonal Surge appeared first on Carton Flow and Order Picking Solutions from UNEX.

source https://www.unex.com/planning-ahead-for-the-rapid-fire-seasonal-surge/

Back-to-School Supply Chain: Is It Doing Its Homework?

Now that the bulk of the summer has come and gone, the heat is on! We’re not just talking about the weather (although that’s pretty hot, too); we mean the stampede toward back-to-school (BTS) sales and savings, a family spending spree that’s made back to school – along with back-to-college (BTC) – the second-largest annual sales event in the country. Although the season still ends around Labor Day, each year BTS seems to start a little earlier, especially when you factor in online research, product comparisons and review, and purchase planning.



And unlike most recent retail trends, school supply shoppers are a little more old-school, tending to prefer brick-and-mortar shopping and spending about $288 USD in store, on average, compared to $103 online, according to Deloitte’s 10th annual back-to-school survey (in 2017). Not all retailers enjoy an equal increase in BTS foot traffic or sales, however. Deloitte found, “Mass merchants and off-price retailers are becoming the go-to venues while traditional department stores and specialty clothing retailers take a back seat.”

Specifically, of the survey’s respondents:

• 81% planned to shop mass merchants, a 24% increase over 2016

• 28% planned to shop at off-price stores, up from 10% in 2016

• 28% will ship traditional department stores, down from 54% in 2016

• 8% will shop specialty clothing stores, a huge drop from 2016’s 25%.

So what are the parents and students who make up these 29 million households buying for back-to-school? Deloitte reports, “Clothing and accessories are expected to account for 55 percent of families’ spending – up 10 percentage points from last year. Meanwhile, computers and hardware will take up just 14 percent of the spending; this is four percent lower than last year.”

Of course, online sales are still a strong and steady BTS channel, especially for education basics like computers and tech gadgets, calculators and backpacks. According to NRF’s figures, 44% of BTS shoppers plan to spend online, roughly the same percentage as the previous year.

Deloitte found that 71% of sales occur between early July and late August. But as it turns out, the earlier shoppers – those who start BTS shopping before August – spend about 16% more than those who start in August or later, so retailers who have BTS items available online or on shelves earlier in the summer have the opportunity to generate higher sales.

All those statistics add up to one universal lesson: Online or in-store, BTS shoppers are looking for the best deals – on products, promotions, prices, and delivery – and seamless shopping experiences. Does that ring a bell? Regardless of channel, the pass/fail ratio depends on the supply chain.

UNEX Manufacturing works with top retail organizations to create efficient and effective fulfillment processes to ensure products are on retailers’ shelves at the right time with the right quantities of inventory. With increased demand for certain school-related products, it is imperative that retailers and distributors have their warehouses in top working condition to speed products out the door. Contact your UNEX Pickologist today to learn how.

The post Back-to-School Supply Chain: Is It Doing Its Homework? appeared first on Carton Flow and Order Picking Solutions from UNEX.

source https://www.unex.com/back-to-school-supply-chain-is-it-doing-its-homework/

How to Optimize Your Retail Back Room with Roller Rack

Preparing your retail operation for long-term success means you’re likely elbow-deep in developing and implementing your holiday surge strategy right now. While your end cap displays are still months away from making their debut, your retail back room needs to be ready sooner than later to start taking on the increase in SKUs that comes with the holiday.

A common problem we’ve seen in the past few years is a simple one, but one that has cost retailers almost $1 trillion (yes, with a T) in sales– out-of-stocks. One in three shoppers experience out-of-stocks on their shopping trips, a number that skyrockets around the holidays as retail supply chains struggle to keep pace with customer demand. These out-of-stocks are one of the major factors forcing customers to shift away from brick and mortar stores to online retailers, even if they prefer to shop local.

Facing this challenge, retailers need to optimize their retail back rooms and reduce their dependency on distribution centers. That’s why UNEX has focused on making its Roller Rack solution the go-to choice for retailers who need to add high-capacity, efficient storage to their back rooms- and fast.



Roller Rack is a great option for optimizing your retail back room for maximum storage density for several reasons:

• Storage density- Roller Rack allows you to store 7 times more SKUs than your standard pallet rack or steel shelving unit. This allows retailers to hold a lot more inventory in their back rooms and keep front-of-house shelves full for their perusing customers.
• Faster picks- Roller Rack comes complete with Span-Track wheel beds or roller lanes, which keeps product flowing to the point of pick. When your front-of-house shelves empty out, this allows your staff to quickly replenish them without wasting their time rummaging around deep in a rack looking for a product.
• Single source supplier- We supply the rack and the track, and do so with faster lead times compared to other suppliers. No shopping around for tracks that are compatible with your beam types- we’ve already handled that for you.
• Knock-down design- We pride ourselves on making simple solutions, and Roller Rack is no exception. Its knock-down design makes it easy to set up, use, and break down when the holiday surge subsides and you need to re-organize your back room.
• Modular design- Only enough space for a single bay? What if you want to fill the backroom with several rows? Roller Rack is designed to be flexible enough for both applications, which makes it a great fit for retail back rooms regardless of their size or layout.

Whether it’s a big box chain or a local mom-and-pop, we’ve seen a lot of success with Roller Rack applications in retail back rooms. This solution is designed to make your out-of-stocks a thing of the past, and allows you to reclaim your chunk of that $1 trillion in lost sales. Contact one of our expert Pickologists today, and we’ll help you design a Roller Rack solution that brings the Power of Pickability to your retail back room.

The post How to Optimize Your Retail Back Room with Roller Rack appeared first on Carton Flow and Order Picking Solutions from UNEX.

source https://www.unex.com/retail-back-room-roller-rack/

Innovation: Is It Welcome in Your Organization?

We’ve all heard of the need for continuous improvement in processes and operations, but is that enough in today’s fast-changing materials handling industry? A recent article in Material Handling 24/7 addresses that question in its discussion of the importance of accelerating innovation: specifically, that it’s not enough to implement what it calls “linear innovation,” meaning that you innovate enough to maintain the status quo, but not enough to advance in any significant way.

Basically, this amounts to running to stand still. When it comes to innovating in the materials handling industry, slow and steady does not win the race.



Instead, what’s necessary is “exponential innovation,” or increasing the speed and expanding the application of technological innovations, so that innovations are executed in ways that become transformative, not just incremental. Sometimes exponential innovation can even generate solutions that are ahead of the current market’s demands.

In a nutshell, while linear innovations are transactional and operations-focused, exponential innovation is broader and more expansive. Rather than tackling a single problem, exponential innovating builds upon insightful “what-if” thinking, envisioning alternate scenarios, generating hard business intelligence, and supporting strategic decision-making.

How do you bridge the chasm between linear and exponential?

For starters, the evolution to exponential innovation requires an actual market issue that needs to be addressed; a team of competent, engaged people tasked with addressing the need; and the resources to explore truly game-changing innovations with the potential to scale into enterprise-wide solutions.

Considering that technologies such as robotics, sensors, mobility, AI, VR, IoT, Big Data, Cloud-based computing and more already exist and are increasingly accessible and adaptable, why are innovative solutions so seldom identified and integrated in ways that create exponential, scalable, next-generation change?

Wired magazine describes the typical situation this way: “The problem today’s organizations face is that digital transformation relies both upon technology advancement as well as organizational – and yet, it seems our inability to accelerate the latter may be putting the whole kit and caboodle in jeopardy.”



That means exponential innovation has to come from the top down – an organizational willingness to envision, embrace and nurture change, including providing ample time and resources for exploration. If you settle for innovating incrementally, that’s all you’ll get.

Innovation thrives only where it is welcomed. How receptive is your organization to exponential innovation?

UNEX SpeedCell is one innovation for warehouse storage that helps order pickers pick more product more safely in less space, with the added benefit of fewer touches and greater accuracy. UNEX SpeedCell consolidates storage capacity and dramatically increases pick facings, resulting in greater SKU density, requiring less travel and search time for your order pickers. Contact your UNEX Pickologists today to see how SpeedCell can help you accelerate innovation.

The post Innovation: Is It Welcome in Your Organization? appeared first on Carton Flow and Order Picking Solutions from UNEX.

source https://www.unex.com/innovation-is-it-welcome/

UNEX Wins SDCE 100 Award for 3rd Consecutive Year

UNEX Manufacturing, Inc., the trusted industry leader in providing innovative order picking solutions, was chosen for a 2018 SDCE 100 award from Supply & Demand Chain Executive. The Supply & Demand Chain Executive 100 award recognizes innovative ideas and solutions that guide industry leaders to maximize efficiency, profitability and more. UNEX Manufacturing was selected for helping to speed assembly operations using carton flow systems to keep up with the growth of the client, which is an automotive business that transforms vans, SUVs and taxis into handicapped-accessible vehicles.



“We are extremely pleased to be selected for the third consecutive year to win this prestigious award for helping our client fit more products into their existing footprint, while speeding assembly lines,” said Brian C. Neuwirth, VP of Sales and Marketing at UNEX Manufacturing. “Our Flow Cells are made of steel construction and support up to 1000 pounds per level, making them 13 times stronger than the tube and joint flow rack systems that were previously installed at the client’s facility.”

“First and foremost, we want to congratulate the winners of this year’s Top 100 for their successful and innovative projects, which serve as models to companies of all sizes for what is achievable in their supply chains,” says John Yuva, editor for Supply & Demand Chain Executive. “Regardless of company size, these projects are best-in-class examples of the types of efficiencies and bottom-line results that supply chain executives should be striving toward in their own operations. Our 2018 winners provide a roadmap for how to get there.”

The 2018 Supply & Demand Chain Executive 100 spotlights a few of the industry’s most successful and transformational projects that deliver value to enterprises across a range of supply chain functions. The supply chain projects featured in this awards program offer a forward-looking perspective for the industry on new opportunities designed to drive operational success.

By implementing UNEX carton flow workstations and lineside racks in the sub-assembly area, workers efficiently complete small assembly tasks such as welding components, modifying doors or preassembling axels. Individuals work from a convenient work table with parts, lights and tools all within reach, rather than having to move around to different locations to find things, resulting in increased productivity. UNEX Span-Track is a patented carton flow solution that increases space utilization by 50%, reduces carton imprints with 300% more surface area than other roller track options, and increases throughput up to 150% when compared to order picking from pallets.

About Supply & Demand Chain Executive

Supply & Demand Chain Executive is the executive’s user manual for successful supply and demand chain transformation, utilizing hard-hitting analysis, viewpoints and unbiased case studies to steer executives and supply management professionals through the complicated, yet critical, world of supply and demand chain enablement to gain competitive advantage.

The post UNEX Wins SDCE 100 Award for 3rd Consecutive Year appeared first on Carton Flow and Order Picking Solutions from UNEX.

source https://www.unex.com/unex-sdce100-3rd-year/

E-Commerce Fulfillment: 7 Ways to Build (Capital E) Efficiency

Consumers now have more ways to buy than ever before, a trend that is accelerating at rocket speed through partnerships, acquisitions, software innovations and device upgrades, prompted by demanding customers and lucrative new markets and boosted by the ease of use of new interfaces, currencies and payment options. In a world where Alexa can order your household staples and notify you when your package arrives at your door, why would anyone go to the mall? In 2016, worldwide retail e-commerce fulfillment sales reached $1.915 trillion dollars; by the end of 2020, it’s projected to reach a whopping $4 trillion, according to EMarketer.com. Meeting the (multi-faceted) challenges of e-commerce sales – handling all these SKUs from all these sources via all these channels to all these destinations – will require a focus on optimization and efficiency that will revolutionize fulfillment. When so many companies are falling behind, how do you get – and stay – ahead of the game? Implementing these 7 best practices can help you streamline your supply chain for greater accuracy and efficiency in e-commerce fulfillment:

• Consolidate picks: A sensible cluster-picking strategy with appropriately sized carts allows pickers to handle multiple orders in a single trip, which increases pick rates and reduces travel time.
• Build cohesion across channels: In e-commerce, there’s no room for segregated fulfillment. You must be able to receive, fulfill, ship, and return equally well in and across each of your facilities, from warehouses to retail centers, seamlessly and transparently, to ensure operational accuracy and follow through. Focus on creating cross-channel transparency, communication and competence.
• Keep omni-channel warehouse strategies omnipresent: When designing or renovating your DCs, plan for fluid omni-channel processes with optimum functionality and flexibility to meet demand in every channel.
• Equalize production, fulfillment and labor loads: Integrate supply chain systems to balance workloads, minimize fluctuations for your facilities, equipment and staff, and accommodate seasonality.
• Fine-tune your WMS: Expand existing WMS capabilities to include automation and applications designed to meet the specific challenges of e-commerce fulfillment. Supplement your WMS with a slotting analysis program like SKUBE to ensure every SKU or part you carry is optimized and accounted for.
• Scrutinize seasonality: A close study of seasonal demand patterns often reveals distinct differences by channel. For instance, holiday fulfillment for wholesale orders will increase and peak significantly earlier than for e-commerce orders, allowing you to analyze and optimize seasonal hiring and training.
• Supplement with regional or pop-up DCs: Since 2016, DC operators have been experimenting with the use of smaller, temporary fulfillment facilities to handle the highest volume, fastest-moving SKUs for increased speed and efficiency, especially near large urban hubs.

Realistically, the “traditional” DC has no place in today’s fast-paced, high-demand, customer-centric, omni-channel marketplace. Successful operators recognize this reality – and invest in innovations to meet its challenges with speed and efficiency.  UNEX Manufacturing helps e-commerce operations improve efficiencies and speed of fulfillment with carton flow, pick shelves, gravity conveyors and other material handling systems. UNEX solutions help e-commerce businesses reduce operating costs and keep orders flowing. Contact your UNEX Pickologist today.

The post E-Commerce Fulfillment: 7 Ways to Build (Capital E) Efficiency appeared first on Carton Flow and Order Picking Solutions from UNEX.

source https://www.unex.com/e-commerce-fulfillment-efficiency/

E-Commerce Fulfillment: 7 Ways to Build Efficiency With a Capital E

Consumers now have more ways to buy than ever before, a trend that is accelerating at rocket speed through partnerships, acquisitions, software innovations and device upgrades, prompted by demanding customers and lucrative new markets and boosted by the ease of use of new interfaces, currencies and payment options. In a world where Alexa can order your household staples and notify you when your package arrives at your door, why would anyone go to the mall? In 2016, worldwide retail e-commerce fulfillment reached $1.915 trillion dollars; by the end of 2020, it’s projected to reach a whopping $4 trillion, according to EMarketer.com. Meeting the (multi-faceted) challenges of e-commerce sales – handling all these SKUs from all these sources via all these channels to all these destinations – will require a focus on optimization and efficiency that will revolutionize fulfillment. When so many companies are falling behind, how do you get – and stay – ahead of the game? Implementing these 7 best practices can help you streamline your supply chain for greater accuracy and efficiency in e-commerce fulfillment:  

1. Consolidate picks: A sensible cluster-picking strategy with appropriately sized carts allows pickers to handle multiple orders in a single trip, which increases pick rates and reduces travel time.
2. Build cohesion across channels: In e-commerce, there’s no room for segregated fulfillment. You must be able to receive, fulfill, ship, and return equally well in and across each of your facilities, from warehouses to retail centers, seamlessly and transparently, to ensure operational accuracy and follow through. Focus on creating cross-channel transparency, communication and competence.
3. Keep omni-channel warehouse strategies omnipresent: When designing or renovating your DCs, plan for fluid omni-channel processes with optimum functionality and flexibility to meet demand in every channel.
4. Equalize production, fulfillment and labor loads: Integrate supply chain systems to balance workloads, minimize fluctuations for your facilities, equipment and staff, and accommodate seasonality.
5. Fine-tune your WMS: Expand existing WMS capabilities to include automation and applications designed to meet the specific challenges of e-commerce fulfillment. Utilizing your WMS alongside a slotting analysis program like SKUBE will ensure every inch of useful space is being used in the best way possible.
6. Scrutinize seasonality: A close study of seasonal demand patterns often reveals distinct differences by channel. For instance, holiday fulfillment for wholesale orders will increase and peak significantly earlier than for e-commerce orders, allowing you to analyze and optimize seasonal hiring and training.
7. Supplement with regional or pop-up DCs: Since 2016, DC operators have been experimenting with the use of smaller, temporary fulfillment facilities to handle the highest volume, fastest-moving SKUs for increased speed and efficiency, especially near large urban hubs.

Realistically, the “traditional” DC has no place in today’s fast-paced, high-demand, customer-centric, omni-channel marketplace. Successful operators recognize this reality – and invest in innovations to meet its challenges with speed and efficiency. UNEX Manufacturing helps e-commerce operations improve efficiencies and speed of fulfillment with carton flow solutions and other material handling systems. UNEX solutions help e-commerce businesses reduce operating costs and keep orders flowing. Contact your UNEX Pickologist today.

The post E-Commerce Fulfillment: 7 Ways to Build Efficiency With a Capital E appeared first on Carton Flow and Order Picking Solutions from UNEX.

source https://www.unex.com/e-commerce-fulfillment-7-ways/

UNEX Wins Food Logistics Green Supply Chain Award

 

UNEX Manufacturing, Inc., the trusted industry leader in providing innovative order picking solutions, win the 2018 Food Logistics Green Supply Chain Award. Food Logistics’ annual Top Green Providers recognizes companies whose products, services, or exemplary leadership is enhancing sustainability within the food and beverage industry.

“Using green supply chain technologies within your distribution operations will help to lower energy costs and decrease your carbon footprint to address consumer concerns about sustainability,” said Brian C. Neuwirth, VP of Marketing and Sales at UNEX Manufacturing. “We are pleased to once again win this prestigious award.”

“The agricultural sector and food supply chains at large have long recognized the importance of environmental stewardship for long-term sustainability in both business and for future food production globally,” notes Lara L. Sowinski, editorial director. “Food Logistics remains committed to promoting those in our industry who understand their leadership role in sustainability and work to raise the bar with new products, services and strategies each year.”

Each year, the criteria for earning a spot on the list become more stringent for applicants. For example, the editorial staff evaluates a company’s participation in such programs as the EPA’s SmartWay and other recognized sustainability programs; facilities that are LEED-certified, and/or feature solar panels, LED lighting and other energy saving installations and retrofits that produce measurable reductions in GHG emissions, to name a few.

UNEX provides a number of cost-effective, flexible solutions that help distribution operations with green supply chain initiatives to keep products flowing through fulfillment. UNEX boosts storage capacity and accessibility to storage areas, allowing companies to keep their same footprint, which reduces energy consumption.

About Food Logistics

Food Logistics is published by AC Business Media, a business-to-business media company that provides targeted content and comprehensive, integrated advertising and promotion opportunities for some of the world’s most recognized B2B brands. Its diverse portfolio serves the construction, logistics, supply chain and other industries with print, digital and custom products, events and social media.

The post UNEX Wins Food Logistics Green Supply Chain Award appeared first on Carton Flow and Order Picking Solutions from UNEX.

source https://www.unex.com/green-supply-chain-2018/

Adapting NextGen Technologies- What’s Stopping You?

Back in 2014, when the MHI Annual Industry Report was titled “Innovations That Drive Supply Chains,” 84% of supply chain execs predicted that they would adopt inventory and network optimization tools within the next 3-5 years. Yet, now that 2018 is here, the actual adoption rate is a full 40% less than predictions! The same is true for the rest of 2014’s “transformational” technologies: adoption rates are roughly 20-50% lower than expected.

These figures come from the 2018 Annual Industry Report, which is appropriately titled “Overcoming Barriers to NextGen Supply Chain Innovation.” So what’s the holdup?

According to this year’s respondents, there are 3 main barriers that stand in the way of adopting NextGen technologies:

• Making the business case. Justifying the costs of implementing innovative new technologies is difficult because the potential value is unknown. On the other hand, the costs of inaction – and falling behind – can be dire.
• Addressing the skills gap and workforce shortage. Attracting talent with technical and analytical skills is not a new challenge, but solving it becomes even more critical as NextGen systems replace physical work with insight based tasks that require multi-faceted expertise.
• Building trust and ensuring cybersecurity. Even the most casual observer knows that new technologies come with new risks, no matter how large or small the company. Building in robust, multi-layered security features at every point along the supply chain is vital to building trust among all partners and stakeholders.

So how do you tackle these barriers? That answer depends on your own specific culture, partners, workforce, industry and markets. But there’s no doubt that you must tackle them. As MHI CEO George Prest put it in the 2018 report, “While the transition to NextGen supply chains is complex, inaction is not a strategy. Ignoring these important developments may leave your supply chain at a severe disadvantage in the future.”

UNEX Manufacturing has materials handling, storage and order picking solutions that tackle many of the barriers of adoption, such as helping with the labor shortage by speeding fulfillment and reducing amount of labor needed. Our solutions are cost-effective, yet made of the highest quality materials, so you get the most value for your investment. Contact your UNEX Pickologist today.

The post Adapting NextGen Technologies- What’s Stopping You? appeared first on Carton Flow and Order Picking Solutions from UNEX.

source https://www.unex.com/adapting-nextgen-technologies/

NextGen Supply Chains: Are We There Yet?

NextGen seems to be the supply chain industry’s favorite new terminology. But what does the term actually mean?

As buzzwords go, NextGen is pretty broad and nebulous. We’ve seen NextGen supply chains called “connected commerce,” described as “unified commerce solutions,” and defined as “the creation of complex yet seamless supply chain networks.”

What we haven’t seen is much on NextGen’s specifics. Can incremental improvements lead to NextGen? Or does NextGen require a completely new process? How do we know if and when our supply chain has officially become NextGen?

While the 2018 Annual Industry Report: Overcoming Barriers to NextGen Supply Chain Innovation doesn’t define the term, it does help refine the NextGen vision and put it into an industry context by listing the 10 Key Attributes of the NextGen Supply Chain. These characteristics, existing contemporaneously and operating seamlessly, set the stage for NextGen:

• Digital: Data-gathering sensors and smart devices transform reams of data points into actionable insights by feeding information to artificial intelligence technologies for analysis and direction.
• Connected: Seamless sharing across all links throughout the supply chain enables operators to tighten up plans and processes in ways that minimize waste and increase speed and accuracy.
• Collaborative: Unlike the traditional competitive supply chain model, NextGen supply chains are collaborative, removing barriers to achieve shared benefits, including lower costs and better service delivery.
• Always-on: The Internet never sleeps, and now that customers can order online any time from anywhere, neither can supply chains. Even raw materials suppliers, manufacturers and vendors must mount round-the-clock operations in order to meet market demand for fast turnaround and seamless service.
• Driven by forward-looking analytics: Historical data will always have its place, but as companies adopt and apply emerging predictive analysis capabilities, they discover unexpected ways to improve performance and gain a competitive advantage.
• Transparent: From sourcing and production through order placement, fulfillment and delivery, NextGen supply chains provide not just visibility – but full transparency and access – to all stakeholders, including customers and end users, in real time, creating connection and avoiding unintended silos.
• Secure and trusted: In a digital, interconnected, transparent network, security is a vital characteristic, not only to identify threats and manage risks, but also to build in the level of trust that’s needed to ensure enterprise-wide participation.
• Agile, adaptive and responsive: Across-the-board connectedness gives partners the insights they need to anticipate and adapt to market demand in unison, working hand in hand to optimize outcomes.
• Effective and efficient: Efficiency vs. effectiveness has long been the supply chain dichotomy, an ongoing strategic competition between resource management and service delivery. NextGen helps eliminate the need for tradeoffs by simultaneously improving both, based on a customer-centric perspective.
• Safe and sustainable: The supply chain’s role in promoting and protecting workplace safety, societal responsibility and environmental sustainability faces scrutiny like never before, and consumers punish those who ignore issues of health and sustainability. NextGen’s flexible connectedness helps companies find ways to incorporate automation to eliminate safety hazards, increase use of recycled and repurposed materials, minimize water and energy usage, even cut back on unnecessary travel, as tangible demonstrations of brand values.

Chances are, your supply chain operation already includes at lease some NextGen characteristics. The challenge is to continually build upon these capabilities, leveraging the resulting information and insights to prepare for the future. Yes, technologies will continue to evolve and capabilities will continue to improve. It’s called progress, and in every generation, that’s something to look forward to.

NextGen supply chains are digitally enhanced and connected via smart devices and sensors, creating a seamless network of information that can be used for continuous improvement and creating a lean environment. UNEX Manufacturing engineers understand that in order to remain competitive in today’s environment, businesses must harness this data for better transparency. UNEX helps companies survive in the 21^st century by meeting customer expectations and speeding fulfillment. Contact your UNEX Pickologist today.

The post NextGen Supply Chains: Are We There Yet? appeared first on Carton Flow and Order Picking Solutions from UNEX.

source https://www.unex.com/nextgen-supply-chains-yet/

Meeting the Challenge of Supply Chain Innovation

The 2018 MHI Annual Industry report has been released, and its findings are right on the nose. Titled “Overcoming Barriers to NextGen Supply Chain Innovation,” the results from this fifth annual survey on supply chain innovation and challenges show that much has changed since that initial report came out in 2014 – and much has not.

For instance, the 2014 report cited supply chain executives’ top two strategic priorities (analytics and multichannel fulfillment); top two barriers to innovation (a talent shortage and cost-reduction pressures); and top three emerging innovations to watch (sustainability, mobility/machine-to-machine technology, 3-D printing).

In the 2018 report, respondents cited their top challenges as consumer demand on supply chain (73%) and hiring qualified workers (64%). The number of key innovations they’re eyeing increased from just three in 2014 to 11 in 2018: robotics & automation (65%); predictive analytics (62%); Internet of Things/IoT (59%); artificial intelligence (53%); inventory & network optimization (53%); driverless vehicles & drones (52%), wearable & mobile technologies (45%); cloud computing and storage (40%); blockchain/distributed ledger technologies (35%); and 3-D printing (35%).

Realistically, supply chain pressures have not so much changed as amplified and intensified exponentially.

As the report’s intro bluntly notes, “Today’s supply chain does much more than just physically move materials and product from place to place. In an increasingly digital world, supply chains are the backbone of an information ecosystem in which a connected and carefully coordinated set of movements and actions must be tracked at every level in order to maximize efficiency and meet customer demands for increased flexibility, visibility, and transparency.”

In just five short years, supply chain execs have shifted from warily contemplating technology’s applications and impact on a changing industry to confronting the hard realities of the digital, omni-channel world. Surveys like the one from MHI give us all insights into what we’re facing – and help us fix our focus on the future as we develop solutions.

With customer expectations going through the roof, UNEX Manufacturing knows what it takes to speed fulfillment operations so you can meet the market’s demand. UNEX has the systems to help retailers, assemblers, distributors and manufacturers get products into the queue and out the door quicker. Contact your UNEX Pickologist today for details.

The post Meeting the Challenge of Supply Chain Innovation appeared first on Carton Flow and Order Picking Solutions from UNEX.

source https://www.unex.com/meeting-challenge-supply-chain-innovation/