Automation success depends on environmental factors


There is no question that material handling systems such as shuttles, pocket sorters and Autostore achieve a high output. However, people tend to forget that such a system forms part of the bigger picture, and that it is necessary to make health & safety and facilities-related adaptations to the building too (whether it is...

Round table session on logistics challenges in e-commerce


Countless parcels are shipped every day. Many of these products pass through a complex logistics cycle as they are transported from the retailer to the consumer – including home delivery, if possible. As a result of e-commerce growth, we will see an explosive increase in the number of parcel shipments over the coming years....

Omnichannel: from vision to reality


Whereas, a couple of years ago, companies in the logistics sector had at best formulated an omnichannel vision, today that vision is actually becoming reality. In a warehouse, logistics flows are increasingly intertwined and companies are taking a much more integral approach. Now, words really have been turned into deeds.” And that is producing a...

Logistics real estate: Past performance is no guarantee of future results


Numerous developers are finally daring to take the risk of constructing new logistics real estate once more. Now that the economy is growing again and the need for storage space is rising rapidly, property developers are initiating new-build warehouse projects without necessarily having a tenant lined up. That was less of a problem in...

Food retail needs to speed up supply chain collaboration


In food retail, collaboration between supply chain partners has been the topic of fervent discussion for many years. Although everyone is aware of the benefits, there are still very few examples of supply chain collaboration in practice. It’s now time to change all that. Supply chain collaboration is more important than ever before, not least...

Getting more out of warehouse data without costly tools


Warehouses are the source of a wealth of data that is still severely under-utilized, according to Rob Wijnen, Senior Consultant and Data Specialist at Groenewout. He presents five steps to help companies get more out of their logistics data without needing cost-intensive and complex tools. The importance of data in optimizing processes and performance needs...

A focus on working conditions boosts the value of logistics real estate


Mega distribution centers for e-commerce seem to be popping up everywhere. Despite rising levels of mechanization, such distribution centers still often employ hundreds of people. The sheer size of these facilities can lead to labor shortages on the local job market. Therefore, in the battle for the right people, one weapon is becoming ever-more...

Overview of steps towards achieving BREEAM certification


Do companies applying for a BREEAM rating incur lots of extra costs? Not necessarily. A large number of measures fall into the category of ‘low-hanging fruit’, meaning that companies don’t have to spend much time or money to reap significant benefits. Read on for an overview of low-hanging fruit for a three-star BREEAM rating. ...

Benefits of BREEAM vary from one warehouse to another


It should come as no surprise that BREEAM certification is hugely popular within logistics, because in this sector in particular a three-star rating is within easy reach thanks to lots of ‘low-hanging fruit’. However, there are a few hidden pitfalls, including ones related to benchmarking and the fiscal benefits that are associated with BREEAM...

E-commerce: pioneering is allowed but mistakes are not


E-commerce has a major impact on logistics activities, as various retailers have already found out for themselves. The problem is , when it comes to the optimal logistics set-up, there are currently more questions than answers. Groenewout claims that retailers face a dilemma: they must sometimes be pioneers of logistics solutions, but they may...