2015 Warehouse/DC Operations Survey: Industry tackles omni-channel and growth dynamics

摘要

Most of the major dynamics we've been talking about for years in warehouse and distribution center (DC) operations-from the rise of e-commerce to growth in facility size, inventory turns and stock keeping units (SKU)-are reflected in the results of our Annual Warehouse and Distribution Center (DC) Operations Survey." What's more, although these dynamics pose challenges, the good news is that the industry appears to be up to the task, as seen in respondents' increasing use of warehouse management system (WMS) software and other technologies combined with proven methods such as zone picking, observes Don Derewecki, senior consultant with St. Onge Co., our partner in this annual research project. "The overall environment looks pretty positive," says Derewecki. "People are using more square footage, higher buildings, and they need more employees to handle increased volumes and valued-added services. Also, they're dealing with more SKUs and higher inventory turns."