Data Collection is Boring Part 2: More with Data and WMS Pioneer John Hill

In the part 2 interview with John Hill, he continues to stress the importance of improving processes before implementing technology. In other words, what is your why? It sounds like common sense but from my experience you improve project success when the goals and realistic expectations have been defined.

John then goes into a short course on how to select and justify warehouse technology/solutions. Given John’s background and experience this is gold.

And John agrees, the future is bright. WMS packages and companies are morphing into broader solutions to include warehouse controls, robotics, execution systems, and artificial intelligence. This is a common theme I hear on other Supply Chain is Boring guest. (check out future episodes).

Mr. Hill has truly been influential in the space over the past ½ century. He has a zest for what he does and is still preaching the MHI gospel.

Thank you John for sharing with me and the Supply Chain is Boring audience.

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1:00: After the barcode days.

1:30: A barcode is little more than a curious decoration

2:30: The role of a tannery in RFID

4:20: An $80 RFID tag, is it worthwhile?

5:15: Rockwell gets into RFID

5:30: 1974 Material Handling Show, a chance meeting of a man with a vision

6:20: Joining Logisticon

6:55: A management fundamental, go see the customer

7:30: An expensive lesson learned

8:15: You need to know the difference between a warehouse and an outhouse?

9:15: Avoid overlaying technology over bad processes

10:00: JC Penney was a WMS early adopter, 1974

10:55: 1971 barcoding at Buick, before the retail adoption of UPC

11:35: Sticking with MHI

12:30: 1995 Warehouse Management Systems Group formed under MHI

13:00: Rebranded to Supply Chain Execution Systems Group

14:00: There were many more than the 29 official members. Everyone thought they could do it. 200 across the globe.

15:00: Gartner Magic Quadrant, Tom Ryan

15:50: Why are there so many providers? John says of the 600,000 warehouses in the US only 35-40% of the market uses technology. This number may be

16:45: Fraunhofer Group

http://www.warehouse-logistics.com/57/3/10014/fraunhofer-iml-publishes-%C2%BBwms-market-report%C2%AB.html

http://www.warehouse-logistics.com/en/home.html

17:45: What happened to Logisticon?

18:35: Serialization is even more important now

19:30: Getting back to basics. Lessons from an expert.

20:00: Apocryphal, 65-70% of functionality is rarely used. Do you agree?

21:20: Does lack of training contribute?

22:00: Engage with the workforce. They may have ideas. And it will increase overall buy in

22:30: Collect accurate operations data. Document every process.

23:30: Develop KPIs to measure success.

Georgia Tech

WERC

Karl Mandrot – DC Metrics

24:15: No one knows your warehouse better than you do

24:35: Can you improve processes first?

25:00: Define target KPIs

25:40: Building a business case for all functional areas

26:35: Putting dollar values on the improvements. Get the customers input and buy in. Ask ‘how much do you think it is worth to improve x, or reduce y?’

29:25: Consider the Dupont Model to calculate probable ROI and ROA

30:30: Example investment / benefits numbers

31:35: WMS seminars, Eric Peters

31:45: WMS selection strategies book

32:00: In the car bird seat – helping teams identify solutions with St. Onge.

32:30: Cypress...