In today’s world of rapidly evolving technology, staying up-to-date, maintaining a competitive edge, and adhering to budgetary constraints can feel like an impossible challenge. Businesses are under constant pressure to update their technology stacks almost yearly, all while managing user adoption and training. So, how does a business operate effectively amidst this ever-changing landscape? How do you simplify a complex technology stack for your team? And for employees who may take longer to adapt to new systems—how do you ensure they’re not left behind? Most importantly, is it all truly worth it?
Let’s break it down.
Your current technology stack might include an ERP solution, an on-prem WMS, a homegrown warehouse management solution, or even a trusty Excel spreadsheet. Regardless of your setup, the first step is ensuring your technology is fully integrated to reduce silos. Integration is critical to providing end-to-end visibility, aligning operations, and minimizing errors.
Once integration is achieved, turn your focus to your workforce. Training and upskilling should be a top priority. If you don’t already have an ongoing training cadence, it’s time to set one up for the new year. These training sessions should cover new systems, tools, and general compliance requirements. Solicit feedback from employees on the technology and implementation process—not only to make them feel valued but also to gain insight into areas that require improvement. This approach fosters optimization and can significantly impact your bottom line.
Finally, accurate data analytics and reporting are essential. Track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as order accuracy, lead times, and warehouse capacity utilization. These metrics will guide your optimization efforts and identify where changes are necessary.
If your KPIs aren’t hitting their targets, it’s time to assess your technology stack. For instance:
- Order Accuracy: Aim for 99.5%–99.9%.
- Lead Times: Target 2–4 hours for same-day shipping and 5–8 hours for next-day processing.
- Warehouse Capacity Utilization: Strive for 80%–85%.
When issues arise, prioritize integration capabilities. Choose tools like Infor WMS, which seamlessly integrates with ERP, TMS, and OMS platforms. Standalone tools often result in silos, so investing in a Tier 1 WMS with robust features—such as labor management, inventory tracking, and warehouse optimization—is crucial.
Optimization often requires adopting new technologies like automation and AI. While AI may seem daunting, it can be implemented as simple, easy-to-use tools tailored to your specific needs. For example:
- sAI-Slotting: Improves space utilization.
- sAI-Cubing: Enhances packing efficiency.
- sAI-Pallet Builder: Streamlines palletization processes.
Additionally, consider AI-driven predictive analytics to improve demand forecasting and inventory replenishment. These tools not only streamline operations but also enable proactive decision-making.
Last-mile logistics has become a critical factor in customer satisfaction and cost control. Tools that integrate with small parcel shipping solutions can reduce costs and improve delivery speed. Features like route optimization software help streamline delivery services, ensuring packages reach customers efficiently.
Optimizing your operations with your technology stack doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By focusing on integration, workforce training, and emerging technologies, you can streamline your processes, reduce costs, and stay competitive in today’s fast-paced market. With the right approach, your technology stack can be a powerful driver of growth and success.
