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ProQuestDocuments 2023 12 08
ProQuestDocuments 2023 12 08
Goldberg, Rebecca
ABSTRACT (ENGLISH)
David Guggina, EVP, supply chain at Walmart, talked about how an employee in one of the retailer’s warehouses
who previously built and moved pallets now has a state-of-the-art robot taking on the heavy lifting, and instead uses
her days to reevaluate space usage to maximize capacity and improve the flow of goods through the facility. Being
able to quickly consolidate information—whether it be related to monitoring shipments from factories or
understanding delivery to the end consumer—is all part of the future of a more effective supply chain. Charles
Griffith, chief technology officer at Quiet Platforms (a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Eagle Outfitters)
emphasized that in today’s volatile economic environment, leadership is doing everything to avoid risk, and that
includes companies being overly cautious and strategic in the investments they are making.
FULL TEXT
Coming to Manifest, the annual Las Vegas trade show that assembles leaders, innovators and investors within the
logistics and supply chain space, as someone with a tertiary interest is a bit intimidating. Walking into the Caesars
Forum this past week one was immediately overwhelmed by massive electric autonomous trucks, AI powered robots
and a plethora of software intended to reimagine supply chains.
But after three days of listening to industry execs, I left with a better understanding of the pain points and the
possibilities that exist—and how those packages from Amazon arrive so quickly.
Creating a symbiotic relationship: robotics and people
Robotics and automation were center stage in conversation and on the expo floor. Speakers presented the power
and possibilities technology is capable of to both improve the supply chain and worker well-being. While the looming
question remains; how many jobs will be replaced by robots, a more uplifting theme circulated about how AI could
reimagine roles and allow for jobs that once were physical, demanding and plagued with injury to be shifted to more
creative and strategic functions.
David Guggina, EVP, supply chain at Walmart, talked about how an employee in one of the retailer’s warehouses
who previously built and moved pallets now has a state-of-the-art robot taking on the heavy lifting, and instead uses
her days to reevaluate space usage to maximize capacity and improve the flow of goods through the facility.
Patrick Kelleher, global chief development officer, DHL Supply Chain, presented DHL and Boston Dynamics’s co-
designed robot, Stretch, now being utilized in a select group of the supply chain giant’s warehouses. Stretch,
equipped with suction cup-covered arms, is capable of picking up and moving 50-pound boxes from trucks to
warehouses. Stretch will help warehouses operate more efficiently without forcing humans out of their jobs. Instead,
DHL claims, people will work alongside robots, taking on value-added jobs such as fixing them when necessary.
Data: key to a better supply chain
Data was also a central theme. Agnostic to industry, organizations that have found ways to integrate various
operating systems and build smarter “tech stacks” are primed to outperform their competitors. Being able to quickly
consolidate information—whether it be related to monitoring shipments from factories or understanding delivery to
the end consumer—is all part of the future of a more effective supply chain.
Knowing how to mine, consolidate and leverage data is central to allowing companies to better plan and and prepare
for unforeseen obstacles like weather disruptions or pandemics. Ramona Hood, CEO and president of FedEx
Custom Critical, discussed the power of data from all points of the product journey.
DETAILS
Business indexing term: Subject: Supply chains Warehouses Startups; Corporation: FedEx Corp; Industry:
49311 : General Warehousing and Storage
Section: Thought
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