Warehouse Metrics/KPIs and the Journey Towards Automation
Learn how metrics and KPIs can be used to formulate a plan to automate warehouse functions.
- 11:15 AM
Event Assets
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Description
The health and safety of our members is the UWEBC’s top priority. UW–Madison is monitoring the COVID-19 situation in collaboration with local, state and federal agencies. Based on campus' guidance, this meeting will be held via web only to allow our members a convenient and safe way to attend.
In this meeting we will talk about the surging need for automation in today's distribution environment. But before we address that, we have to know where we are in terms of efficiency to know where we can go. Of course, COVID-19 has changed the way we operate in the distribution environment and is still impacting operations 6 months in. Heavyweights like Amazon, Nike and world class e-commerce sites (like our own UWEBC member footlocker.com) are still prefacing each order with statements of delays as a result of protecting their workers in addition to shipping partner delays. This has put pressure on companies that automate warehouse functions and as a result has pushed automation projects back months, if not years, if you are starting today.
Our panel will explore some of the warehouse metrics they use and how that data can inform us on making decisions on whether to automate or not. The panel consists of Paul Fox from Pfizer, John Rapp from Footlocker and Ron Janicek of Wm. K. Walthers and each will discussing some of their go-to metrics and how they manage them. MacGregor Partners will discuss some of their insights they have gained from client automation projects, what others look for when assessing automation, what is being used to drive efficiency and some of the hurdles an organization needs to clear in order to consider a successful automation project. We will also hold interactive breakout sessions for our members to discuss top-of-mind topics in distribution before we wrap up the day.
Participate in Customizing the Agenda: You’ll have the opportunity to play an active part in shaping the agenda for this session – and to maximize its relevance for you – by suggesting questions for our presenters during the registration process or via the web during the session.
Agenda Items
| 9:00 AM | Welcome and Introductions |
| 9:15 AM | Panel Discussion & Questions |
| John Rapp, Director of Distribution, Footlocker Paul Fox, Warehouse Manager, Pfizer Ron Janicek, Director of Warehouse and Distribution Operations, Walthers | |
| 10:00 AM | Warehouse Automation Discussion - MacGregor Partners |
| Jason Ziegler, President, MacGregor Partners Chris Jones, Director, Intelligent Warehouse Solutions, MacGregor Partners | |
| 10:45 AM | Breakout Discussions |
| 11:15 AM | Wrap up and Adjourn |
Additional Information
Location: BlackBoardContact: Events Team, events@uwebc.wisc.edu