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.**1:00: After the barcode days.1:30: A barcode is little more than a curious decoration2:30: The role of a tannery in RFID4:20: An $80 RFID tag, is it worthwhile?5:15: Rockwell gets into RFID5:30: 1974 Material Handling Show, a chance meeting of a man with a vision6:20: Joining Logisticon6:55: A management fundamental, go see the customer7:30: An expensive lesson learned8:15: You need to know the difference between a warehouse and an outhouse?9:15: Avoid overlaying technology over bad processes10:00: JC Penney was a WMS early adopter, 197410:55: 1971 barcoding at Buick, before the retail adoption of UPC11:35: Sticking with MHI12:30: 1995 Warehouse Management Systems Group formed under MHI13:00: Rebranded to Supply Chain Execution Systems Group14:00: 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 Ryan15:50: 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 Grouphttp://www.warehouse-logistics.com/57/3/10014/fraunhofer-iml-publishes-%C2%BBwms-market-report%C2%AB.htmlhttp://www.warehouse-logistics.com/en/home.html17:45: What happened to Logisticon?18:35: Serialization is even more important now19:30: 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 in22:30: Collect accurate operations data. Document every process.23:30: Develop KPIs to measure success.Georgia TechWERCKarl Mandrot – DC Metrics24:15: No one knows your warehouse better than you do24:35: Can you improve processes first?25:00: Define target KPIs25:40: Building a business case for all functional areas26:35: 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 ROA30:30: Example investment / benefits numbers31:35: WMS seminars, Eric Peters31:45: WMS selection strategies book32:00: In the car bird seat – helping teams identify solutions with St. Onge.32:30: Cypress...