Times have changed. Technology continues to advance and companies pursue each and every opportunity to integrate the latest and greatest.

New generations of smart phones and tablets are being developed at a rapid pace – sometimes before some of us even realize that the technology is already outdated.

If you are like me and did not grow up with these capabilities, then the idea of the latest and greatest technology can sometimes give you a headache.

But today, I am excited about a new technology for supply chain and warehouse managers. In a nutshell, you can now use your smart phone or tablet-computer to get real-time updates on facility material handling system health and operational metrics.

Imagine being across the country – or across the world, for that matter – and be able to instantly know that your shipping sorter is backed up, or a pick-to-light opening is empty, or that your facility has just achieved record order efficiency.

Want to know the status of orders shipped versus orders planned? That, too, is just a few keystrokes away with this new technology.

So, there you have it folks. If you are able to walk around with your warehouse in your pocket, what else might you be able to do in the future?

Go!Go!Go!

Jim

More Resources 

Tompkins' New Mobile Dashboard Puts Warehouse Technology at Your Fingertips 

Introducing: T-MD

Adapt for Today, Live to Handle Tomorrow

Tompkins Warehouse Control System

It’s no big surprise to many of us, but you have to say, wow, what a year for China economically. I won’t get into the politics and philosophies of this China boom that really began some years back, but I do want to address it from a business and supply chain perspective.

China surpassed the United States to become the world’s largest automobile market in 2009, figures just released show. China has also surged past Germany to become the biggest exporter of manufactured goods (in the midst of a global recession). The World Bank predicts that soon, China will overtake Japan to become the second largest economy in the world.

So what is the smartest China strategy for U.S. businesses to react with? I believe we have to look at the opportunities that the situation in China presents and discover how to grow trade, provide them with the supply chain and industry resources they need, and grow our own jobs and capital. There are other alternatives to be sure, but none that I see that will benefit U.S. companies as much in the long run.

Just look at the report issued last month by The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Shanghai showing that China presents one of the few future growth areas for U.S. businesses around the world. Based on a survey conducted by AmCham and Technomic Asia, the report reveals that 60% of American companies are investing in China for the revenue that is being created by the China market. In other words, their investment is not related so much to the availability of low-cost labor.

Another big, glaring bright spot is the material handling industry in China. If your business is involved in material handling systems and the technology, equipment and processes of warehousing and distribution, the door is wide open. It is quickly becoming one of the most important material handling markets in the world, and you don’t want to miss this fast boat to China (pardon the pun).

Other key sectors to watch right now in China include: 1) Medical, particularly healthcare services, look for the privatization of hospitals; 2) Automotive, consolidation of OEMs, growing strength of dealers and dealer groups, stronger aftermarket parts distribution; and 3) Consumer products.

I’d like to know your thoughts on China strategy for U.S. companies. What do you foresee in the next year or the next decade?

Go!Go!Go!

Jim

More resources

 

Multi-client report on warehousing opportunities in China: http://www.tompkinsinc.com/china/warehouse/china-warehouse-report.asp

 

Strategic sourcing and procurement: http://www.tompkinsinc.com/operations/procurement.asp

 

Caught Between the Tiger and the Dragon: A Business Novel

 

Book: The China Ready Company

If you like this blog and are interested in learning more about Supply Chain Information Technology, you’ll want to take a look at Tompkins Associates’ new blog. It is written by a bunch of great guys who really know their SCIT.

You can get to know them better by reading the inaugural post.

The technology leadership team’s expertise extends across the entire supply chain – from global sourcing and inventory management to business case development, as well as selection and implementation of supply chain execution systems and warehouse management systems.

And yes, the blog has a barcode at the top because they are geeks, but I mean that in the nicest possible way. They are the best kind of geeks: those with the knowledge and skills to offer advice that keep company systems running like clockwork and save money at the same time.

Check out the first couple of posts on this newly minted blog and learn more as they introduce themselves, get into a few hot topics and explain how to plan for SCIT needs during the Comeback of the economy.

Visit: http://supply-chain-it.tompkinsinc.com/default.aspx

Go!Go!Go!

Jim