Define the Load Carrier Early—and Don’t Change it Late
Part of my workshop PCLS (Planning of Complex Logistics Systems) is a discussion of planning principles. One of these principles is: Define the load carrier early on. In this article,…
The Warehouse Engineering Podcast #9: Learning in Systems Engineering
The Idea in a NutshellIn warehouse automation, faster implementation does more than reduce project duration: it shortens the feedback loop between planning decisions and operational reality. The sooner assumptions are…
On Technology Engineering vs. Systems Engineering
Logistics engineering is systems engineering. Let us put systems engineering into perspective. We talk about systems, we talk about technology, we call certain pieces of technology “a system” — for…
Between Picnic and Phone Orders: The Strange State of Online Grocery
Over the past ten years, online grocery has developed into my home turf. Ten years ago, online grocery was a relatively obscur industry. People knew, or assumed, it existed, but…
Mobile Picking Robots: The Rationale and Pitfalls
Mobile picking robots are increasingly marketed as a flexible automation solution. But they often automate inefficiency at a high cost. Here's a critical analysis.
The Warehouse Engineering Podcast #8: Innovation, Attabotics, and more
In this episode of The Warehouse Engineering Podcast, I discuss expensive conveyors, innovation and pseudo-innovation, the recent bankruptcy of Attabotics, and 6 River Systems—and why I’m not like your grandpa.…
New eBook on ABC Analysis in Warehouse Logistics
There are topics and tools that everyone knows. Everyone has used them or been confronted with them; they are familiar and considered important, but receive no special attention beyond that.…
Robotic Piece Picking: Anatomy of a Broken Business Model
This article is about the broken business model of robotic piece picking companies. If you are looking for the broken business model of Q-commerce companies, please read this article or…
The Technological Plateau in Warehouse Automation: Where Real Change Happens
Warehouse automation has been around for many decades. It is a complex and expansive industry that has, in recent years (specifically the last five to ten), been characterized by a…
Takeoff Technologies and the Predictable Demise of the MFC Model
A few weeks ago, Takeoff Technologies filed for bankruptcy (Douglas Moran 2024). Takeoff Technologies was one of the first, if not the first start-up to coin the term Microfulfillment Center.…
