Warehouse workers know the supply chain needs them, regardless of AI
Good morning! It’s National Dress Up Your Pet Day, and even truckers can put their furry friends in gear to celebrate! That is… if the pet allows it! 😅
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The future of warehouse labor has taken on a new light. While AI technology and robots “stealing jobs” were the talk of the town among venture capital firms and investors a few years ago, the tune seems to be changing. Instead of robotics replacing human workers, there is now an expectation that this tech will be working alongside them, instead.
Today’s warehouse workers have found their voice and are speaking out loud - they know companies need them to operate.
Check out today’s featured article from DC Velocity to read about the seemingly newfound appreciation for frontline workers in the warehouse and what improved working conditions could mean for the career path in the future. ☕️
Featured Article:
Warehouse workers gain a louder voice | DC Velocity
“Today’s workers aren’t afraid to make their wants and needs known. And that’s a good thing.”
Inflation & Money Matters 💰
Inflation easing after prices drop for the first time since May 2020
Are you tired of constantly feeling the pinch at the grocery store? Good news: inflation has finally dropped for the first time in over 2 ½ years. Since May 2020, the inflation crisis has nearly crippled American households - with everything from gasoline to eggs requiring customers to pay a premium. While eggs remain at the top of the headlines with wild price tags on a dozen, the declining price of a gallon of gasoline seems to be the biggest contributor to the lowest inflation rate.
According to the latest consumer price index (CPI), December’s cost of living dropped 0.1% compared to the rise of 0.1% in November. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is reporting that this now marks the sixth consecutive month of yearly declines and that this may be a sign of inflation easement on the horizon.
Warehouse & Tech Advancements 👩💻
New tech will replace printers and shredders in the logistics sector
Some have accused the logistics and transportation industries of being stuck in the “dinosaur age”. Printers, staplers, paper files, etc. The world is rapidly changing, and the logistics sector needs to evolve in order to keep up.
Logistics companies are increasingly incorporating technology into their operations to improve efficiency and reduce costs. One way they are doing this is by moving away from paper-based filing systems and towards digital ones. This can include:
Electronic document management systems: These systems allow logistics companies to store, organize, and access all of their documents electronically, eliminating the need for physical filing cabinets and reducing the risk of lost or misfiled documents.
Digital signature software: This technology allows logistics companies to securely and legally sign documents electronically, eliminating the need for physical signatures and the need to mail or courier documents back and forth.
Automation of workflows: Logistics companies are using technology to automate repetitive tasks such as data entry, invoicing, and scheduling, which can help to reduce errors and improve efficiency.
Cloud-based systems: By using cloud-based systems, logistics companies can access and share data from anywhere and at any time, which can help to improve communication and coordination among team members.
IoT and RFID technology: IoT (Internet of Things) and RFID (Radio-frequency identification) technology are being used to track packages, cargo, and vehicles in real time, providing logistics companies with more accurate and up-to-date information about the location and status of their shipments.
Let’s Get Global 🌎
👗 Fashion brand Mango goes all-in on global supply chain transparency. Mango published a complete list of its tier 3 suppliers last week, on a mission to lead the charge toward better sustainability practices in the fashion industry. The company is signaling that they expect other large fashion brands to follow in its footsteps by allowing customers a full view of what goes into the garments they are purchasing. Mango’s geographical footprint is large in Turkey and China with each housing 650+ factories for clothing sold through Mango. Other countries included on the list are India, Spain, and Italy.
🇨🇳 Human rights abuses in China’s Xinxiang Province are sending global manufacturers packing. Geopolitical tensions and concerns over the treatment of Chinese labor in the region seem to have finally hit a breaking point. Reshoring efforts have expanded in a short amount of time as China begins to feel the loss of global manufacturing companies.
iLevel With You 🏡
More topics for the average American household to consider…
🎨 DIY-ers and artists: a possible paint shortage is upon us. RPM International, one of the world’s leading paint and coatings makers is slowing down production as demand for the goods begins to wane. CEO Frank Sullivan and Vice President and CFO Rusty Gordon have both advised that the reduction in production is due to customers canceling orders. These canceled orders commonly cited supply chain challenges as being responsible for heavily-delayed projects.
GET SMART 🧠
Ramp up that brain power for these advanced topics…
🔧 Reverse logistics is trending. Reverse logistics refers to the process of managing the return and disposal of products, materials, or equipment after they have been used or sold. This can include activities such as product recalls, repair and refurbishment, and recycling. Reverse logistics is important for a number of reasons, including reducing waste, improving resource efficiency, and ensuring customer satisfaction by handling returns and complaints in a timely and effective manner.
🌎 Global traders are facing a new wave of challenges in 2023. Trade regulation refers to the laws, rules, and policies that govern international trade. These regulations are put in place by governments to protect their domestic industries, ensure fair competition, and promote economic growth. Examples of trade regulations include tariffs, import quotas, and anti-dumping measures. They can also include measures to ensure that imported goods meet certain standards for safety, quality, and environmental protection. The goal of trade regulation is to balance the benefits of open trade with the need to protect domestic industries and consumers.
The Workday Dash is an aggregation of articles regarding the transportation logistics, trucking, and supply chain industries for November 28, 2024, from iLevel Logistics Inc.