Think warehouses are filled with robots and high-tech automation? The reality might surprise you. In this episode, inventory control specialist Joshua Neuman pulls back the curtain on the warehouse industry, revealing why most companies still rely on pen, paper, and Excel—despite the constant buzz around automation.

From his military logistics experience to managing inventory in manufacturing, Joshua shares why high-tech solutions often fail, how poor planning leads to wasted investments, and what truly makes a warehouse efficient. He dives into the key role of company culture, why SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) matter more than fancy software, and the real difference between Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Inventory Management.

Key Takeaways:

• Why automation adoption is slower than expected
• The biggest mistakes companies make when implementing new tech
• How company culture impacts efficiency
• SOPs: The backbone of every successful warehouse
• WMS vs. Inventory Management

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

01:46 Joshua’s background & career journey

06:47 Excel and pen-and-paper in modern warehouses

10:09 Low-automation warehouses vs. high-tech solutions

15:12 Barriers to automation adoption in warehouses

17:11 Importance of company culture in warehouse efficiency

18:35 Handling seasonal demand and temp labor challenges

22:43 Building SOP documentation base & training new hires

26:55 Incorporating new software into the existing ecosystem

36:14 Warehouse Management vs. Inventory Management

38:19 Implementing technology without disrupting workflow

45:00 Joshua’s future in logistics and career goals

46:35 Advice for young professionals in warehouse management

In this episode, we talk to Adam Petrus from Zebra, the company that provides the RFID technology behind the NFL's Next Gen Stats program. Adam explains how Zebra's cutting-edge tracking system allows the league to capture incredibly detailed data on player and ball movements in real time.

From measuring the speed and distance of a 105-yard kickoff return to helping coaches optimize player performance in practice, Adam shares how Zebra's solutions are transforming the way football is played and analyzed. He also discusses the potential for this technology to be used in other sports, like the World Cup, and the importance of balancing data-driven insights with the human element that makes sports so compelling.

Throughout the conversation, Adam's expertise and enthusiasm for sports technology shine through, making this an engaging listen for any fan interested in the intersection of sports and innovation.

Timestamps:

01:26 Zebra's Role in NFL and AWS Partnership

06:19 Adam’s background and career journey

09:22 Implementation and Logistics of Zebra's NFL Partnership

15:19 Future plans and potential actions

22:53 The use of AI for data analysis

25:38 The use of Zebra in NCAA

32:37 Zebra’s role in World Cup planning

35:16 Zebra in international sport events

39:24 Zebra’s role in other sports leagues and entertainment space

41:50 Can all those data have a negative impact?

44:03 The most rewarding part of the job

45:51 Final thoughts on partnership with Zebra

In this episode, we talk to Jerry Abiog, co-founder of Standard Insights, about his journey into AI and the challenges of convincing businesses to adopt these technologies.

Jerry shares how AI can revolutionize inventory management and customer experience, providing concrete examples of the cost savings and revenue opportunities it can unlock. He also addresses concerns about data privacy and the future of the warehousing industry.

Throughout the conversation, Jerry's entrepreneurial spirit shines as he shares his personal drive to innovate and build a lasting legacy, offering advice to fellow entrepreneurs. Tune in now!

Timestamps:

00:45 Journey to the founding of Standard Insights

03:53 Early challenges and market conditions

10:37 The future of AI in warehousing

13:56 AI and data privacy concerns

16:05 Convincing companies to adopt AI-driven solutions

19:00 Technologies with the biggest impact on the warehousing industry

21:24 One piece of advice for entrepreneurs

22:34 Standard Insights’ legacy and future goals

Robbie Gleason knows warehousing woes all too well. As his medical supply business boomed, space quickly ran short in his packed Norfolk facility. But Robbie wasn't one to let limitations stop his growth.

Through this candid chat, learn how he got creative to maximize every inch. Discover too the system switch that untangled barcode battles. Most inspiring is Robbie's hustle to help others through his new 3PL venture, even while juggling family life in his rural village.

Tune in to find motivation from one entrepreneur's story of optimizing operations, overcoming obstacles, and helping fellow businesses fulfill their potential - all without losing sight of a work-life balance. Robbie proves the possibilities when you refuse to let warehouse walls hold you back.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro
00:41 How did Robbie Gleason develop his business
08:25 Work ethics and work-life balance
12:55 Hustle culture and growth strategies for a UK-based e-commerce company
16:51 How does Robbie’s day look like?
18:26 Business challenges and strategies
24:12 The disadvantage of having two separate facilities
27:44 Challenges of small business ownership in the UK
32:25 Business regulations and taxes
39:57 What advice would Robbie give himself 3 years ago?
41:28 WMS migration and barcode issues
49:59 WMS software limitations and scalability
52:38 The most enjoyable part of the journey

In this episode, Cliff and Jeremy share battle-tested strategies for small businesses to compete against industry titans. Learn how to leverage customer research to stand out from the crowd and win big deals. Discover techniques for building rapport that keep clients loyal for life.

They'll also reveal their approach to prioritizing an endless list of tasks without drowning in busy work. Find out how to solve customer problems face-to-face instead of over email for better results.

Plus, gain insider tips for prospecting like a pro from their years of sales experience. Walk away with practical tactics to boost your business from the ground up using guerrilla marketing tactics.

Timestamps:

00:00 Differentiating yourself as a small business
08:06 The shift in marketing and communication
11:25 Enterprise sales and overcoming obstacles
20:10 How to prioritize time as a small business executive
29:37 Discipline and motivation in a small company
33:53 Trial and error to find the best path
36:25 How to interact with customers on-site?

In this premiere episode, you will meet the hosts of The Warehouse Insider, Cliff Hardesty from Bar Code Depot and Jeremy Hess from BullsEye Computing.

They share their entrepreneurial journeys and how a shared focus on customer care brought them together. Learn about their goal to help warehouse professionals through the insights gained over decades in the industry.

Discover challenges in returns management like damage in transit and human errors. Learn how implementing good strategies for optimizing processes are essential before investing in new technologies. Walk away with real-world advice on visibility, communication and customized solutions.

Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:37 Meet Cliff Hardesty from Bar Code Depot
05:49 Meet Jeremy Hess from BullsEye Computing
08:48 Shared values: Caring about the customer
10:39 Being a problem solver for your customer
13:03 The reason for starting a podcast
14:20 The Blue Star survey and the challenges of the return process
18:50 Technology utilization – RFID and barcodes
21:32 Software can’t replace a bad business process
24:06 The importance of communication in the return process
25:57 Return process challenges in the industry