MODULE 1 CASE – Warehouses and Distribution Centers
Ask, “What’s the difference between a warehouse and distribution center?” and you’ll get different answers. Move on to the array of technology available to automate and track materials in this part of the supply chain and beyond, which is evolving at a rapid pace. Experts point to cost savings through effective inventory management and innovative technology to maintain a competitive edge which have been embraced by leaders in the field.
We covered the labor force during this week’s Discussion and location decisions in SLP 1. Let us move on to what is going on inside warehouse/distribution centers and the important functions they play in the supply chain.
Case Assignment
Begin with the background readings to provide a foundation, and then research at least three diverse technologies that are being used in warehouses/distribution centers that help manage and track inventory and product within the facility, including those that are employed down the supply chain.
- Discuss the three technologies, and then add an overview of initial costs and cost savings, if applicable. Include information on how these technologies affect human workers with regard to job displacement, safety, etc. Finally, discuss the software that supports functions within the facility for each new tech item.
- The discussion for each technology should be 1 page in length.
Resources should be no more than three years old for this Case because the industry is changing rapidly and the goal is to remain relevant throughout your career.
Module 1 Case Background Readings
Toray Industries Claims Breakthrough in Printer RFID Chips (2020)
Managing the Complexities of Inventory (2020)
Automated Stocktaking Drone for Warehouse Inventory Management (2019) (Video 1:29)
Autonomous Drones for Warehouse Management | Supply Chain | Cycle Counting (2019) (Video 3:19)
RFID, AIDC, and IoT News: Amazon Files for Patent for Wearable Computers Working with Vision Systems (2020)
Top 20 Warehouses 2019 (2019)
RFID, AIDC and IoT New Round Up for Nov 19, 2019 (2019)
Since you are engaging in research, be sure to cite and reference the sources in APA format. The paper should be written in the third person; this means words like “I,” “we,” and “you” are not appropriate. For more information, see Differences Between First and Third Person. The excessive use of quotes or unoriginal content will directly impact performance since it suggests lack of comprehension and indicates that a student may not have mastered the concepts.
Assignment Expectations
Use the attached APA-formatted template (LOG302 Case1) to create your submission.
Your submission will include:
- Trident’s cover page
- A 3-page paper with APA citations (2- or 3-sentence introduction, 3-page body, and 2- or 3-sentence conclusion)
- The alphabetized reference list page in APA format