From implementing AI in the consumer shopping experience to data collection to grab-and-go shops , it is quite literally impacting everything that we do .

For decades , technology has been improving warehouse management and driving innovation in the supply chain . In the 1970s , with the development of computers and mainframes , came the first generation of Warehouse Management Systems , or WMS as it is commonly known . According to Hopstack , in 1975 , J . C . Penney developed the first real-time Warehouse Management System , which ultimately changed the world of the supply chain .

Soon after , many companies followed suit in developing their own WMS . Warehouse innovation over the years has driven efficiency and profits , all while easing employee workloads . With the right creativity and technology , warehouses can continue to thrive .

In this article , Beverage Wholesaler highlights some strategies that can help drive your wholesale business forward in today ’ s ever-changing landscape of warehouse innovation .

EMBRACING AUTOMATION

Ion Rotaru , a warehouse management specialist from WarehouseWiz , advises wholesalers that if they want to become more efficient and reduce costs in the long-run , they need to embrace automation , WMS and analytics .

“ Automation is important because warehouse labor is becoming harder and harder to find and maintain ,” Rotaru says . “ Not only that , but we ’ ve found by talking to warehouse managers and by looking at surveys that labor is the biggest expense in a majority of warehouses .”

8 Beverage Wholesaler • Spring 2024 www . beveragewholesaler . com