ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses some of the ways warehouse and distribution center operations are evolving and how to ensure that all the systems are in sync to make the most of new strategies and technologies. The attempt to fulfill store replenishment orders from the same stock that e-commerce orders are picked from is a very difficult situation. E-commerce orders, in addition to individual item picks, need fast fulfillment, packaging for shipment through parcel post, and delivery to disparate locations. The order of complexity is high and the cost of all those touches can be staggering. Whether manufacturer, retailer, or service company, all are exploring numerous potential solutions to these challenges, each of which is contributing to the rapid evolution of distribution and fulfillment models. The following are the most current solutions to the success of the 21st-century warehouse: automation, integration, hyper-local fulfillment, hyperactive commerce, pickup in store, dock to dock, and digitalization.
