WMS – A Look at 2018 and Predictions for 2019

In 2018, WMS underwent many changes and challenges. Scanco was at the forefront of the dialogue around warehouse management systems and where they’re headed. Let’s take a look back at some of the highlights:

1. In 2017, Scanco released an in-depth, three-part series on automation and the many ways that AI might impact the American workforce. We realized quite quickly in 2018 that the future we thought would arrive in a few years was already here; automation, machine learning, and AI were already making headway into warehouse systems. In 2019, expect automation to continue transforming WMS.
2. Hiring? We included numerous hiring tips this past year. With the unemployment rate at very healthy low of 3.7%, hiring continues to be a big topic. Warehouse managers need to consider all the ways in which they can make their workplace attractive to potential employees.
3. Tariffs and trade wars: This was an unexpected (and unwanted) surprise in 2018; the tariff and trade wars with China. It put quite a wrinkle in supply chains everywhere. Hopefully, the US and the EU can come to an agreement soon.

As 2018 draws to a close, we welcome the advancements that 2019 might bring. Warehouse management systems have come a long way since the invention of barcodes in the 20^th century. Voice activation, automation, and more are transforming the warehouse as we know it. Some challenges remain the same: finding and retaining good employees, for example, and trade wars will probably never go away.

But even with these challenges, the future is bright for manufacturers and retailers. Let Scanco be part of that future. Contact Scanco online or at (330) 645-9959.