The "lights-out warehouse" is a little like Bigfoot: a mythical idea everyone in the material handling industry has heard about but few have actually seen. It's been a buzzword for years, yet just a handful of companies have made the leap to a fully automated distribution center, despite abundant indications that it would increase efficiency and profit margins.

Dematic, a supplier of automated fulfillment technology for warehouses and distribution centers, has introduced Dematic iQ.

A strong, enduring team is key to warehousing success. Since its inception, WERC has supported the warehouse associate as a professional and logistics as a viable career choice. We wanted to know: Do companies utilize outreach programs to "sell" the profession? What methods are used to announce job openings? How do companies determine candidates as a good fit? What about "diversity" – language issues, hiring disabled individuals? – Michael Mikitka, CEO, Warehousing Education and Research Council

AccellosOne Ship, the shipping module from Accellos Inc., has been integrated with AccellosOne Collect for Microsoft Dynamics GP.

Handheld Group, a manufacturer of rugged mobile computers and smartphones, has launched a new rugged handheld, the Nautiz X4.

Distribution center design has always been a key aspect of supply-chain management. Now it's becoming a "science." Russ Meller, vice president of research and development with Fortna, explains what that means.