Less automated "standard" material handling solutions are perfect for new or smaller companies that do not require highly automated DCs. Klaus Wurm, vice president and managing director of Schaefer Systems, discusses the benefits of integrating standard elements to help such companies get their products to market quickly without big investments or lengthy implementations.

Ed Troianello, president of QSSI Software, discusses the features that customers are looking for today in warehouse management systems and strategies for controlling costs during implementation. He also cites common mistakes to avoid.

The right warehouse management system can help companies execute on the heightened service demands of omnichannel retailing. Chuck Fuerst, director of product strategy at HighJump Software, explains which features and capabilities are necessary and how the technology is evolving.

Reacting to public outrage, Western retailers and apparel brands began a major push to improve safety at the Bangladeshi factories they do business with. It involves a sprint to inspect hundreds of plants each month and a commitment to help correct any safety problems found — all with an eye to preventing another catastrophic collapse or fire. But instead of joining forces, the Western brands have divided into two sometimes feuding camps.