The days of static supply chains, both globally and locally, are long gone. Enterprises now must deal with an immense level of complexity and volatility, with continual change being the new normal.

Gap Inc. replaced manual picking and sorting operations with an automated system, resulting in a big boost in productivity at its distribution center.

With increasing volumes of online purchases, and the ability to source products from across the globe, e-commerce businesses are having trouble finding enough space.

The modern-day warehouse is serving as a laboratory for the introduction of innovative supply-chain technologies. But the implications for human workers remain uncertain.