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Supply Chain Cybersecurity for Material Handling & Logistics Systems

By Brian Van Vleet, Rockwell Automation With the increasing adoption of AI, robotics and automation, modern control systems of sortation and processing equipment are in the crosshairs of highly motivated individuals who exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems, networks and software for financial or political gain. Distribution and fulfillment operations need an especially heightened awareness due […]

Sedlak Attends MODEX 2024

A team of Sedlak consultants recently attended MODEX, a leading conference for manufacturing and supply chain professionals that focuses on innovation, technology and networking. The team that attended included David Teeple and Michael Davis, both Directors of Client Services; Ryan Prahler, Client Executive; Rob Bober, Manager; and Brian Donnelly, Senior Consultant.

Dave Teeple on How to Implement New Technology in Fulfillment Operations

In this episode of the Unboxing Fulfillment podcast, host Harry Drajpuch interviews David Teeple, Director of Client Services at Sedlak Supply Chain Consultants. Sedlak is a comprehensive supply chain and distribution logistics advisory firm that has been in business since 1958.

Automation in the Supply Chain from Processes to Robotics: Tecsys and Sedlak

As a supply chain professional, you need to better understand how current automation movements can impact your business. Automation in the Supply Chain from Processes to Robotics, which is a recorded session from Sedlak’s 2023 virtual event series, Balancing People, Systems and Automation, looks at which processes are being automated within the supply chain, as […]

Spotlight on Robotics

If you went to ProMat in Chicago this spring, you saw hundreds of robots performing distribution tasks including storage, retrieval, pick assist and sortation. At Sedlak, we are fortunate to be brought up to speed on these technologies on a regular basis when vendors schedule a lunch hour with us to demonstrate their offerings and […]

Optimizing the Balance Between People, Information Systems and Automation

It was great to see that ProMat was so well attended this year! After the past few years it was good to reconnect with friends and colleagues.

Congratulations to Our Newly Promoted Associates!

It is our pleasure to announce the following promotions and congratulate each of these Sedlak associates on their achievements! Rob Bober, Manager.

Sedlak’s Lunch & Learn Program for Suppliers

Sedlak maintains relationships with a number of key suppliers, which include integrators, third party logistics providers, and providers of material handling equipment and storage media, information technology, robotics, real estate, and construction. We work with these suppliers in order to keep our staff abreast of vendor capabilities, product offerings, industry news, and to obtain competitive […]

Full Automation: 6 River Systems & Sedlak

Automation is rapidly becoming essential, not optional, in addressing today’s supply chain challenges. While the main focus of automation has always been on optimizing the picking function, where the majority of labor is required, there are opportunities to utilize AMRs and other automation technologies to improve performance throughout an operation, including replenishment, Value Added Services […]

Performance Optimization Through Data Analytics: Sedlak, Easy Metrics and Ferguson

Having critical financial and operational data will ensure that your company has the data necessary to operate as effectively as possible. That’s why Easy Metrics developed their OpsFM (Operations Financial Management) platform.

GTP – Optimizing Fulfillment Capabilities: Swisslog, Ahold Delhaize and Sedlak

GTP, or Goods to Person, is a different way of thinking about warehouse picking that moves items to workers rather than workers to items. It cuts down on fatigue, mistakes, and overhead.

Agile Material Handling with AGVs: Dematic, McCormick & Sedlak

Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) have been around for decades, but only in recent years have they become a viable, effective solution for supply chains. Over the last 10-15 years there have been significant changes in the capabilities of AGV offerings.

Supply Chain Agility Through the Use of Financial and Labor Management Software (Part 3 of 3)

Blogs 1 and 2 (see the bottom of this post for links) of this series primarily focused on longer term options to improve overall supply chain agility through Network Optimization Modeling and the incorporation of Automation. Unfortunately, with few exceptions such as acquiring AMRs, these options can take 12-24 months to implement to provide the […]

Supply Chain Agility: Dealing with the Challenges of Living in Interesting Times (Part 2 of 3)

As noted in my previous blog, the phrase “May you live in interesting times” can be viewed as a blessing or a curse. Regardless of how it is interpreted, we have no choice but to deal with the challenging times we are living in.

Supply Chain Agility: A Challenge or an Opportunity? (Part 1 of 3)

There is an old expression: “May you live in interesting times.” The origin is unclear, as some attribute it to a centuries-old Chinese curse.

Healthcare Supply Chains Complying with the Drug Quality and Security Act

The healthcare industry is racing to meet the November 2023 deadline set forth by The Drug Quality and Security Act (DQSA). The purpose of the DQSA is to build an electronic system to track and trace certain prescription drugs as they are distributed in the United States.

Critical Options to Make Your Company More Flexible, Scalable and Agile

From the time I joined Sedlak several decades ago until today, we have recommended to clients solutions that provided the potential to be scalable and flexible. Accomplishing this in the past meant that where possible, especially in an expansion or new build, we would allow additional space for expansion of areas.

Peak Season is right around the corner. Is your team ready?

If last year taught us anything, it’s that it’s never too early to plan. In fact, the best time to start planning is immediately following peak season – but now is better than never!

Automation with Inther Group in the Face of Labor Shortages

The Sedlak Team was fortunate enough to have Inther Group, an international system integration firm, host a Lunch and Learn session for us recently. Inther Group automates internal logistic processes by integrating manual solutions and mechanized systems.

Why Internal Resources Need More Help Than You Might Think

Why does a company seek help from an outside consulting firm? Usually the reasons are simple: they lack the manpower, bandwidth and/or skillset needed to complete their projects.

Optimizing Supply Chains in Response to Ocean Freight Shipping Challenges

Over a quarter of the way into 2021, supply chains are still reeling from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Companies have been reviewing ways to sustain and even improve business moving forward, especially when it comes to transportation.

The Evolving State of AGVs

The Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) market is evolving at a rapid pace. As recently as three years ago, AGVs were primarily relegated to simple horizontal moves of pallets over longer distances, either transporting one or two pallets at a time using a system such as Seegrid or lined up in trains with a tugger pulling several carts of pallets.

2020: A Year to Remember for Logistics Professionals

In my 40+ years of providing logistics and distribution consulting services to clients, no other year has had a greater impact on the profession than 2020. For an industry already dealing with labor shortages, the need to embrace higher levels of automation became critical as order characteristics morphed to significantly smaller direct-to-consumer characteristics.

Why Hyper-local is the Future of Fulfillment

Micro-fulfillment has taken off in the past several years, but what about hyper-local fulfillment? Can your company take advantage of this growing trend?

Taking Control of Your Operations During COVID

Have you reviewed the priorities of your operations during the COVID-19 epidemic? How has COVID-19 opened up time and opportunity for your company to tackle new activities?

How to Handle the New Normal in 3 Steps

So far, Sedlak and several of our clients have been experiencing the effects of the “New Normal” on the supply chain and taking steps to mitigate them. Three of these migitation steps include (1) strategy, (2) project activities & communications, and (3) operational design.

Modular Construction and Its Impact on Supply Chain

We’re all seeing how modular construction is becoming more and more of a requirement on many job sites. It makes sense: contractors pre-assemble components in a controlled manufacturing environment, which improves quality, and delivers them to the project ready-to-install.

Finding the Right TMS for an International Shipper

When selecting a TMS, it is paramount to partner with one that best fits your needs to realize that ROI. Organizations with a low domestic freight spend but high international shipment volume need a Tier 1 TMS.

How to Cut Costs and Conflict When Choosing a TMS

TMS is hot right now, and it has shippers and 3PLs excited. Competition among top TMS providers and new entrants have yielded better tools and reduced product costs.

Time is Running Out to Deploy Automated Pop-up Micro-fulfillment Facilities

If your business is preparing for the common holiday peak, time is running out to take the proper measures. Using a few familiar concepts, we can help quickly deploy a flexible, effective solution that will assist a number of our clients as they face so many unknowns in 2021.

Making the Leap to Manhattan Active WM with Sedlak

Sedlak Supply Chain Consultants has paved the way for enterprise-level companies to select, implement and execute Manhattan Associates’ new cloud-native WMS with Manhattan Active Warehouse Management.

Have You Adapted to the “New Normal”?

The world has been turned upside down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The global economy is in a tailspin and the prediction of a quick recovery is becoming less likely as mention of a “new normal” begins to dominate the headlines.

How to implement an LMS in under 120 days

If, like many of your counterparts, you are faced with the challenges of finding and keeping a motivated labor force, all while reducing costs and meeting executive expectations for 2020, time is not your friend.

These labor challenges have been exacerbated further by the COVID-19 outbreak, making it critical for your business to take action and prepare for the demand and labor challenges that will come once the crisis is behind us.

Transform Your Network into an Agile Supply Chain

The modern supply chain has never experienced a crisis quite like the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s rare to see countrywide company shutdowns.

LMS Implementation Costs and Schedule

You’ve just been tasked by your COO with the responsibility of selecting and implementing a labor management system as part of your supply chain operation. What do you do?

Utilizing Change Management to Ensure Labor Management Success

If the tight labor market and increased demand for improved customer service are a constant challenge, a labor management system (LMS) can help to mitigate these issues. A successful LMS can be secured through a properly designed and integrated change management program.

The Crucial Benefits of Labor Management Systems (LMS)

Ever-tightening labor markets, coupled with increasing customer delivery expectations, are forcing operations managers across industries to do more with less. A great tool to assist the management of resources is a competent Labor Management System (LMS) software package.

2020 Insight into Optimizing Labor

With the seasonal peak in the rearview mirror, it is time to reflect on the season past and look forward to the year ahead with a clear goal of addressing the challenges from 2019 and developing a strategic plan for 2020 and beyond.

Modular Construction: How Does it Impact the Supply Chain?

In modular construction, trusses are assembled offsite and delivered to the property, erected as a whole by a crane, and fastened in place by a carpenter. This practice has become more and more popular, and now companies are adopting it for their manufacturing and distribution facilities.

Crucial Preparations for Optimizing Current- and Future-State Peak Season Performance

Now is the critical time to perform supply chain execution evaluations for peak season planning. Listed below are some recommendations to consider regarding a few key factors influencing 2019 end-of-year performance.

Sedlak Supply Chain Consultants Featured in Retail Merchandiser and in Supply Chain World

After celebrating 60-years in business, Sedlak Supply Chain Consultants was recently featured in Retail Merchandiser and Supply Chain World. With a focus on Sedlak’s healthcare and retail clients, the article highlights challenges common across industries, and provides examples of Sedlak’s ability to bring order from chaos Excerpt: “We take a long view of our client […]

Patrick Sedlak quoted on CMMS solutions in Modern Materials Handling Magazine

Patrick Sedlak, Principal at Sedlak Supply Chain Consultants, was quoted in a recent article on the Modern Materials Handling website. In an article titled “Single Source of Truth with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS)” by Roberto Michel, Sedlak was asked for his thoughts on whether DCs should use one CMMS or two.

Finding Savings While Improving Service in Healthcare

Sedlak Supply Chain Consultants conducted a Routing Optimization Analysis for MetroHealth in Cleveland, OH to optimize the efficiency of its Integrated Delivery Network (IDN).

Part III of Fred Crans’ Supply Chain Disruption Series Published in Healthcare Purchasing News

What does Paul Simon have to do with the healthcare supply chain? Find out by reading Part III of Fred Crans’ series on supply chain disruption, published in the September 2018 edition of Healthcare Purchasing News.

Sedlak Celebrates 60 Years Serving Over 1,200 Clients

Cleveland, OH—Sedlak Supply Chain Consultants, an independent distribution and logistics consulting firm, is celebrating its 60th anniversary this month. Sedlak has helped more than 1,200 clients worldwide with over 2,500 projects since it was founded, providing services including network strategy, facility planning and design, operations improvement, transportation planning, inventory optimization, change management and IT systems […]

Sedlak Announces Kara Ashby as its New President

Sedlak Supply Chain Consultants, a distribution and logistics consulting firm based in Cleveland, is pleased to announce Kara Ashby as its new president. Just the fourth president in the history of the company, Ashby is the first woman to take the reins at Sedlak.

Learning New Things in Healthcare Supply Chain

A year and a half ago I came to Sedlak as a 40+ year veteran of the healthcare supply chain. I thought my charge was to teach these Industrial Engineers about healthcare.

Sedlak Congratulates Mills Fleet Farm on Opening of New Distribution Center

Just one year after breaking ground, Mills Fleet Farm opened its new 1.1 million sq.

Why It May Be Time to Consider a New WMS

A Warehouse Management System (WMS) is considered an essential component of the modern supply chain. Learn: 1) Why you should consider a WMS; and 2) What you should know if you are considering one.

Automation to AI – Moving at the Speed of Supply Chain Technology

Technological advances supporting the supply chain are accelerating the pace of change. Don’t assume your business is too small or too set in its ways to benefit.

Don’t Neglect Basic Healthcare Supply Chain Functions

As health care organizations focus on improving operations in order to become more efficacious and cost-effective in rendering care, they often focus on big picture initiatives. In doing so, they can overlook opportunities in more mundane places.

RFID Advantages Over Barcodes in the Distribution Center

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) offers significant supply chain benefits not provided by traditional barcode labels. Do the advantages make this technology right for your distribution operation?

What Healthcare Can Learn from Retail, Grocery – Interview with Healthcare Purchasing News

Healthcare supply chain management is a constant balance of cost, quality, and outcomes. The storage and movement of medications, equipment, and supplies is a substantial link in that chain.

Sedlak Examines Retail Trends, Innovations, and Opportunities in MHI Solutions

The growth of e-commerce, consumer price sensitivity, online “convenience” shopping, the Amazon effect, and the premise of returns are all driving fundamental changes in the retail industry. Supply chains and distribution best practices are rapidly evolving to support super flexible customer fulfillment and compete with the big dogs.

Tim Harlan Named 2017 Associate of the Year

Sedlak congratulates Director of Client Services Tim Harlan on being named Associate of the Year for 2017. Tim has been with Sedlak for 12 years and has over 34 years of distribution and consulting experience with demonstrated success in process development and operations management.

Dennis Heppner Discusses Last Mile Delivery Collaboration with MHI Solutions

New entrants in the last mile market in the U.S.

Greetings of the Season from Your Friends at Sedlak!

Best wishes for a joyous Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year!

Rickenbacker International Airport Leads Freight Innovation in Air Cargo

Sedlak is proud to see Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) and the Columbus Regional Airport Authority featured as an air cargo innovator in this month's issue of Inbound Logistics. In October, Sedlak partnered with CSCMP to host a tour of the Rickenbacker Air Cargo Terminal which featured a flight landing by Emirates.

Supply Chain World: Sedlak Is the Go-To Specialist in Distribution and Consulting

Supply Chain World revisits Sedlak's foundings and nearly 60 years of “Delivering Remarkable Experience” in an interview with principal Jeff Graves, who recently celebrated his 45th anniversary with the firm. “It's amazing how fast 45 years goes by when you are having fun,” Graves told Janice Hoppe-Spiers.

Jeff Mueller talks about Amazon Key In-Home Delivery Offering with Internet Retailer

[From Internet Retailer] Amazon.com Inc.

The Limited Returns as an E-retailer

Women's apparel brand The Limited relaunched itself last week as an on-line only store, nearly a year after it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and liquidated its retail assets. According to an article on Internet Retailer, retail experts say The Limited's established customer base gives the brand a good chance at success as an e-commerce […]

Pop-up Stores? Now Pop-up Distribution Centers

Pop-up stores in malls, airports, and other places have been around forever. Now the concept is gravitating to pop-up distribution centers, where there may be some very real benefits for retailers facing labor shortages in their current distribution areas.

Shipping Costs: Putting Freight Fuel Efficiency into Context

Long-haul tractor trailers get a bad rap for averaging 7 miles per gallon of diesel, but in context they are more fuel efficient than a Ford F250 pickup, and various innovations are improving fuel economy.

Consolidated Services Centers – Before You Take the Plunge (Part 2 of 2)

A Consolidated Services Center (CSC) can create savings for a healthcare organization if executed well. However, the decision should be well thought out and justified with extensive research and financial modeling as it represents a substantial investment with ongoing requirements.

Consolidated Services Centers – Before You Take the Plunge (Part 1 of 2)

‘Tis the Season to Battle for Warehouse Labor

Labor is typically among the top operational costs in a distribution center, and the exploding ecommerce demand for warehouse workers is creating a shortage of laborers that is driving up the costs of recruiting, hiring and training for the companies who need them.

Sedlak Receives Business Longevity Award by Smart Business

Sedlak was recently named a recipient of the 2017 Business Longevity Award by Smart Business, which recognized Northeast Ohio businesses that have achieved business milestones of 50, 75 or 100 years. Presented with the award plaque at a luncheon at the Western Reserve Historical Society in August, Sedlak was recognized for being a company built on […]

Sedlak Congratulates DSW for Topping Total Retail’s Top 100 Omni-Channel Retailers Ranking

Sedlak congratulates branded footwear and accessories retailer DSW for earning a top spot in Total Retail’s inaugural ranking of 100 publicly traded retailers based on their omnichannel capabilities. [From Total Retail] DSW received the top possible score (100) across the seven criteria — buy online, pick up in-store; search in-store products online; shared cart; loyalty points earned/redeemed across channels; […]

Mills Fleet Farm Announces Plan to Build New Distribution Center in Chippewa Falls, WI

Mills Fleet Farm, which sells everything from hunting gear and lawn equipment to hardware and automotive supplies to clothing and branded foods, plans to build a 1.1 million square-foot distribution center in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin.

Q&A: Labor Management…Works!

Every company seeks maximum return on investment, and labor is one of the most expensive assets in a distribution center. A labor management system (LMS) is an integral part of realizing the maximum benefit of both the people and technologies in a distribution operation.

Sedlak to Lead Advanced 3PL Management Workshop at Pharma Supply Chain Conference

The Supply Chain Operations & Compliance in Pharma is a 3-day industry-led meeting which: Offers a deep dive into current operational challenges and solutions in your pharma supply chain Assesses global regulatory landscapes and provides you with the insight to navigate Helps you understand and define a risk management framework, and ensures your 3PLs are […]

Sedlak Congratulates Principal Jeff Graves on 45th Anniversary with the Firm

Principal Jeffrey B. Graves is celebrating 45 years of a very distinguished career with Sedlak, a company which he has devotedly built into a premier independent supply chain consulting firm specializing in distribution and logistics.

Sedlak Celebrates 20-Year Anniversary as a Manhattan Associates Partner

Sedlak celebrates its 20th year as a partner of Manhattan Associates. The company was selected as Manhattan’s first Certified Alliance Partner in 1997 and has maintained a strategic partner status, driving successful collaboration with joint customers.

Sedlak Named Best Consulting Partner by Manhattan Associates

Sedlak was recently named to Manhattan Associates’ distinguished Partner Performance Club in recognition of significant contributions over the past year to customer engagements. As a strategic partner, Sedlak helps drive successful collaboration with joint customers.

5 Reasons to Consider Hydrogen Fuel Cells over Batteries for Mobile Equipment

If considering adding new mobile equipment to an operation or replacing a fleet, hydrogen fuel cells are certainly worth consideration. Here are five reasons why.

Sedlak Congratulates Manager Les Grimes on His Retirement After 18 Years of Outstanding Servce

Congratulations to Manager Les Grimes on his retirement after 18 years of outstanding service with the firm. When Les joined Sedlak in 1999, he brought over 20 years of operations experience in the consumer products industry to our knowledge base.

Transportation Tipping Points in Healthcare Logistics

Transportation costs are defined by volume – aggregating into larger volumes will result in lower costs. As healthcare companies grow and expand their business, it’s important for them to evaluate where their volumes are.

Jeff Mueller Talks Warehouse E-commerce Best Practices for 2017 in MMH Magazine

As manufacturers, distributors and retailers all strive to run efficient operations that not only meet the demands of their traditional businesses, but also support their e-commerce operations, the race is on to develop efficient, optimized warehouses and DCs to support these multifaceted operations. Driven by the sheer volume of products and services being sold online—a […]

Cloud Logistics Wins Industry Awards

Sedlak congratulates Cloud Logistics, an innovator and provider of next-generation transportation management systems (TMS), for recently being named the recipient of two industry awards. The company was named to the Food Logistics 100+ Top Food & Beverage Software and Technology Providers list, a resource guide of software and technology providers whose products and services are […]

Patrick Sedlak and Jeff Mueller Stress Agility for Omni-channel Fulfillment in MHI Solutions Magazine

Flexibiliy and agility are essential for retailers striving to provide a seamless shopping experience across all channels. Principal Patrick Sedlak and Vice President Jeff Mueller are quoted in MHI Solutions magazine on how the distribution center environment is changing – streamlining processes and adding automation – to keep up with customer demand and address peak season challenges.

Sedlak Accounting Manager Denise Bybyk Retires After 22 Years of Service

Sedlak bid a fond farewell and heartfelt congratulations to Accounting Manager Denise Bybyk, who has retired after 22 years of exemplary service with the firm. “She has always kept us on course,” said Principal Jeff Graves at her retirement luncheon, “and is one of the most dedicated and loyal associates I have known.

Season’s Greetings from Sedlak!

Wishing you a Happy Holiday season and a Remarkable New Year! [Click image to play.

Purchased Services Program Offers Savings for Healthcare Supply Chains

Fred Crans recently presented a roadmap for managing purchased services at the Strategic Marketplace Initiative Fall Forum.

Sedlak Applauds Patagonia for $10M Black Friday Donation

We certainly weren't surprised when we saw the headline that Patagonia was donating 100% of its Black Friday sales this year to grassroots environmental groups it supports. “We worked for Patagonia for many years, and it completely changed my life,” says Sedlak vice president Jeff Mueller.

The Supply Chain at the End of the Earth (3 of 3)

This three-part series explains Sedlak’s work in support of the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernization for Science (AIMS) project of the U.S.

The Supply Chain at the End of the Earth (2 of 3)

This three-part series explains Sedlak’s work in support of the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernization for Science (AIMS) project of the U.S.

The Supply Chain at the End of the Earth (1 of 3)

This three-part series explains Sedlak’s work in support of the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernization for Science (AIMS) project of the U.S.

From Our Inbox: Delivering Remarkable Experience to Fresh Mark

Sedlak’s expertise in material flow and operational process improvement benefits manufacturers as well as distributors. We were pleased to receive this testimonial for our recent work with Fresh Mark, a producer of quality meat products.

Managing Change – IDN Summit 2016

A need for industry-wide change management competencies to counter the ever-shifting demands in healthcare was a key focal point at the Fall IDN Summit held September 19-21 in Phoenix.

LogiPharma Roundtable: Security, Labor, Efficiency – Material Handling Automation in Healthcare

While decisions around distribution operations and the levels of automation in those environments are varied in the healthcare industry, a key driver for some companies is overall organizational strategy rather than a specific focus on security, labor, cost or efficiency. Regardless, there is awareness in the pharmaceutical industry that warehousing is on the brink of […]

Managing Healthcare Logistics Spend – A Vital Corporate Function

For the healthcare industry, the delivery of products – from manufacturers to distributors to providers to patients – is often an isolated entity in the supply chain. Dennis Heppner presents reasons why a holistic and proactive approach to healthcare logistics management is critical to maintain performance and profitability.

Under Armour Announces Plan To Open E-Commerce Distribution House In Maryland

Under Armour plans to open a 1.3 million square-foot distribution and warehouse facility at Sparrows Point in Baltimore County, as part of the Tradepoint Atlantic redevelopment project.

Security, Labor, Cost, Efficiency: Material Handling Automation in Healthcare

A Sedlak roundtable at LogiPharma addressed drivers behind distribution operations and automation in the pharmaceutical industry.

Sedlak Congratulates Kara Ashby on 20th Anniversary

Congratulations to Kara Ashby, Director of Client Services, who celebrates 20 years with Sedlak today. Her major area of expertise is in warehouse management systems (WMS) design, implementation and support.

Patrick Sedlak Quoted in Huffington Post on Self-Driving Transportation

Patrick Sedlak is quoted in an article by Thomas Kaufmann on movers and shakers in self-driving technology. From preventing collisions to cloud-to-car mapping systems to artificial intelligence, innovations are on track to upend over one hundred years of human driving tradition.

Sedlak Featured in Business View Magazine

Whether it’s retail, consumer packaged goods, third party logistics, wholesale distribution, or healthcare management, Sedlak Management Consultants continues to “Deliver Remarkable Experience” to its clients. “We're a highly effective and highly cilent-oriented firm,” said Sedlak President Will O'Brien.

Patrick Sedlak, Kara Ashby will be Session Panelists at CSCMP’s Annual Conference

CSCMP’s 2016 Annual Conference is an event like none other, presenting you with unlimited opportunities to learn from industry experts, hear dynamic speakers, and network with the most influential supply chain leaders in the world. You’ll also connect to the latest supply chain management knowledge, research, and industry developments.

From Our Inbox: Delivering Remarkable Experience to VF Corporation

Sedlak has built a long-standing relationship with VF Corporation, a leader in branded lifestyle apparel and footwear, that includes over 25 strategic and facility planning efforts across multiple business units since 1993. So we were especially pleased to find this recent email in our inbox: “So pleased to see 'Delivering Remarkable Experience' as your new tag […]

Found Money: How to Clean Up Preference Cards to Cut Inventory Spend (3 of 3)

This three-part series concludes by identifying how hospitals can sustain the benefits and savings of preference card management.

Found Money: How to Clean Up Preference Cards to Cut Inventory Spend (2 of 3)

Part two of this three-part series outlines actions hospitals should take identify their losses and capture potential savings by cleaning up existing preference cards.

Found Money: How to Clean Up Preference Cards to Cut Inventory Spend (1 of 3)

This three-part series examines the potential for hospitals to capture inventory savings through more efficient management of physician preference cards.

Lou Cerny is Co-Chairing Technology Track at CSCMP Annual Conference

Patrick Sedlak to Lead MHE Roundtable at LogiPharma

With the fabric of healthcare distribution in flux, the challenge for pharmaceutical distribution executives is focused on how to leverage distribution infrastructure to reduce costs, but maintain the flexibility needed to mitigate risk across the supply chain. Principal Patrick Sedlak will serve as the subject matter expert for a roundtable discussion on “Automation Innovations in […]

Trusted Solutions – Sedlak Profiled in Retail Merchandiser Magazine

“We’ve got a very rich history in retail,” Principal Patrick Sedlak said in a recent interview featured in Retail Merchandiser Magazine. For nearly 60 years Sedlak has been helping retailers develop and maintain the optimal strategies, facilities, operations and systems to meet the growing challenges of multi-channel and omni-channel fulfillment.

How a Formal Network Design Capability Can Help Medical Products Manufacturers Thrive (4 of 4)

The conclusion of this four-part series offers advice on how companies can decide on the best approach to developing a network capability.

Sedlak Celebrates 58 Years of Delivering Remarkable Experience

Celebrating 58 years of Delivering Remarkable Experience! Sedlak celebrates its “Beddian” birthday today — a term coined by New York firefighter Bobby Beddia to mean the year when your age matches your birth year.

How a Formal Network Design Capability Can Help Medical Products Manufacturers Thrive (3 of 4)

Part three of this four-part series explores options available to medical products manufacturers to achieve their own robust network design capability.

Supplying Expertise – Sedlak Featured in Supply Chain World Magazine

The increasing complexities and challenges of the retail supply chain resulting from consumer demands for an “anytime, anywhere” shopping experience can be overwhelming for many retailers. For nearly 60 years, retailers of all sizes and types have trusted Sedlak to find the right answers for their distribution and logistics needs.

Dave DuBose Links Retail S&OP to a Smoother Holiday Season in Multichannel Merchant

In the July issue of Multichannel Merchant, Director of Supply Chain Solutions Dave DuBose discusses how the S&OP process, historically a planning tool more commonly used by manufacturers, can help retailers collaborate internally to anticipate and prepare for shifts in demand. “With the 2016 holiday season only five months away, it's a good time for retailers […]

Demystifying Freight Spend: How Shippers Can Get a Better Handle on Their Carriers (2 of 2)

Part two of this two-part series examines how shippers can navigate their carrier relationships and more effectively control freight spend, including rate hikes.

Sedlak Congratulates VP Jeff Mueller on 25 Years

Congratulations to Jeff Mueller on his 25th anniversary with Sedlak! Jeff serves as vice president with major responsibility for assessing clients’ distribution and logistics challenges and leading information technology efforts.

How a Formal Network Design Capability Can Help Medical Products Manufacturers Thrive (2 of 4)

Part two of this four-part series details the essential activities of a network analysis and design capability.

Demystifying Freight Spend: How Shippers Can Get a Better Handle on Their Carriers (1 of 2)

This two-part series details the factors that affect the price shippers pay carriers to move freight and how shippers can more effectively control freight spend. Part one of this series details the factors and complexities affecting the price shippers pay carriers to move freight.

How a Formal Network Design Capability Can Help Medical Products Manufacturers Thrive (1 of 4)

This four-part series explores why medical products providers need a formal network design capability to remain competitive and how to achieve it.

Sedlak Congratulates Associates on Recent Certifications

Sedlak congratulates Senior Consultant Davon Soltis for successfully completing certification in JDA's TMS Bootcamp, and Director of Client Services Brian Neale and Consultant Lisa Betts for completing certification in Change Guide's Change Management program. Soltis achieved a near perfect score on the TMS final exam.

Change Management: A Critical Component of Project Success

Sedlak consultant Lisa Betts recently completed certification in change management with Change Guides. She provides some of her insights from the course in Change Guides' spring newsletter and in today's post.

Dave DuBose Discusses Supply Chain Management on Voice of America

Dave DuBose and Maureen Metcalf, host of the Voice of America Innovative Leadership Series, discuss Dave's experience with supply chain optimization and what corporate leaders should be thinking about with regard to how effective supply chain management contributes to accomplishing overall organizational strategy. When a supply chain is done well, it is cost effective and […]

Structuring the Medtech Supply Chain for Growth

Posted on April 12, 2016, at Device Talk, a blog by the Medical Device and Diagnostic Industry (MDDI), Steve Simco discusses how medical device manufacturers can build an internal capability for network design to provide a competitive advantage in the face of rising costs and changing dynamics in the healthcare industry. “It’s likely that disruptive […]

Sedlak Assists British Columbia LDB in Development of New Distribution Center

Sedlak is assisting the British Columbia Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) with the design and deployment of a new warehouse and distribution center in the Lower Mainland, BC, Canada. The new design incorporates upgraded warehouse systems to create efficiencies and improve service levels at lower operating costs.

Sedlak Recognized as a Specialist in Supply Chain Strategy & Operations Consulting

Sedlak, a long-standing supply chain and distribution logistics advisory firm, has been recognized by Gartner as a specialized supply chain and operations authority in Gartner’s inaugural “Market Guide for Supply Chain Strategy & Operations Consulting.” The guide is designed to help CSCOs and functional supply chain leaders find appropriate industry consultants for their supply chain […]

Stretching the Boundaries of Security: MHE in Healthcare

In today’s healthcare world, especially in pharmaceuticals, security often reigns paramount in decision-making processes. Interestingly, in one of the most mundane of operational processes in the supply chain, pallet “wrapping”, options exist that have dramatic effects on the “cost of security” trade off.

Lou Cerny Quoted in Supply Chain Function Article

Online shopping is transforming the way manufacturers of consumer products do business and think about their supply chain. Supply chains now touch every corner of the business and systems integration provides real-time data on everything from inventory and sales to consumer behaviors and labor management.

Patrick Sedlak and Will O’Brien Quoted in MHI Solutions Magazine Article

The rise of omnichannel, as well as increasingly demanding fulfillment requirements, present technological challenges to the retail apparel industry. A retailer’s ability to create a seamless experience for shoppers, regardless of how they choose to shop – in store, online, mobile – is dependent on automation with precision to track inventory, speed to fulfill orders, […]

Lessons Learned from Sedlak’s Network Design Project in SC Digest

David Zuern, VP of Logistics from Benjamin Moore Paints discussed his network design project (by Sedlak) at the CSCMP annual conference in San Diego. The paint manufacturer that differentiates itself with very high service standards learned 5 critical things during its network study with Sedlak.

Ascena Retail Group Opens Ecommerce Fulfillment Center

Sedlak celebrated with client Ascena Retail Group, Inc., at the formal opening of its world-class ecommerce fulfillment center in Greencastle, Indiana on May 14.

The Perils and Promise of Omni-Channel Returns

As online sales grow, so does the volume of returns grow…so much so that the total volume of returns is now greater that the total volume of e-commerce orders! How retailers deal with returns has a significant impact on their customer experience and retention, as well as their overall margin and economics.

Raising the Roof Making All the Difference in Warehouses

The Wall Street Journal investigates a growing trend for higher ceilings in warehousing and fulfillment facilities. Building vertically rather than horizontally allows omni-channel retailers to use 3-level pick modules and taller storage rack configurations for efficient fulfillment of e-commerce orders while minimizing the land requirement.

The Business Case Behind LEED Certification

Should companies undertake the effort and expense involved in LEED certification or simple adopt eco-friendly practices? Lou Cerny makes the point that while LEED is the right ethical direction for companies, there needs to be a strong set of business reasons to support the certification process.

Pharma Supply Chain: Changing Dynamics

“With the fabric of healthcare distribution in flux, the challenge for pharmaceutical distribution executives is focused on how to leverage distribution infrastructure to reduce costs, but maintain the flexibility needed to mitigate risk across the supply chain. “Pharmaceutical distribution, like with any other industry, has its peculiarities that require specialized applications to keep products moving […]

Lou Cerny Discusses Labor Management Programs with SupplyChainBrain

A company's most important assets are its employees, and acquiring and retaining top performing associates is one of the largest factors in cost savings. Companies are finally beginning to recognize the benefits of labor management systems (LMS) in their distribution centers.

Collaboration in the Healthcare Value Chain: Lessons from the Grocery Industry

While it’s clear there is concern and frustration regarding the uncertainties created by the political scene and rapidly changing regulatory environments, energy regarding change is apparent everywhere in healthcare distribution.

Distribution Strategy and the Changing Dynamics of the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain (Pt. 4)

With the industry-wide changes occurring within the healthcare supply chain, many pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors are reassessing their distribution network models. In part four of this series, we outline the challenges and primary functions of distribution network strategy development.

Distribution Strategy and the Changing Dynamics of the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain (Pt. 3)

In part three of this series we discuss why supply chain optimization and management is rising to the top of cost reduction strategies among C-level executives in healthcare.

Distribution Strategy and the Changing Dynamics of the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain (Pt. 2)

Already a challenging distribution environment, a combination of demographic trends, healthcare legislation, new drug introductions and other factors are elevating the visibility and importance of healthcare logistics and distribution activities. In part two of this series, we focus on the market shifts impacting pharmaceutical distribution.

Under Armour Breaks Ground on 3rd Distribution House in Mt. Joliet, TN

Sedlak congratulates Under Armour on the recent groundbreaking for its new Distribution House in Mt. Joliet, TN, a suburb of Nashville.

Lou Cerny Discusses Sustainability and Risk on CSCMP Panel

Lou Cerny participated in a panel discussion on Sustainability and Risk Management at the CSCMP Annual Conference in San Antonio, TX. The session focused on how leaders are cutting costs by weighing environmental compliance and corporate responsibility when making facility design, operations and procurement decisions.

Distribution Strategy and the Changing Dynamics of the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain (Part 1)

With the fabric of healthcare distribution in flux, the challenge for pharmaceutical distribution executives is how to leverage distribution infrastructure to reduce costs, but maintain the flexibility needed to mitigate risk across the supply chain. In this five-part series we discuss dynamics in pharmaceutical distribution, market shifts impacting pharmaceutical distribution, optimizing distribution processes, key components of a distribution network assessment and leveraging a broader perspective.

The Nemesis of Supply Chain Data: From Obscure and Disorderly to Visible and Aligned

Data is a four letter word - especially to supply chain practitioners across most industries. Data is that unmentionable thing we all love to hate but hate to ignore.

Streamline Your WMS Start-Up (Pt. 4)

A tough WMS start-up does not just happen in the two weeks prior to go-live. These scenarios are caused by inadequate pre-planning from the very beginning, and poor project management.

Streamline Your WMS Start-Up (Pt. 3)

Some WMS installations have gotten so stalled that they were eventually shelved and abandoned. In part three of this series, we discuss the importance of planning.

Streamline Your WMS Start-Up (Pt. 2)

In part two of this series, we explore the risks affecting WMS implementation. Despite the importance of WMS, approximately 30 percent of installs fall behind schedule and fail to be ready for operation at go-live.

Streamline Your WMS Start-Up (Pt. 1)

Despite their importance, successful implementations of warehouse management systems (WMS) are seldom fully realized in highly automated distribution centers. Topics covered in this four-part series include, warehouse management system goals, risk affecting WMS implementation, planning and implementation insurance.

Supply Chain IT in Healthcare: Staying in the Eye of the Storm

In highly changing environments like healthcare, the organizations that are most successful in the long term are the ones that learn how to adapt and evolve - especially in the areas of processes and systems.

Sedlak Sets Up DSW for Future Growth with Sortation System

DSW is featured in Modern Materials Handling for its new cross-belt sortation system. Sedlak’s system design, procurement and project management services helped DSW increase store replenishment six-fold and double productivity at its Columbus DC.

Is Your Healthcare Supply Chain Network Ready to Adapt?

It seems evident that everything in the healthcare industry is changing – customer profiles, number and size of suppliers, product characteristics, service requirements, transportation needs, etc. As a result, the ability to quickly and efficiently perform a supply chain network “optimization” analysis is becoming increasingly relevant.

Independent Logistics Consultants vs. Systems Integrators (Pt. 5)

In part five of this series, we explore change management and how it is a critical link in ensuring the smooth transition of new and upgraded DCs into functionally efficient live operations.

Independent Logistics Consultants vs. Systems Integrators (Pt. 4)

Part four of this series focuses on designing a DC from an automation focus delineates a significant difference in how systems integrators and independent logistics consultants approach distribution solutions.

Independent Logistics Consultants vs. Systems Integrators (Pt. 3)

In part three of this series, we discuss how the methodology of independent logistics consultants and a systems integrator may differ when it comes to objectivity in system design.

Independent Logistics Consultants vs. Systems Integrators (Pt. 2)

Part two of this series examines some of the important questions that drive facility design decisions and how an independent logistics consultant like Sedlak Management Consultants, Inc., brings a depth and breadth of knowledge to guide the best-fit and most cost-efficient solutions for the client.

Independent Logistics Consultants vs. Systems Integrators (Pt. 1)

Although systems integrators position themselves as single-source suppliers of distribution solutions, the increasingly complex nature of supply chains demands the broader scope of experience and unbiased methodologies of the independent logistics consultant. This five-part series addresses key questions and essential factors that make the choice of partner clear.

Supply Chain’s Role in Driving Growth

At Sedlak Management Consultants we believe that a well-planned and well executed supply chain should be a key asset in driving the overall growth and success of a company. Cost and efficiency are important, but providing services and enabling sales by being in stock and able to get product into customer’s hands when and where they want it is a key part of supporting sales growth.

Quaint is the Pioneer’s Curse: Technology in Retrospect

Only ten years ago, the Internet and distribution were considered a relatively new partnering. MH&L columnist Tom Andel reflects on how rapidly times have changed as he remembers two material handling pioneers, Joseph Sedlak and Bernie Krill.

Sedlak Earns Spot on Supply Chain Brain’s Top 100 Supply Chain Partners

Sedlak was one of hundreds of companies from every aspect of supply chain management nominated during a six-month online poll in which supply chain professionals were asked to nominate vendors and service providers whose solutions have made a significant impact on their company's efficiency, customer service and overall supply chain performance. Now in its 11th […]

Stella & Dot Opens New North American Distribution Center

Sedlak Management Consultants, Inc. celebrated with client Stella & Dot at the formal opening of their North American distribution center (DC) in Groveport, Ohio on June 5.

VF Corporation Reopens Wrangler DC 2 Years After Deadly Tornado

“This plant doesn’t just mean a job, it means a way of life,” said Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley.

Retail : DC at the Center of it all

Jeff Mueller is featured in the April issue of Modern Materials Handling. Read the complete article here.

Streamline Your WMS Start-Up

“Despite their importance, successful implementation of warehouse management systems (WMS) is seldom fully realized in highly automated distribution centers. This is evident in the many WMS implementations of new and upgraded distribution centers that are not adequately functional or fully utilized by staff—in some cases even years after they were targeted to be completed.

Maximizing Productivity in E-Commerce 3PLs

Jeffrey Graves contributed an article in the December 2012 issue of 3PL Americas. “As e-commerce continues its rapid growth into virtually every market sector, retailers are anxious to expand their presence online to capture this market share.

What You Should Know About Goods-to-Person Fulfillment

The recent introduction of several goods-to-person order fulfillment systems calls for a thorough understanding of their potential fit into any logistics operation. Read Jeff Graves' recent article about Goods-to-Person Fulfillment here.

Wrangler Distribution Center Breaks Ground on New Facility Following April 2011 Tornadoes

On April 24 in Hackleburg, Alabama groundbreaking ceremonies were held on the site where VF Corporation's plant was destroyed when a tornado ripped through the town on April 27, 2011. The VF Wrangler plant is Hackleburg's largest employer.

Advantages of Independent Logistics Consultants over System Integrators

“Leveraging broad supply chain experience from multiple industries, coupled with incisive analytics for precision system conceptual designs, and the capability to objectively examine and propose any design and system options – independent logistics consultants provide critical benefits that systems integrators cannot deliver, and continue to be the choice of supply chain executives for designing and […]

CONGRATULATIONS JEFF GRAVES!

Sedlak's President, Jeff Graves, toppled a field of 131 pro anglers from around the country on Saturday, May 14, 2011 in his first National Guard FLW Walleye Tour event. His three-day total of 117 pounds, 6 ounces allowed him to take home the first-place trophy!

Patrick Sedlak Elected to Material Handling Industry of America 2011 Industry Roundtable

Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA) announced the recent election of Patrick Sedlak to its 2011 MHIA Roundtable of Industry Leaders. In this capacity as an officer of the Roundtable, Patrick serves on the Material Handling Industry Board of Governors and the MHIA Directors At Large.

Retrofit for Real ROI

Whether staying in your current building or moving to another, there are things you can do to maximize the return on your improvement investment. Lou Cerny shares his thoughts in this article on retrofitting distribution facilities.

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