EXPO TO FEATURE NEW DISTRIBUTION TECHNOLOGIES

PATRICK SCIACCA

ST. LOUIS -- Streamlining the distribution process through improved warehouse and transportation technologies is the dominant theme at this year's Food Industry Productivity Convention and Exposition, which will be held here starting Oct. 31.

Distribution executives told SN they are looking at everything from the latest in voice technology to improve the picking process to routing software to enhance overall transportation-system efficiency.

"We are in the process [of taking a look] at our current routing software," said Dave Jonckowski, vice president of operations for Associated Food Stores, Salt Lake City, noting that the wholesaler may be considering a routing-system upgrade.

Associations sponsoring this year's Productivity show, which features the latest in logistics, warehousing, distribution and transportation technology, include Food Distributors International, Falls Church, Va.; the Food Marketing Institute and the Grocery Manufacturers of America, both based in Washington; and the National Grocers Association, Reston, Va. The Copps Corp., Stevens Point, Wis., said it would be researching wrist-worn and voice technology while in St. Louis.

"It [voice technology] is something we are looking at," said Tim Tveitnes, vice president of distribution for The Copps Corp., and exposition chairman for this year's Productivity show.

"I like to find out who put this [technology in their facility] and see it in action," Tveitnes said.

"It [peer interaction] helps a great deal and it's interesting to see how similar the problems are [throughout the industry]," said Jonckowski.

"We get a lot out of the roundtables," said Paul Siebenthal, director of warehouse operations for Affiliated Foods Inc., Amarillo, Texas.

The Copps Corp. has also formed alliances with other wholesalers in noncompetitive markets and they meet on a rotating basis throughout the year to compare notes.

One meeting resulted in the wholesaler performing some re-racking at one of its own facilities.

Tveitnes said that when he visits another warehouse and speaks with a peer, he knows he's going to get "the real story."

The seminars, also an integral part of the Productivity show, provide supply-chain professionals with the latest information on how to improve productivity.

Jonckowski said that he would be attending a couple of workshops on recruitment and retention strategies.

"Well, those kinds of issues are very much on the front burner," Jonckowski said.