It has been my experience that in top performing companies it’s always true that senior level managers play a key role in the successful development and implementation of technologically advanced improvement projects.

The corporate attitude towards material handling operations starts with senior management challenging operating management to find creative solutions to material handling issues. They want projects that will provide substantial benefits such as:

Holste Says: Senior level management must embrace continuous improvement initiatives by spelling out long-range objectives to mid-managers, planners, industry consultants, and system integrators in terms that they can relate to. What Do You Say? Click Here to Send Us Your Comments Click Here to See Reader Feedback

However, the above benefits will not be realized unless senior management actively promotes an environment that encourages others to come forward with creative improvement proposals.

All too often astute individuals who are eager to propose projects involving the application of advanced concepts in material handling technology are discouraged by middle managers who tell them that it’s “too risky - the front office won’t buy it”. Some of these companies may eventually come to realize they are stuck in a 1970’s type warehousing time-warp where paper-driven order picking is done with clipboards and pushcarts.

The track record for deployment of advanced material handling technologies has been excellent over the last few decades. This reality has gone a long way towards overcoming the FUD factor – Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt.

Senior level management must embrace continuous improvement initiatives by spelling out long-range objectives to mid-managers, planners, industry consultants, and system integrators in terms that they can relate to. A CEO who has never received even a preliminary proposal involving creative approaches to warehousing, order processing, and material flow issues should look for answers to the following questions:

Final Thoughts

It is important to understand that while your business is unique, the system concepts and equipment technology that will be most beneficial for your operation is not new. It is most likely providing cost and operational benefits to your competitors’ every day.