Skip to content
Search AI Powered
Human content, AI powered search.

Latest Stories

Lucas Systems, CMU to tackle sustainable logistics

Tech provider’s data scientists to work with Carnegie Mellon University graduate students on ways to reduce waste by optimizing multi-item packaging in DCs.

cmu-box-image-1536x864.jpg
Supply Chain Xchange Staff
By Supply Chain Xchange StaffNov 17, 2023
Supply Chain Xchange Staff
See Full Bio

Warehouse technology systems provider Lucas Systems is partnering with Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) to further develop technology solutions that can help reduce distribution center (DC) and transportation industry packaging waste, the company said this week.

The partnership brings together Lucas Systems' data scientists and graduate-level students in CMU’s Software and Societal Systems Department (S3D) in the School of Computer Science to develop projects that can help solve end-of-supply chain distribution challenges, according to a Lucas Systems press release. The research is focused on developing innovative ways to reduce DC and transportation industry waste by optimizing the way DC workers fill and package multiple items for a single order.

The program will also contribute to Lucas Systems’ ongoing development of smart software that helps warehouse workers pick and pack orders in the most environmentally friendly and financially efficient way, according to the company. Based in Wexford, Pa., Lucas Systems provides warehouse optimization software and voice technology solutions.

Representatives from both groups emphasized the growing opportunity to develop sustainable solutions for supply chain operations, especially distribution. Lucas executives pointed to industry statistics showing that worldwide consumption of paper and cardboard has grown steadily over the past 60 years, increasing about 7% year-over-year, according to research firm Statista. They also said about 90% of items shipped in the United States are packaged in cardboard.

“The entire distribution industry has numerous opportunities to reduce waste and improve sustainability,” Lucas Systems’ CEO Mark McCleary said in the press release. “Consumers already recognize the increased amount of material they throw away with each shipment they receive. Consumers are paying for a lot of that waste—and so is our environment.” “

"CMU and S3D are excited to work with Lucas Systems on this critical challenge,” said Travis Breaux, director of the Master of Software Engineering programs and associate professor of computer science at CMU. “Improving the sustainability of packaging using the latest technologies is an area that we’re excited to contribute to.”
Article
lucas systems inc.lucas systemscarnegie mellon university
Article
lucas systems inc.lucas systemscarnegie mellon university

Recent

An audience views a presentation given by man in a sport coat against a backdrop that says "Becoming a Real-Time Busines."
Technology

Real-time data flows can provide competitive advantage

exxonmobile oil field with pumps in texas
Technology

Kinaxis and ExxonMobil will design supply chain planning tools

More Stories

weather map hurricane milton florida

Florida measures the damage of Hurricane Milton

Weather conditions in central Florida are forecasted to rapidly improve throughout the day as Hurricane Milton spins out into the Atlantic, leaving behind a trail of wind and flood damage.

Nurtured by historically hot waters in the Gulf of Mexico, the furious storm was stronger than Hurricane Katrina at peak pressure, and registered the lowest barometric pressure—and thus the most destructive storm power—in the Gulf since Hurricane Wilma in 2005, according to analysis by Everstream Analytics.

Keep ReadingShow less

Featured

NRF Hackett port import stats chart
Article

U.S. imports remain high despite dockworkers strike

hands shaking
Plan

Building trust in touchless planning

CSCMP EDGE 2024 Recap
Videos

CSCMP EDGE 2024 Recap

SCX24_03_omnichannel_1200x800.jpg
Article

AI in omnichannel retailing: A revolution in the making

hurricane milton rainfall forecast map florida

Supply chain networks prep for delays as Milton storms in

Hurricane Milton was just beginning to unleash its slashing wind and pouring rain on Florida’s western coast on Wednesday, but the supply chain disruptions caused by the enormous storm have already been unfolding for days.

For example, millions of residents and workers in the Tampa region have now left their homes and jobs, heeding increasingly dire evacuation warnings from state officials. They’re fleeing the estimated 10 to 20 feet of storm surge that is forecast to swamp the area, due to Hurricane Milton’s status as the strongest hurricane in the Gulf since Rita in 2005, the fifth-strongest Atlantic hurricane based on pressure, and the sixth-strongest Atlantic hurricane based on its peak winds, according to market data provider Industrial Info Resources.

Keep ReadingShow less
robots working in factories

North American manufacturers cut back on robot orders in Q1 and Q2

The North American robotics market saw a decline in both units ordered (down 7.9% to 15,705 units) and revenue (down 6.8% to $982.83 million) during the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, as North American manufacturers faced ongoing economic headwinds, according to a report from the Association for Advancing Automation (A3).

“Rising inflation and borrowing costs have dampened spending on robotics, with many companies opting to delay major investments,” said Jeff Burnstein, president, A3. “Despite these challenges, the push for operational efficiency and workforce augmentation continues to drive demand for robotics in industries such as food and consumer goods and life sciences, among others. As companies navigate labor shortages and increased production costs, the role of automation is becoming ever more critical in maintaining global competitiveness.”

Keep ReadingShow less
weather map florida and hurricane milton

Hurricane Milton takes aim at weary Florida

The warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico are brewing up another massive storm this week that is on track to smash into the western coast of Florida by Wednesday morning, bringing a consecutive round of storm surge and damaging winds to the storm-weary state.

Before reaching the U.S., Hurricane Milton will rake the northern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula with dangerous weather. But hurricane watches are already in effect for parts of Florida, which could see heavy rainfall, flash and urban flooding, and moderate to major river floods, according to forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Keep ReadingShow less
chart of number of containerships off east coast ports

East Coast ports work through hefty backlog of containers

Shippers and carriers at ports along the East and Gulf coasts today are working through a backlog of stranded containers stuck on ships at sea, now that dockworkers and port operators have agreed to a tentative deal that ends the dockworkers strike.

The agreement between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance Ltd. (USMX) hinges on a compromise deal on wage hikes and returns both parties to the negotiating table to hammer out a remaining debate over automation by a new deadline of January 15, 2025.

Keep ReadingShow less
Copyright ©2024.