Thursday, January 24, 2013

Happy New Year!

All of us here at TriFactor Solutions want to say Happy New Year to you and your entire company. We’re hoping the New Year brings a turn-around in the economy so both our companies can grow and prosper.
I’d be interested in your thoughts about how you think your company might fare in 2013. It isn’t very scientific but I’ll keep track of the responses and post some of them next month so we can all get a chance to read other’s opinions on the business climate. I’m particularly interested in finding out if you think your market is stabilizing, if you think your company will increase employment and what challenges you may be facing regarding productivity and order fulfillment for the next 12 months.
This year I’ve resolved to get this little blog about Supply Chain and Distribution trends up and running. I have a few topics I want to put out there for you to think about, and to give me some feedback. Here are a few I have in mind that I think may interest you:
  • What’s all the fuss about “goods-to-person” fulfillment systems?
  • Let’s look at some applications for Automatic Guided Vehicles
  • How can Voice Directed systems be a benefit beyond the obvious “picking” applications
  • Upgrading valuable assets like conveyors and sorters with new software and controls
I have a few more in mind but I’d like your input into some topics so send me an email at mhogue@trifactor.com and make a few suggestions and I’ll try to add yours to my list. And please remember to give me some insight into your opinions about the business environment in 2013.

Friday, January 18, 2013

Welcome! Meet Michael of TriFactor

Welcome!  This blog, "Common Sense in Distribution Automation," has been created to deliver current distribution industry news from Michael Hogue of TriFactor.  TriFactor is a FL-based material handling systems integrator that serves the warehousing and distribution industry worldwide.  Feel free to follow this blog, get in touch with Michael, and/or check out TriFactor's website www.trifactor.com

About Michael:
Michael is currently responsible for Systems Sales at TriFactor. Michael is relatively new to TriFactor Systems LLC but has designed and implemented material handling solutions for over 30 years. His experience includes conveyor based systems, Automatic Guided Vehicle Systems, Automated Storage/Retrieval Systems, sortation, monorails, palletizing and robotics. Michael also brings many years of distribution software expertise with voice, RF, WCS and WMS solutions. Michael earned two BA degrees from the University of Pittsburgh. He has published articles for trade journals and has been a speaker at a variety of industry events and seminars.

Today, Michael works with industry leading companies to find efficient material handling solutions for their warehousing and distribution facilities.  TriFactor delivers integrated material handling systems to unique businesses across the United States.