Solving Distribution Challenges With Cloud-Enabled Innovation And Technology

Since VCO Systems was founded in 2013, our focus has been on providing end-to-end supply chain solutions for our clients, working collaboratively with industry leaders in manufacturing, retail, and related verticals to streamline efficiency. We’ve always looked to help our customers shore up “gap” areas that may be inhibiting efficiency gains in operations, helping them implement software and other systems where necessary to address these problems wherever they may exist. While working in 2016 with a leading apparel brand, we discovered a need to better utilize technology to make a better warehouse light solution, both for putting new merchandise into inventory, as well as picking it to ship to the end customer. After a collaborative product development process with the client, our new suite of light solutions came to life.

With expertise in supply chain software, we first set-out to built a back-end system that could support employees in any warehouse or distribution center, connecting output to a reporting dashboard monitored by first-line supervisors or other management as appropriate. In the age of analytics, we know that access to real-time data is critical. Next, we made the system completely wifi-enabled and cloud compatible, eliminating the need for wires or stationary infrastructure that might prohibit flexibility. This was important because it allowed our clients to utilize our light solutions in mobile installations such as a cart. Unencumbered by the need for permanent shelving, this also meant our clients could assemble or tear-down systems on a moment’s notice as needs dictated. In an unpredictable retail environment where sales on a Cyber Monday can increase 100 fold from an ordinary sales day in July, the value of scaling can’t be underestimated. Lastly, our solutions can be used with a variety of hardware products that are readily available, such as a Bluetooth ring scanner, or an iOS/Android-powered mobile device or tablet. In many cases these devices may already been in use elsewhere in the warehouse, thus extending their value to the client.

With online commerce growing by leaps and bounds every year, warehousing and distribution has to keep pace with technology in its own way to sustain the growth. We’ll keep looking for those “gaps” and other needs that still exist in the supply chain universe. In the meantime, we’re excited to finally deliver a light solution to the marketplace that fully embraces technology and flexibility in an innovative way. Stay tuned.