This post is an attempt at providing a condensed explanation of what a “Green” Supply Chain is, and how a Warehouse Control System (WCS) can help your business attain sustainability.
President Obama has taken a lead role in sustainable processes not only in government operations but also within the private sector. The guiding document is Executive Order 13423 which can be found at: http://www.ofee.gov/eo/eo13423_main.asp
Every business has a supply chain. Simply stated; Input --> Transformation --> Output.
A sustainable supply chain is friendly as possible to the environment as it attempts to uses materials and processes that reduce waste.
All supply chains cost money; raw materials, energy, material handling, transportation, etc. The movement towards a sustainable green supply chain will lead businesses to discovering new opportunities to decrease costs.
There generally are two methods to “greening” a supply chain;
Move existing processes towards a green supply chain model
Design and implement new processes under that model
Goals of a Green Sustainable Supply Chain
Reduce Costs and Help the Environment
Lower Energy Consumption
Use less Natural Resources Consumption
Less Environmentally Unfriendly Chemicals
Some excellent resources on this subject are "Green Supply Chain Network" and "Greenprofs".
A WCS utilizes very innovative technologies within the warehouse or distribution center that reduces the floor space needed and uses less human and/or natural resources.
One technology that is used is Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) such as horizontal or vertical carousels.
Below is a presentation from Remstar on Sustainable High Performance Storage & Retrieval Systems:
Companies must focus on three core areas when greening the supply chain: organization, process, and technology.
However, most companies do not have an organizational structure, or have processes in place that enable an "end-to-end" view of their carbon footprint or environmental impact of their supply chain.
Technology follows the organizational and procedural changes put in place. Taking on any technology investments without first understanding the alignment of the overall strategies is obviously not a good idea.