Author: Tim Smith

Fresh Back from ProMat 2019
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Fresh Back from ProMat 2019

Last week, members of the MagicLogic team were busy looking after our stand at this year’s ProMat. The ProMat has always been a successful show for us and this year was no exception. Our CTO Tim Smith had plenty of meetings and enjoyed renewing contacts with current customers and partners as well as making new connections from all industries. The new, high-quality leads are currently keeping our sales and support team extremely busy in our offices both here in North America and in Europe.

Why the ProMat Remains a Firm Favorite for MagicLogic

Reading the updates on ProMat, it is no surprise to learn attendance was up this year to a staggering 45,000.  Over the years we have attended the show, we have seen it grow tremendously, and it remains one of our best and most productive trade shows. It isn’t always easy to find such a well-organized show that attracts the right mix of attendees interested in our products, but the ProMat fits the bill perfectly. The people we talk to are looking for the best loading optimization solutions, and with ever-evolving business requirements, these conversations are pretty interesting. Talking to our customers face-to-face is always a valuable experience, and it frequently prompts new ideas as to how to improve our software even further. We also had the opportunity to see our software in action on one of our partner’s stands in the Automate section of the show which was a wonderful surprise.

Then, of course, there is the fact the show is held in Chicago, which is always a fantastic city to visit!

Looking Forward to the Next Few Months Here at MagicLogic

Our team never sits still here at MagicLogic, and after listening to our customer’s needs, we are currently working on new software versions that will provide even more effective and efficient solutions. Our brand-new Cube-IQ-Web version is presently in Beta-testing, so soon our customers can leverage the power of our software from wherever they might be, on their smartphone, browser or tablet. We’re making load planning even easier and more convenient than ever before.

If you missed us at the ProMat and are interested in learning how to improve your bottom line with faster, more accurate loads, get in touch with us now via our contact form or direct email at info@magiclogic.com

Welcome to Our New Site
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Welcome to Our New Site

Welcome to Our New, Improved Website

Welcome to our new and significantly improved website. This morning MagicLogic.com went offline for a while as we bid farewell to our old website that has been our home for the past few years. Our new site has been a labor of love, and the changes extend well beyond shiny new images. We feel it now more accurately reflects our energetic and enthusiastic team who are continually working to improve and expand the reach of our products. The website has been created to showcase our company values of product innovation and excellent service.

More Accessible to Use and Now with Online Help

When redesigning our site, we had several explicit goals. The new format makes it easier for you to explore our site so you can access relevant information more quickly, and you will find new and refreshed content to read. We wanted to ensure the site would better communicate our solutions and products. It is fully optimized for mobile devices so you can find the information you need without any frustrating panning and zooming. Most importantly, we now offer Online Help for our clients. Look for the help button located on the bottom right of each page.

Many More Features Still to Come

The new site is still a work in progress as we will be continuing to introduce new features and content over the coming weeks and months, and our dedicated team is working hard behind the scenes. Keep watching this space as we will be bringing new tutorials and videos online, as well as a whole host of useful documentation on how to achieve the very best results from our world-class software solutions. We are also proud to announce our new blog which will be regularly updated with new articles and news about MagicLogic and the logistics industry in general.

Why Utilize Cartonization in eCommerce Fulfilment Centers?
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Why Utilize Cartonization in eCommerce Fulfilment Centers?

Today, one of the major problems faced by eCommerce fulfillment centers catering directly to the consumer is increasing shipping costs. This comes at a time when order sizes are smaller, and labor costs are rising.  These factors eat into the bottom line, but cartonization software can significantly help to reduce the impact on profits. Increasingly, direct-to-consumer eCommerce fulfillment centers are turning toward Cartonization software and here are just a few of the reasons why your company should consider it.


Maximize Efficiency
Using Cartonization software makes it possible to generate batches of orders based on packaging needs. Orders requiring a specific size of carton are generated and assigned to packing lines expressly for those sizes. This allows orders to be separated into manual and automated lines and allocated to stations with the necessary materials. Each order is directed to the line that can package it most efficiently. When the order arrives at the pack station, Cartonization software tells the packer the specific size of carton, preventing unnecessary void-fill and use of over-size cartons.



Increasingly, direct-to-consumer eCommerce fulfillment centers are turning toward Cartonization software and here are just a few of the reasons why your company should consider it.

Reduce Shipping Charges
Dimensional weight or DIM weight use carton dimensions as well as the actual weight to determine shipping charges. Using the correct sized carton can decrease DIM charges significantly. Also, by using smaller cartons, more orders can be loaded, reducing overall loads and their associated costs.

Reducing Consumer Returns
Cartonization software follows strict loading rules that assess the dimensions and fragility of items to determine how best to ship them and how to pack the order. For example, it can choose the most efficient type of void-fill to protect the item, such as foam or bubble wrap. The weight of the item decides its pack position, ensuring heavy items are always positioned at the bottom of the carton. The SKU dimensions determine which carton size is allocated to the order. All these factors ensure the consumer receives their product in pristine condition, reducing returns due to damage.

Reducing Packaging Costs
Not surprisingly, packaging costs are reduced when the correct-sized carton is chosen. Additionally, smaller cartons require less fill-void and take less tape. These saving might seem small, but when added up over a month or year, can be significant.

Reducing Your Company’s Carbon Footprint
Increasingly, consumers prefer to use companies that try to be more environmentally conscious. There is little more infuriating than to receive an over-sized box. Cartonization can form an essential part of any project to ensure your supply chain is greener, minimizing your consumption of materials that aren’t always easily recycled. Also, fewer loads reduce your carbon footprint even further, as does using recycled packaging materials whenever possible.

If you are interested in better, faster solutions for Cartonization or complex mixed palletization, contact MagicLogic and ask about our BlackBox. Chat with us directly using our Online Help.

Overcoming Logistics Labor Shortages with Automation
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Overcoming Logistics Labor Shortages with Automation

Currently, there is a shortage of adequately qualified job seekers. Often, those who do apply are lacking the skills required for the job. Unemployment rates fell to 3.8% in the United States in February, and in Canada, unemployment rates are currently at 5.8%, only slightly higher than the 43-year low seen in December. Given these numbers, it is little surprise that employers are struggling to fill vacancies. These tight conditions are also due in part to increased e-commerce and higher consumer demand.

The Rise of E-Commerce
Over the past two decades, e-commerce sales have steadily risen, a trend that shows little sign of abating. The speed and convenience of purchasing goods online is an easy and quick solution for consumers. However, increasing demand places higher expectations on the companies producing these products and fulfilling orders. Industries like manufacturing and warehousing are particularly hard-hit by labor shortages, at the very time when they need to keep abreast of a rapidly changing marketplace.

... it is predicted that 10,000 baby boomers will retire each day for the next decade...

Shortage of Industry-Specific Skills
In addition to the labor shortage, employers are struggling to cope with a lack of people with industry-specific skills. The situation is exacerbated by baby boomers reaching retirement age. To put this into perspective, it is predicted that 10,000 baby boomers will retire each day for the next decade, many of whom are leaving specialized positions. Also, younger job seekers have less interest in traditional industries like warehousing and manufacturing, and there is an emphasis on achieving a degree and a ‘white-collar’ position. Ironically, the stigma surrounding these skilled trades is often misplaced, as there are plenty of well-paid jobs with promotion opportunities available.


Easing Labor Shortages with Automation
Employers are adapting to the changing labor market, usually by offering higher wages and increased benefits. Although these strategies can help, they are only part of the solution. There are benefits in having a workforce that will coexist alongside automation, without the need to immediately convert an entire warehouse to robotic systems.

Increased Efficiency

Often, relatively low-tech innovations such as productivity aids or basic conveyors can improve efficiency. Using robots to build pallets makes it easier for staff to work effectively, ensuring the pallets are stacked precisely every time, and 24/7 if needed. Stacking the pallets precisely every time ensures there are fewer breakages or damage to goods.

Eliminating Repetitive Tasks
Automation can eliminate repetitive tasks that are unfulfilling for humans, but which must be completed correctly. Removing these tasks frees up employees to concentrate on other responsibilities that will help to build the business, increasing its competitiveness within the industry.

Improving Safety in the Workplace
Automation can improve safety in the workplace, getting rid of some of the riskier processes and reducing the chance of injuries. This can lead to better job satisfaction, fewer hours lost and reduced staff turnover.

Automation cannot entirely replace the human workforce, and people are still needed to perform vital tasks. Often, introducing more automated systems like robot palletization gives workers the chance to increase their skillsets. Over time, automation will change the face of industry, and those companies who choose to adapt more quickly will be better placed to remain competitive.