Spinnaker SCA

9 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 10, ISSUE 10 SPINNAKER SCA to operate in this new, dynamic environment. Further underscoring the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in managing administrative tasks within the supply chain, Garcia notes that “One of the key advantages of AI and ML-based systems is their ability to encapsulate the tribal knowledge that employees possess, especially given today’s high turnover rates. These systems can look at everything in the warehouse and make informed decisions, answering questions like, ‘Is this the best use of that resource right now, machine or human, to make us the most efficient?’” He further explains the evolving hierarchy of systems within a Distribution Center (DC). “Traditionally, Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) were the most advanced systems in a DC, with Warehouse Control Systems (WCS) and Labor Management Systems (LMS) being subservient to it or reliant on its data. Now, each of these systems is getting smarter, capable of optimizing work within their purview. What is emerging are higher-level systems that can orchestrate all of these together, ensuring that the right orders for the day are being released to optimize customer service and to optimize and best balance the use of automation and people.” Strategic Partnerships: The Backbone of Spinnaker SCA’s Ecosystem When it comes to strategic partnerships, Spinnaker SCA is discerning yet collaborative. “Manhattan Associates and Blue Yonder are a significant part of our business, especially from a WMS perspective,” Garcia states. “We also work with several material handling providers that we commonly recommend, such as Locus Robotics, Tompkins tSort, and AutoStore.” He emphasizes the impartiality of these recommendations. “We don’t have any commercial agreements that benefit us when recommending these providers. Our focus is solely on providing