How Automation & Sustainability Transform eCommerce Logistics with Marv Cunningham at Modex 2024

eCom Logistics Podcast

Global Head of Essentials Operations Marv Cunningham, as Prologis' Global Head of Operating Essentials and Global Head of Workforce Solutions, oversees all aspects of Prologis’ Workforce Programs and Community Relations division, as well as Essentials platform delivering the next generation of solutions to address some of the most critical challenges fulfillment centers face today building into your business the resilience you need to innovate, grow, and thrive, encompasses the company’s Community Workforce Initiative (CWI). CWI is building a talent pipeline for customers, with an emphasis on revitalizing career pathways and creating economic opportunities in the communities where the company operates. Within Operating Essentials, Marv is centered at the core of successful fulfillment – from move-in services to forklifts and racking systems and encompassing fully automated warehouse solutions. Learn more about CWI here and more about Operations Essentials here Mr. Cunningham joined Prologis in 2023 and has 15-plus years of experience in Supply Chain and Logistics throughout the United States and Europe. Prior to joining Prologis. Mr. Cunningham was the COO/CIO for GXO, Logistics, the Chief Supply Chain Officer for Saks, Saks Off 5th & Hudson Bay, the Chief Supply Chain Officer for Rent the Runway, Vice President of Target Supply Chain, and multiple roles at Amazon. Mr. Cunningham has an MBA from Carnegie Mellon and a Bachelor of Science in nuclear engineering from Oregon State University which he completed in 3 years. He loves to ride his Harley-Davidson motorcycles on the weekend and plays basketball any chance he can.

SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Marv Cunningham discusses the Prologis Essentials program and its mission to provide comprehensive solutions for e-commerce logistics challenges. He shares his extensive experience in the industry, including his time at Amazon and Target, and highlights the importance of standardization, scalability, and culture in warehouse operations. Marv also emphasizes the growing role of automation and robotics in improving efficiency and reducing labor costs. Overall, this episode offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of e-commerce logistics and how to address industry challenges.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:00:43] The advantages of 3PLs in operating systems and driving economies of scale.

[00:13:11] Integration of AI and machine learning in providing real-time feedback for operational improvements.

[00:19:14] Factors indicating the right time for adopting automation in warehouses.

[00:23:58] Marv’s four P's approach: People, Process, Performance, and Price.

QUOTES

[00:00:27] "They can help you with either financing or RaaS. They can set up the system, they can operate it for you. You get the economy to scale and the savings base in automation."

[00:04:03] "What we're trying to do at Prologis Essentials is we're trying to also do anything inside and outside of the building. So anything from racking to fork trucks to full solution automation, to networking capacity planning."

[00:13:30] "Instead of just giving you a solution, they're giving you a solution that then starts thinking about ‘how did we do today’ and ‘what can I make a recommendation?’"

[00:19:14] "If you have a labor problem, if you're growing, and then if you really believe that you're trying to either write process units faster or in a shorter period of time with less shifts, both of those are the right time for automation."

Find out more about Marv Cunningham and his company in the link below:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marvcunningham/

https://www.prologis.com/essentials-solutions/

This episode is sponsored by G&P Construction. If you're in need of top notch, all-inclusive Material handling solutions for logistics and commercial real estate, look no further than G&P Construction. Be sure to visit www.gandpconstruction.com to discover your one-stop shop for turnkey MHE integrations.