Dive Brief:

• IT failure's biggest expense is usually the cost of the ensuing disruption, not only while suffering computer downtime, but also the hours spent in repair.
• Keeping extra parts and equipment available for redundancy is one solution, but it is generally expensive to do so. The often prohibitive cost of redundancy therefore places greater focus on beginning with the best, most reliable and hardy equipment available. Ease of use is also vital, since a faulty system will likely induce frustration and reduced productivity.
• The total cost of ownership (TCO) includes more than the initial purchase price. Buying hardy, truly effective and user friendly equipment will result in fewer breakdowns, and therefore, fewer disruptions.

Dive Insight:

Warehouse procedures are continually evolving as they grow in importance and intricacy. Emerging IT trends powering warehouse dynamics can help predict their effectiveness.

Currently, warehousing focus on third-party integration tools is gaining traction. Fully integrated companies are outproducing non-integrators by 20%, mostly due to improved data access, and third party solutions are pushing this integration forward. The more information that's available and easily found, the smoother go the processes. 

Greater integration brings with it the need for big data management solutions. Extrapolation results are becoming sharper, aiding in extra-lean storage with the resultant inventory investment reductions. More accurate analysis and forecasting will provide adopters with advantages that could ultimately see increased revenue throughout the coming year.