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Industrial Insights

Industrial Insights

By: Justin Smith
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About this listen

 Industrial Insights is a podcast that highlights the market dynamics, high level strategies, and in the trenches tactics for tenants and owners of industrial real estate. Each episode is designed to take hard fought wisdom from practitioners and break it down into insights that can drive better commercial real estate decision making. The host, Justin Smith, shares his experiences from 16 years in the business and brings in industry experts to discuss critical aspects of successful industrial projects.Copyright 2024 Economics Marketing Marketing & Sales Personal Finance
Episodes
  • Improving Warehouse Management with AI

    Improving Warehouse Management with AI
    Dec 17 2025

    In this episode, Justin Smith interviews Bart Gadeyne from Optioryx about the integration of AI into warehouse management systems (WMS). They discuss the challenges faced by warehouses, such as inefficiencies in picking routes and shipping air, and how AI can optimize these processes. Bart explains the importance of smart 3D cartonization, mobile dimensioning, and the need for effective change management in implementing new technologies. The conversation also touches on the unique challenges faced by third-party logistics (3PL) providers and the future trends in warehouse technology, including robotics and automation.

    Key Takeaways

    • AI can significantly optimize warehouse operations.
    • Shipping air is a costly inefficiency in logistics.
    • Smart 3D cartonization can reduce shipping costs.
    • Mobile dimensioning technology is revolutionizing the industry.
    • Warehouse layout impacts picking productivity.
    • 3PLs must adapt to diverse client needs.
    • Change management is crucial for technology adoption.
    • Implementation timelines can be hindered by IT departments.
    • Robotics are emerging but require clear ROI.
    • The future of warehousing will blend technology and human labor.

    Chapters

    • 02:53 Optimizing Warehouse Operations with AI
    • 05:30 The Complexity of Truck Loading and Shipping Air
    • 08:28 Smart 3D Cartonization and Dimensional Shipping
    • 11:12 Mobile Dimensioning and Its Impact
    • 13:56 Warehouse Layout and Design Optimization
    • 16:52 3PL Challenges and Solutions
    • 19:37 Change Management in Warehouse Operations
    • 22:29 Implementation of AI Solutions
    • 25:20 Future Trends in Warehouse Technology

    Episode Resources

    Connect with Bart Gadeyne

    • https://www.linkedin.com/in/bartgadeyne/
    • https://www.linkedin.com/company/optioryx/
    • optioryx.com

    Connect with Justin Smith

    • https://smithcre.com/
    • https://www.lee-associates.com/
    • jbsmith@leeirvine.com
    • https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinbsmith
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    30 mins
  • WMS Product Improvement Insights with Vee Srithayakumar

    WMS Product Improvement Insights with Vee Srithayakumar
    Dec 15 2025
    In this episode of the Industrial Insights podcast, Justin Smith interviews Vee Srithayakumar from Tecsys, discussing the evolution of warehouse management systems (WMS) and the impact of software development on the logistics industry. Vee shares his journey from warehouse management to product management, emphasizing the importance of communication and user experience in software design. The conversation explores the transition to SaaS, the significance of AI in warehouse operations, and the collaborative nature of the healthcare and 3PL industries. Vee also addresses implementation challenges and the need for flexibility in software solutions, while highlighting the future of WMS and AI integration. Key Takeaways Vee transitioned from warehouse management to software development by leveraging his network.Product management involves bridging the gap between warehouse operations and software development.Effective communication is crucial in product management to ensure accurate software development.User experience should be prioritized in software design for warehouse management systems.The shift to SaaS has improved feedback cycles for WMS significantly.Greenfield projects allow for innovative warehouse designs without existing constraints.Warehouse managers today must be tech-savvy to utilize modern tools effectively.Implementation processes need to be streamlined to avoid delays and complications.Collaboration in the healthcare industry fosters sharing of best practices among competitors.Integrating with specialized startups can enhance WMS capabilities without reinventing the wheel. Chapters 03:00 - Transitioning from Warehouse Management to Software Development05:53 - The Role of Product Management in Software Development09:11 - The Evolution of SaaS in Warehouse Management Systems11:58 - Understanding Greenfield vs. Brownfield Projects14:50 - The Impact of AI on Warehouse Management18:02 - Maturity Stages of Organizations Seeking WMS Solutions20:31 - Collaboration in the Industry21:09 - Understanding 3PL Operations23:14 - Flexible Feature Development24:47 - Streamlining Implementation Processes25:20 - Addressing Customer Expectations27:35 - Leveraging Integrations for Specialized Needs28:03 - Navigating the Ecosystem of WMS29:56 - Innovative Solutions for Complex Problems32:09 - Expanding Product Offerings34:39 - The Role of AI in Execution36:43 - The Future of Software Development Episode Resources Connect with Vee Srithayakumar linkedin.com/in/vsrithayakumarhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/tecsys-inc/https://www.tecsys.com/ Connect with Justin Smith https://smithcre.com/https://www.lee-associates.com/jbsmith@leeirvine.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/justinbsmith
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    37 mins
  • Inside the Maersk Machine: The New Era of Big Box 3PL

    Inside the Maersk Machine: The New Era of Big Box 3PL
    Dec 8 2025
    In this episode of the Industrial Insights podcast, Justin Smith interviews Scott Weiss, VP of Technical Sales at Maersk, discussing the evolving landscape of the 3PL industry, the impact of COVID-19 on supply chains, and the importance of understanding global supply chain dynamics. Scott shares insights on the value of a great 3PL provider, the significance of IT in modern warehousing, and the challenges of labor markets. The conversation also touches on the decision-making process between insourcing and outsourcing, the role of automation in warehouses, and future trends in the industry. Key Takeaways Real estate rates only go up over time.Companies must consider the entire global supply chain.A great 3PL adds value beyond order fulfillment.Not every 3PL partnership is a good fit. The 3PL landscape has changed significantly over the years.IT integration is crucial for modern warehousing. There is no one-size-fits-all model for warehousing solutions.Warehouse automation is a growing trend but must be tailored to customer needs.Labor market challenges are significant in the warehousing industry.Continuous improvement is essential for 3PL success. Chapters 01:45 - Post-COVID Supply Chain Adjustments03:44 - Understanding Global Supply Chain Dynamics05:12 - The Importance of Real Estate in Logistics06:42 - Maersk's Unique Position in the Market09:05 - Best Practices in 3PL Relationships11:53 - Identifying the Right Fit for 3PL Partnerships13:34 - Implementation Challenges in 3PL 16:17 - Evolution of the 3PL Landscape19:07 - The Role of IT in Modern Logistics22:07 - Insource vs. Outsource: Finding the Right Balance23:20 - Exploring Outsourcing Models25:57 - Warehouse Automation Adventures32:40 - Labor Market Dynamics40:07 - Future Trends in Warehousing Episode Resources Connect with Scott Weiss https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottweisslogistics/https://www.maersk.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/maersk-group/ Connect with Justin Smith https://smithcre.com/https://www.lee-associates.com/jbsmith@leeirvine.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/justinbsmith
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    45 mins
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