Form follows function ... distribution center design / architecture shared thread

I have been a fan of the phrase "Form follows function" for a while ... this week the internet allowed me to learn that architect Louis Sullivan that coined the phrase; Frank Lloyd Wright his successor, gave it renown.

Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater is shown above ... while I am not certain as to all the intended functionallity,  it is fair to assume that tranquility was high on the list.  But, this is a supply chain automation blog, not a study of architecture, so let's get to the point.

In my years in this industry, I have worked both for integrators and manufacturers.  When meeting a new client, a common questions is "What kind of equipment do I need?"  As a manufacturer, it would be nice to say "Why my newest widget of course" ... but ... any answer without an understanding of the required functionality, would be a roll of the dice.  The same holds true for the integrator ... the customer may be anxious for the "what type of equipment do I need" ... but ... the right answer ALWAYS comes from a deeper understanding.

The impetus for today's blog entry relates to the form following function phrase and a bit of frustration by some technology providers claiming their technology will replace conveyors ... replace ASRS ... etc. ,,, and yes, as a manufacturer of conveyor and ASRS, that claim can hit a nerve, but ... responding to that claim would be nothing more than petty bickering of mine is better than yours.

Material handling automation in North America in many ways remains an untapped frontier.  The drivers going forward being demographics, SKU proliferation, sustainability and ever increasing urbanization, all align very strongly to the benefits delivered by material handling automation.  To that end, we need to serve as stewards to our industry as servants to our customers ... we have a RESPONSIBILITY to UNDERSTAND the function required and THEN provide the form.

Bot technology is truly a marvelous innovation.  The flexibility/adaptability/serviceability of the technology is tremendous ... but ... successful companies are going to grow and with that the growing demands and space needs for their distribution centers.

As we look towards the future ... natural resources are limited ... land accessible to urban centers continues to be an evermore priceless commodity.  A single technology solution that uses 6-8 ft of a 30-40 ft tall building has deplorable cube efficiency ... conversely a solution that uses a blend of technology that leverages the strengths of the individuals subsystems will yield a far more effective operation.

To that end ... it is not a question of mine is better than yours ... but ... what is the best integration of technologies that provides the best solution for the needs today and tomorrow ... letting FORM always follow FUNCTION.