In the third episode of Warehouse Wizards, we sit down with Maxim Hendrix, warehouse manager at TD SYNNEX, one of the world’s largest distributors of IT-related technology products. Overseeing the Benelux warehouse operations, Maxim is responsible for managing incoming stock, streamlining processes, and ensuring smooth shipments to customers. Maxim shares his insights into tackling warehousing challenges, the role of automation, and the importance of leveraging data for efficiency.
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Balancing Freight and Labor Costs
Freight and labor are TD SYNNEX’s biggest cost drivers, and managing both is a constant battle. Rising payroll costs, thanks to automatic wage indexation in Belgium, don’t always align with volume growth, leaving the team to figure out how to do more with less. “We challenge ourselves to ship the box in the best possible way,” Maxim says, explaining their push to reduce transport damages and wasted space in boxes.
Automation: Big Gains, Bigger Decisions
TD SYNNEX is all-in on future-proofing with automation and an upgraded Warehouse Management System (WMS). They’re targeting high-activity areas like repackaging, but not everything gets automated. “If the ROI isn’t beneficial, don’t do it,” Maxim says bluntly. Processes that demand flexibility, like special order handling, are sticking with manual workflows for now. Balancing automation with flexibility during peaks like Black Friday is a constant juggling act.
The Power of Master Data
When it comes to running a tight ship, good data is everything. Accurate master data powers better cubing logic (how products are grouped in shipments) and smarter product slotting. “Good master data makes less exceptions,” Maxim explains, cutting down on errors and training time for new hires. But capturing this data isn’t always simple—it’s more than just measuring dimensions. It involves deciding where products belong in the warehouse and how they’ll be shipped, adding layers of complexity to the process.
Data is the Secret Weapon
Before diving into automation, TD SYNNEX used data to optimize every step of their workflows. “If you’ve got the data, you need to use the data,” Maxim says. Continuous improvement is baked into their approach, ensuring that every move—whether it’s tweaking a process or investing in automation—delivers real results.
Humans and Machines: A Balanced Future
Despite all the buzz around automation, Maxim doesn’t see humans disappearing from the warehouse anytime soon. “You want to keep the flexibility,” he explains. Machines are great for repetitive tasks, but human oversight is essential for handling exceptions, managing backups, and making sure operations run smoothly. The future of warehousing is all about finding the sweet spot between tech and teamwork.
