NCET Biz Tips: Stepping into the future of material handling innovation and e-fulfillment

Tourism and mining are two of many economic engines fueling Nevada's growth. It's also no secret that Reno has become a highly desirable location for logistics and warehousing operations.

With the number of large warehouses and distribution facilities built in Reno in the last several years, we have entered a new business phase. Operational efficiencies are needed and demanded more than ever to fuel the throughput of distribution and e-commerce companies.

One company that has answered the call is NPSG Global, a leader in material handling installation, commissioning, fabrication, and contract assembly. Although based in Georgia, NPSG Global has a metal fabrication and contract assembly plant located right here in Reno.

The NPSG Global story began in 2012. Tad Sely and Eric Obrokta identified an underserved need to help warehouse, distribution, and e-commerce operators reach critical scale through safe and rapid equipment installation. NPSG Global was created to serve that need.

Today, NPSG Global is one of the world's largest material handling installation, design, and consulting companies, with over 2,500 staff across North America, Europe, and Australia/Southeast Asia. This staff is annually deployed to more than 100 sites simultaneously. While installation services have been at the core since day one, NPSG Global today also offers complete system commissioning, metal fabrication, contract manufacturing services, and material handling engineering solutions.

To further break down what NPSG Global brings to the table, think of NPSG as in the business of taking a warehouse facility from an empty shell to a world-class operating e-fulfillment center in as little as three months. Now that's efficiency.

All of this reads well, but unless there are hard benefits to a client's operation, NPSG Global's growth will eventually slow. That has not been the case for the following reasons:

• Expertise and Experience: NPSG uses best practices and the latest technology. NPSG has a track record to back it up.

• Comprehensive Services: NPSG is a one-stop solution from initial planning and design to installation and commissioning. There is no need to coordinate and juggle multiple vendors.

• Quality and Reliability: Rigorous standards are adhered to. Downtime is minimized.

• Cost Efficiency. Bundled services can result in significant cost savings for clients.

• Scalability and Flexibility: NPSG Global designs systems with scalability in mind. Solutions can be modified or upgrades made as needed.

• Safety and Compliance: All installations meet local and national safety standards and regulations, thereby reducing legal risk and promoting a safe working environment.

Successes? 

There are many, although specific company names can't be mentioned in this article.Successes experienced by NPSG clients range from optimized operations through increased efficiency and improved accuracy to quicker time-to-market due to faster setup and competitive advantage. Rounding out these successes include NPSG clients meeting on-time deliveries better, leading to higher customer satisfaction and loyalty with their customers.

No company is immune to challenges. Even though NPSG Global is a leader in full-service material design, installation, fabrication, and contract assembly, the company has its share of challenges. 

• Labor Shortages: Finding skilled labor for installation and commissioning tasks is difficult.

• Regulatory Compliance: Navigating local regulations and codes for construction, safety, and environmental standards can be complex and time-consuming.

• Supply Chain Disruptions: As consumers, we have all experienced the negative impact of global supply chain issues. These disruptions, in turn, lead to delays, shortages, and increased costs that impact project timelines and budgets.

• Cultural and Language Barriers:  Working in different countries often involves navigating cultural differences and language barriers, affecting communication and collaboration.

NPSG Global is overcoming these challenges in numerous ways. Investment in training programs, apprenticeships, and partnerships with technical schools helps NPSG to maintain a skilled workforce. NPSG compliance specialists stay updated on local laws and regulations. NPSG operates a diversified supply chain strategy, including multiple suppliers and alternative sourcing options. The company hires local experts to bridge gaps and provide training for staff on cultural sensitivity and language skills.

Most importantly, NPSG invests in the latest technologies, such as automation and robotics, to improve efficiency and throughput and reduce labor dependency. With increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices and reduce environmental impact, NPSG employs green building practices, energy-efficient systems, and waste recycling strategies.

Fostering a customer-centric approach is what NPSG Global is all about. Their growth and success worldwide in the past several years is a function of offering flexible and scalable solutions tailored to client needs.

Reno distribution facilities and other NPSG clients worldwide reap the benefits from this company's next-gen material handling innovation and e-fulfillment solutions. 

You have an opportunity right around the corner to learn more about NPSG Global at NCET Tech on Wednesday, July 10.

Sign up early for NPSG Global's presentation from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. with networking from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. During your visit, you will:

• Learn how NPSG customizes fabrication in both small and large production runs.

• Learn how NPSG can rapidly prototype from concept sketches and preliminary sketches.

• Watch the BLM 8.2 Tube Laser at work with its 20-foot bar capacity.

• See the robotic welding cells.

• Tour the powder coating booths, which include 6 Gema spray systems, a 30-foot x 15-foot oven for bake-out and cure, and a 30-foot sandblast booth.

So don't be late. Register now by visiting ncet.org. 

NCET is a member-supported nonprofit organization that produces educational and networking events to help people explore business and technology.

Bill Leonard is VP of Communications at NCET and a ghostwriter of research-based opinion articles, white papers, and case studies for industry thought leaders and consultants who want to boost their authority. Connect with Bill at Ghostwriting Ink on LinkedIn. NCET produces education and networking events to help people explore business and technology.