Lutgert Blogs

Beyond the Chaos: How AI Transforms Warehouse Scheduling For Complex Operations

December 11, 2024 / Wednesday Webinar / Tag: Center for Supply Chain Excellence

Supply chain innovation over the past five years has resulted in the warehouses of today being at the center of unprecedented complexity, from managing capacity constraints and labor shortages to meeting ever-changing customer demands. Traditional scheduling methods are no longer sufficient to keep up as more and more automation is introduced. In this session, we’ll explore how Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing warehouse scheduling by helping synthesize data and provide decision support to cutting edge operations. Discover how AI-driven capacity-constrained planning enables seamless orchestration of resources, smarter decisions, and measurable ROI in even the most challenging environments. In this session, we will discuss: How complex the existing warehousing software ecosystem is today Why balancing work through an operation is a huge challenge How AI planning systems work The outcomes expected when implementing these orchestration softwares

Regional Economic Indicators: December 2024 Report

December 09, 2024 / RERI Research Team

The RERI has published Regional Economic Indicators for December 2024. The monthly publication represents a collection and analysis of economic indicators including airport passenger activity, taxable sales, tourist tax revenues, labor force, employment, real estate, and consumer sentiment for the Southwest Florida workforce region.

Issue Brief: Disconnected Young Adults in Southwest Florida

December 09, 2024 / RERI Research Team

The post-high school graduation period is pivotal time in a young adult’s life. This is when many individuals transition to adulthood and begin establishing the foundational skills and experiences that will shape their future. During these years, young adults often pursue higher education, vocational training, or early career opportunities, all of which help them build critical competencies like problem-solving, teamwork, and self-discipline. These developmental years are also crucial for forming professional networks, gaining financial independence, and exploring pathways that align with their long-term goals. On the other hand, becoming disconnected from educational institutions and the labor force during this period can have long-lasting consequences, potentially hindering economic mobility and personal growth.

Issue Brief: Southwest Florida Arts Sector Analysis

December 06, 2024 / RERI Research Team

Data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) shows that the nation’s arts and culture sector value added was over $339 billion dollars in the second quarter of 2024, accounting for about 1.2 percent of the country’s total GDP in the quarter. In Florida alone, the BEA estimates the arts GDP at $24.6 billion in 2023. The American for the Arts organization released their sixth economic impact study of the nonprofit arts and culture industry in the U.S in 2023. Their report points to over 120,000 nonprofit business in the arts and culture sector in the country contributing directly and indirectly to the economy and provides some local estimates as well including Lee County and Collier County.

Lee EBCS: Fourth Quarter 2024 Report

December 02, 2024 / RERI Research Team

Despite challenges from political uncertainty, labor disputes, and natural disasters, the national economy remained resilient through October 2024. The national unemployment rate measured at 4.1 percent in October 2024, staying within the range often considered “full employment” for an economy. Real GDP advance estimates for the third quarter showed an annualized growth rate of 2.8 percent primarily driven by consumer spending on goods and services. Reflecting this growth, consumer sentiment rose 2.5 points in November 2024, according to preliminary findings from the University of Michigan Survey of Consumers. In their press release, the University of Michigan does note that preliminary findings in their November figures were derived from surveys that concluded before the results of the 2024 election.