Healthcare Distribution at a Crossroads

Healthcare supply chains are under pressure. Consolidation, labor constraints, rising costs, and growing service demands are forcing health systems to rethink their logistics and distribution strategies. Executives are being asked to deliver higher service levels, lower total cost of ownership, and greater supply chain flexibility—often without the right technology infrastructure or data-driven visibility to support it.

At Hy-Tek Intralogistics, we’ve helped leading health systems navigate these challenges. In one case, a post-merger supply chain had to reconcile conflicting workflows, technology stacks, and manual practices across its network. The result? A compelling need – and opportunity – for end-to-end modernization.

The New Reality for Healthcare Supply Chains

Healthcare supply chains have always been complex, today’s healthcare logistics leaders are grappling with:

• Supply chain consolidation that introduces inconsistent practices and systems
• Manual distribution processes that increase labor costs and error rates
• Data fragmentation that obscures SKU velocity, order profiles, and peak demand trends
• Demand volatility driven by seasonal, demographic, or regulatory shifts

Without modernization, these challenges increase cost-to-serve, delay fulfillment, and reduce operational control.

Data-Driven Supply Chain Transformation

The journey to a modernized healthcare supply chain starts with data.

Analyzing order history, SKU velocity, item master data, and daily volume trends unlocks powerful insights:

• Order profiling reveals inefficiencies tied to order size and volume mix.
• SKU analysis identifies which products drive most of the picking and replenishment activity.
• Volume trend mapping helps forecast resource needs and identify constraints.

With these insights, leaders can model future-state distribution scenarios and make investment decisions with confidence.

Modeling the Future: From Assessment to Action

Once the “current state” is understood, the next step is mapping a more scalable, cost-effective future:

• Current-state modeling forecasts space, labor, and throughput under today’s constraints.
• Future-state modeling showcases how automation and orchestration reduce cost and increase throughput.
• Business case development justifies capital investment, highlighting metrics like:
  • 15–20% internal rate of return (IRR)
  • $2M+ in annual labor savings
  • 28% footprint reduction

This reframes automation from a capital expense into a strategic investment in operational scalability and healthcare service delivery.

Right-Sized Automation for Healthcare Distribution

Not all healthcare supply chains need the same level of automation. The right solution depends on network complexity, growth trajectory, and patient-driven service requirements:

• Light automation: packing stations, put-to-light, mobile workstations
• Mid-level automation: case-pick modules, AMRs, robotic sortation
• High automation: ASRS, goods-to-person systems, robotic picking

The key is flexibility. Healthcare networks must be able to absorb acquisitions, adapt to SKU proliferation, and scale as demand grows.

Execution That Delivers Results

A great design is only half the story. Flawless implementation ensures service levels are maintained as systems evolve.

Hy-Tek helps healthcare supply chains succeed with:

• Phased execution plans and change management support
• Software orchestration through our IntraOne® platform, integrating WMS, WES, WCS, and TMS into one real-time control layer
• Ongoing support to ensure continuous improvement and system evolution

IntraOne provides real-time warehouse orchestration, helping healthcare organizations eliminate silos and operate with end-to-end visibility.

Lessons from Leading Health Systems

From experience with complex healthcare environments, we’ve seen that success hinges on:

• Collaborative, data-driven planning
• Standardizing units of measure (UOM) across business units
• Selecting automation partners with proven healthcare execution
• Aligning systems design with clinical service goals and growth strategy

A Smarter, More Agile Future

Modernizing the healthcare supply chain isn’t just about reducing costs. It’s about building resilience, agility, and service reliability to support better patient outcomes.

At Hy-Tek Intralogistics, we help healthcare leaders:

• Build the roadmap
• Justify the investment
• Execute transformation with confidence

Our end-to-end expertise in strategy, warehouse software, automation technologies, and lifecycle support makes us a trusted partner to healthcare networks across North America.

Ready to Take the First Step?

Let’s talk about how your healthcare distribution network can evolve. Schedule a network assessment or visit our Innovation Lab to see advanced automation, robotics, and orchestration software in action.

Contact Us to modernize your supply chain with confidence.

Erlanger, KY –September 23, 2025 – Hy-Tek Intralogistics, a leading provider of strategy, software, systems and services for supply chain automation, today announced a strategic partnership with Clients First Business Solutions, a trusted provider of tailored ERP solutions for manufacturers, job shops, specialty contractors and MROs.  This alliance will enhance ERP and supply chain solutions. Together these organizations help businesses streamline operations and improve supply chain efficiency by combining deep industry expertise with advanced technology platforms. 

Clients First specializes in delivering flexible ERP implementations across multiple platforms, including Acumatica and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (BC) and Finance & Supply Change Management (F&SCM). Its lean and agile team customizes solutions to meet the unique needs of each customer, supporting them through discovery, implementation and post-go-live support and training.

“Every business is different, and our approach reflects that by providing customized solutions to the precise needs of each organization,” said Mike Conti, Managing Director of Clients First Business Solutions. “By joining forces with Hy-Tek, we can now extend those tailored ERP capabilities with intelligent warehouse automation, providing end-to-end visibility and operational excellence.”

The Hy-Tek IntraOne® platform unifies Warehouse Management (WMS), Warehouse Execution (WES), Warehouse Control (WCS) and Transportation Management Systems (TMS) into a single practical tool that helps systems work better together. By coordinating workflows, labor, automation and data in real-time, this arrangement enables operations to respond, self-correct and continuously optimize as conditions change. 

“ERP platforms like Acumatica and Microsoft Dynamics offer a solid foundation for business operations, but they don’t always keep up with the speed and complexity of modern warehouses,” said Naomi Marti, Sr. Director of Partnerships at Hy-Tek.

“IntraOne bridges that gap by providing practical, real-time tools that seamlessly orchestrate people, systems and automation, helping businesses stay agile and efficient in today’s fast-paced supply chain environment.”

About Clients First Business Solutions

With over two decades of experience and a hands-on, implementation partnering approach, Clients First specializes in ERP systems and IT infrastructure for mid-sized and enterprise organizations. Clients First solves complex IT challenges with tailored solutions that span ERP implementation, system support, cloud infrastructure and managed services.  Also known for rescuing failed ERP projects and optimizing platforms like Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Acumatica – Clients First also supports the broader ecosystem that surrounds them.  From backup solutions to Microsoft Teams, Clients First partners with companies across industries that need more than a cookie-cutter solution. Visit www.cfbs-us.com.

About Hy-Tek Intralogistics

Hy-Tek orchestrates the future of automation by seamlessly connecting people to products in a complex supply-chain-dependent world.  From network optimization to its IntraOne® full stack software platform, robotics and advanced material handling automation and aftermarket support, Hy-Tek leverages and integrates leading-edge technologies with existing systems, minimizing disruption and accelerating ROI.  As the most trusted partner in supply chain automation, Hy-Tek equips its customers with solutions that create competitive advantage.  With more than 500 employees, Hy-Tek serves customers across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from offices in Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. For more information, visit www.hy-tek.com 

Press Contact:

Erik Koenig

Vice President of Marketing, Hy-Tek Intralogistics

Erik.Koenig@hy-tek.com

614-654-4246

Erlanger, KY –September 18, 2025 – Hy-Tek Intralogistics, a leading provider of consulting, software, systems, and lifecycle services for supply chain automation, today announced the appointment of Jeff Woroniecki as its new Senior Vice President of Sales West and member of the Hy-Tek executive team. In this critical leadership role, Woroniecki will be responsible for driving revenue growth in new geographies, expanding relationships with key customer segments and leveraging Hy-tek’s software and robotics expertise for continued success in a rapidly evolving market.

Woroniecki brings more than 30 years of deep expertise in the material handling and intralogistics sectors, having held senior leadership positions in engineering, manufacturing, and sales across multiple organizations. His track record of delivering strategic growth and operational excellence makes him an ideal fit as Hy-Tek advances its mission to deliver next-generation automation and handling solutions to its customers.

Woroniecki’s mandate will be to lead Hy-Tek’s expansion west – a first move in a targeted initiative to build awareness, leverage Hy-Tek’s robotics expertise, and accelerate sales growth in one of the fastest-growing regions in the country.

“I am thrilled to join Hy-Tek Intralogistics at such a pivotal time,” said Woroniecki. “The company’s innovative approach, combined with its commitment to customer success and forward-thinking technology, makes it a standout in the industry. I look forward to working alongside the team to accelerate growth, deepen customer partnerships, and expand our presence in regions where the opportunities are immense.”

“We are delighted to welcome Jeff to our leadership team,” said Kevin Viravec, Chief Executive Officer of Hy-Tek Intralogistics. “His deep domain expertise, strategic vision, and results-oriented mindset will be invaluable as we scale our sales infrastructure and deliver enhanced value to our customers. Jeff’s focus on key accounts and Western expansion will play a critical role in shaping our go-to-market strategy and extending Hy-Tek’s leadership in supply chain automation software and robotics.”

Woroniecki will report directly to Viravec and become a key member of the executive team as Hy-Tek continues to invest in solutions that enhance warehouse efficiency, reduce handling costs, and support supply chain resilience.

About Hy-Tek Intralogistics

Hy-Tek orchestrates the future of automation by seamlessly connecting people to products in a complex supply-chain-dependent world.  From network optimization to its IntraOne® full-stack software platform, robotics and advanced material handling automation, and aftermarket support, Hy-Tek leverages and integrates leading-edge technologies with existing systems, minimizing disruption and accelerating ROI.  As the most trusted partner in supply chain automation, Hy-Tek equips its customers with solutions that create competitive advantage.  With more than 500 employees, Hy-Tek serves customers across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from offices in Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. For more information,

visit www.hy-tek.com 

Press Contact:

Erik Koenig

Vice President of Marketing, Hy-Tek Intralogistics

Erik.Koenig@hy-tek.com

614-654-4246

Billions of dollars are being poured into warehouse automation, and for good reason. With rising labor costs, tighter SLAs, and increasing demand volatility, automation can offer real performance gains. But despite the impressive capabilities of today’s systems, many projects underdeliver. The problem usually isn’t the technology. It’s how the company prepares for it.

Operational readiness is the difference between hitting your KPIs or scrambling to contain chaos during and following project go-live. It’s not just about plugging in equipment or connecting software. It’s about making sure your people, processes, and data are ready to support and sustain change.
In this blog, we’ll break down what operational readiness really involves, why it often gets overlooked, and how to build a practical, proactive plan to support your automation goals from day one.

What Is Operational Readiness in Automation?

Operational readiness refers to the process of preparing your organization, people, processes, and systems to adopt, absorb, and scale an automation solution. It’s the connection between strategy and execution.
Unlike technical readiness, which focuses on getting hardware installed or software configured, operational readiness ensures that the day-to-day operation can actually function in the new environment. It’s about aligning workflows, updating standard operating procedures (SOPs), training employees, validating data, and running test scenarios that reflect real warehouse conditions.

When done well, these efforts reduce friction, improve adoption, and help ensure that automation investments generate ROI sooner and more reliably.

Why Operational Readiness is Often Overlooked

Despite its importance, operational readiness is one of the most overlooked phases of an automation project. Here’s why:

Over-focus on technology
It’s easy to get caught up in system specs, speeds, and integration maps. While those elements matter, they don’t guarantee successful operation if the people running the facility aren’t prepared for how their roles will change.

Mistaking integration for readiness
Just because systems are connected doesn’t mean they’re aligned. For example, a warehouse management system (WMS) may communicate with a robotic system, but if the workflows, inventory practices, or exception processes don’t match the new logic, breakdowns occur quickly.

Lack of ownership
Many teams don’t assign a clear owner for operational readiness. It’s not simply a task for the engineering team, nor does it fall solely to operations. Without a cross-functional leader or task force, it often slips through the cracks.

Time and go-live pressures
As timelines get tighter near deployment, operational readiness is one of the first things to get cut. The assumption is that any gaps can be fixed post go-live, but by then, costs are higher and confidence is lower.

Real-World Consequences of Poor Operational Readiness

When operational readiness is an afterthought, the consequences show up fast:

Delayed ROI
If teams aren’t ready, the benefits of automation take longer to materialize. You end up paying for both the system and the overtime needed to patch over avoidable issues.

Change resistance
Employees who don’t understand the “why” behind changes or who aren’t trained to navigate new systems tend to resist them. That resistance often spreads, leading to disengagement and turnover.

Manual workarounds
When teams aren’t fully prepared, they default to what they know. Without clear SOPs, role-based training, or contingency plans, manual workarounds creep in. These shortcuts slow operations and undermine the system’s value.

Often, the issue isn’t with the automation itself but with how it’s being used. In some facilities, automation sits underutilized because teams weren’t informed on which SKUs to run through the system. If product slotting doesn’t align with system capabilities, or if operators aren’t confident navigating exceptions, automation can become a bottleneck rather than an advantage.

These gaps create inefficiencies, introduce risk, and delay the return on investment. Worse, they can shake confidence in the solution, even when the root cause is operational, not technical.

Customer impact
During a chaotic go-live, service levels can drop. Shipments are delayed. Errors increase. Customers notice. And once trust erodes, it’s hard to rebuild.

Key Pillars of a Strong Operational Readiness Plan

A well-structured operational readiness plan spans five core areas. Each plays a critical role in ensuring that your automation system works as intended from day one.

Change Management: Operational change starts with people. Change management ensures that your team is not just aware of what’s coming but engaged in the process.

• Align leadership across departments early
• Communicate proactively about the impact of changes
• Identify “change champions” on the floor who can reinforce new behaviors

SOP Development and Process Mapping: Automation reshapes how tasks are performed and how exceptions are handled.

• Map future-state workflows with input from both system designers and operators
• Review and validate edge cases such as incorrect picks, no-reads, or damaged goods
• Document updated SOPs in clear, accessible formats

System and Data Readiness: Your automation is only as smart as the data it’s fed.

• Audit master data for accuracy and consistency
• Test system logic in end-to-end scenarios before go-live
• Ensure your WMS or warehouse execution system (WES) aligns with physical flow and process rules

Training and Workforce Readiness: Even the best system won’t perform if your team isn’t ready to run it.

• Provide role-specific training well before launch
• Use job aids, simulations, and practice shifts to reinforce learning
• Ensure supervisors are confident in their ability to lead in the new environment

Go-Live Planning and Contingency Scenarios: Treat go-live like a mission-critical launch.

• Define escalation paths for issues during startup
• Set up a support “war room” with real-time assistance from IT, engineering, and operations
• Establish backup plans in case of system disruptions
• Post-go-live process adherence reviews to retrain associates, and/or realign procedures as needed

Operational Readiness Self-Check

Before moving to deployment, ask your team these questions:

• Have your SOPs been updated to reflect post-automation workflows?
• Have you planned for testing of end-to-end scenarios, including edge cases and disruptions?
• Are operators, supervisors, and leadership aligned on what changes are coming and why?

If the answer is “no” to more than one, your team may face a costly and avoidable stabilization period after go-live. These are the kinds of gaps that can derail even the best-designed systems.

Use our operational readiness self-check list to guide internal discussions and identify areas that need attention before go-live.

Download the checklist to get started.

Building Operational Readiness into Your Automation Timeline

Operational readiness should be treated as a dedicated project phase and thought about and planned for from a project’s iteration. It is not simply a task to complete at the end.

Begin readiness planning as early as the design stage. Bring in stakeholders from operations, IT, HR, and warehouse leadership to form a cross-functional task force. Set milestones for SOP drafts, training completion, and mock go-live activities. This approach helps identify risks early and builds confidence across teams.

By making readiness part of the overall timeline, you reduce surprises and avoid last-minute pressure that can derail go-live.

Final Thought: Don’t Just Launch. Prepare to Perform.

The best automation systems still require humans to run them effectively. Operational readiness bridges the gap between technology and execution. It ensures your investment delivers on its promise from the first day.

Think beyond deployment. Focus on adoption, performance, and long-term sustainability.

Let’s Talk Operational Readiness Planning

Operational readiness is where successful automation begins. It is also where many projects stumble. Whether you’re preparing for your first deployment or scaling a mature system, our team is ready to help.

Schedule a call with Hy-Tek’s Strategic Services team and start building your operational readiness plan today.

Insights by Chris Henkel, Hy-Tek Intralogistics Lifecycle Services Team

Introduction: Turn Peak Pressure into Peak Performance

As peak season approaches, warehouses face a familiar but formidable challenge: how to meet surging demand without compromising performance. With labor shortages, aging infrastructure, and rising customer expectations already testing operations, your peak season rush can feel like a stress test your facility isn’t ready for.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

This strategic guide walks you through a proven approach to peak season readiness—one that doesn’t rely on last-minute fixes or costly overhauls. Instead, you’ll discover how to build resilience through data-driven audits, workforce optimization, and smart technology integration. Whether you manage a single distribution center or a multi-site network, you’ll find practical, scalable insights designed to help your operation thrive under pressure.

Executive Summary

• Peak season places exceptional strain on warehouse operations already burdened by labor shortages, cost pressures, and aging infrastructure.
• This guide outlines how to prepare for peak by optimizing labor, systems, and workflows through proactive assessments and strategic improvements.
• Built for warehouse and distribution leaders, it offers actionable steps to reduce risk and boost performance before, during, and after peak season.

Section 1: Understanding the Pressure

The State of the Warehouse Heading into Peak

The lead-up to peak season often reveals cracks in the operational foundation. Many facilities are already battling:

• Labor shortages and rising wages
• Aging equipment and infrastructure
• Volatile inventory levels and limited space
• High service level expectations with low tolerance for errors
• Seasonal volume spikes that leave no margin for unplanned downtime

Section 2: Readiness Starts with Risk Awareness

Audits and Assessments for Proactive Planning

The most effective way to prepare for peak isn’t by working harder—it’s by working smarter. Hy-Tek’s Peak Readiness Program is designed to identify and address vulnerabilities before they impact operations. The program includes:

• Maintenance Process Audit — Optimize preventive maintenance and improve CMMS usage
• Equipment Health Assessment — Flag high-risk components and prioritize replacements
• Technician Proficiency Audit — Evaluate team readiness, uncover skill gaps, and recommend training
• Inventory & Spare Parts Review — Confirm availability of critical components with long lead times
• Escalation Protocol Review — Define action plans for high-risk failure scenarios

Section 3: Meeting SLAs Under Pressure

Order Prioritization and Fulfillment Accuracy at Scale

With SLAs on the line and customer expectations rising, speed alone isn’t enough—you need accuracy and agility, too.

• Define SLA tiers and align WMS/WES logic to support prioritization
• Use wave and batch picking to streamline high-priority order fulfillment
• Implement system slotting and dynamic replenishment to maintain flow
• Train teams to handle exceptions before the rush begins

Section 4: Operational Optimization During Peak

Smart Adjustments for Real-Time Efficiency

Even the best-laid plans require flexibility. Real-time operational tuning can drive significant improvements during peak weeks.

• Optimize shift and break schedules to balance throughput and fatigue
• Stagger inbound and outbound windows to reduce dock congestion
• Establish high-speed pick zones in bottleneck-prone areas
• Detrash at receiving to free up space and accelerate putaway

Section 5: Continuous Improvement Starts Post-Peak

What You Learn This Year Powers Success Next Year

The end of peak is the beginning of your next advantage. Post-season analysis is where short-term wins turn into long-term gains.

• Conduct post-peak audits and collect technician feedback
• Benchmark KPIs across functions to identify top- and low-performing areas
• Update SOPs and training materials based on real-world challenges
• Reassess spare parts strategy using actual failure data
• Partner with Hy-Tek for automation tune-ups and modernization planning

Section 6: Building Resilience with the Right Technology

Automation and Software That Scale with Demand

Technology should empower—not overwhelm—your operation. Hy-Tek helps future-proof your facility through scalable, right-sized solutions.

• Hy-Tek IntraOne® Orchestration — Seamless WMS/WES/WCS integration
• Robotic Systems — AMRs, AS/RS, and sortation to boost efficiency
• 24/7 Remote Monitoring — Minimize response times and reduce downtime
• Modular Retrofits — Extend the value of your current infrastructure

Section 7: Q&A with the Hy-Tek Lifecycle Team

Q: How early should we start peak readiness planning?
A: Ideally, 10–12 weeks before peak. This allows time for assessments, ordering parts, training technicians, and building contingency plans.

Q: Will Hy-Tek audits disrupt daily operations?
A: No. Our team integrates seamlessly with your existing workflows to avoid interruptions.

Q: What types of facilities benefit most?
A: Hy-Tek supports single-site DCs, multi-site networks, and highly automated operations across retail, 3PL, healthcare, and beverage sectors.

Q: Can Hy-Tek help implement improvements?
A: Absolutely. We offer full support—from diagnostics and planning to on-site service and emergency response.

Conclusion: Be Ready, Not Reactive

Peak season isn’t about adding more people or equipment—it’s about making smarter use of what you already have. With Hy-Tek, you gain the tools, insight, and support needed to turn seasonal pressure into peak performance.

Ready to optimize your peak strategy?

Schedule your Pre-Peak Readiness Assessment today.

Insights from Sarah Hollinger

IT leaders are under pressure to deliver speed, scalability, and security without adding complexity or risk to their technology environment. As automation, AI, and real-time data become more central to supply chain operations, as well as total business operations, CIOs and IT Directors are reevaluating how their systems connect and scale.

Heavy custom integrations are becoming a thing of the past. More IT teams are moving toward unified, modular platforms that streamline operations and reduce long-term maintenance. By building a technology stack that fits together like Lego® bricks, organizations can gain flexibility without giving up control.

In this blog, we take a closer look at why unified platforms are replacing custom code, how they connect with ERP and BI tools, and how they support better security, compliance, and performance at scale.

The Hidden Costs of Custom Integration

Custom integrations often seem like the fastest path to connect systems and solve specific workflow gaps. But under the surface, these projects introduce hidden costs that erode IT resources and delay innovation.

According to MuleSoft’s 2021 Connectivity Benchmark report, IT teams spend 68% of their time “keeping the lights on,” with over one-third of that time devoted to designing, building, and testing custom integrations. That means roughly 23–25% of IT effort is tied up in maintaining existing connections, significantly limiting bandwidth for innovation, robotics, AI, or digital transformation.

Unified Platforms Deliver Flexibility Without Lock-In

Unified platforms offer a more scalable approach to integration. Instead of connecting each system individually, a unified platform acts as a central layer that ties together automation systems, WMS, ERP, labor and reporting tools, and more.

Hy-Tek’s IntraOne Integration Hub provides this kind of foundation. It’s designed to help IT leaders orchestrate their technology stack without relying on brittle, point-to-point connections.

Think of it like Lego® bricks. Each system becomes a module that can be easily added, removed, or reconfigured without disrupting the rest of the operation. As your business changes, your infrastructure can adapt.

With a unified platform, IT teams can scale operations while keeping their environment streamlined, manageable, and secure.

ERP and BI Compatibility as a Strategic Advantage

Most IT leaders design their technology stacks around a core ERP platform. But even the most robust ERP systems, whether Microsoft Dynamics 365, SAP, Oracle, or WorkDay, require specialized execution tools to manage warehouse workflows, automation, and real-time data.

The challenge is strategically, while being mindful of risk incurrence, integrating these specialized systems without creating fragmented data pipelines or introducing costly customizations.

That’s where IntraOne fits in. It’s designed to work with your ERP, not around it. Whether you’re running Dynamics 365 F&SCM, Business Central, SAP, Oracle, or WorkDay, IntraOne connects execution workflows directly to your ERP environment through modern technology.

It also simplifies how data moves into BI tools; instead of custom-built pipelines, IntraOne uses a low-code/no-code interface and a structured SQL database to keep data clean and accessible. IT teams can deliver real-time insights to leadership without wrestling with backend complexity.

Security, Compliance, and Data Control

As technology ecosystems grow, so do concerns around data fragmentation, cybersecurity, and compliance. Fragmented systems, supported by customizations and tribal knowledge, create blind spots making it harder for IT teams to enforce access controls, track system changes & updates, and ensure compliance with industry standards.

IntraOne addresses these concerns with enterprise-grade security features, including:

• Centralized access control with role-based permissions
• API governance and audit logging for traceability
• Cloud and hybrid deployment options to meet the needs of compliance-sensitive industries, such as healthcare and pharmaceutical

IntraOne is also SOC 2 Type 1 certified, demonstrating our commitment to high security and data management standards.

What to Look for in a Future-Proof Warehouse Platform

Choosing the right warehouse execution platform is critical for IT leaders driving digital transformation. Below is a checklist to evaluate whether a platform will scale with your business and integrate seamlessly across your technology stack:

• ERP-agnostic, API-first architecture
• Real-time data pipeline compatibility with BI tools (Power BI, Tableau, Snowflake)
• Modular, composable functionality that allows you to start small, and scale fast
• Intuitive for both IT teams and operational users
• Implementation partners that can help design and implement your business objectives
• Clear SLAs and responsive post-go-live support
• Enterprise-grade security and compliance built-in

Conclusion: Build for Change, Not for Complexity

In today’s fast-paced, automation-driven landscape, custom-coded integrations create unnecessary complexity and risk. IT leaders are turning to unified platforms like IntraOne to streamline operations, integrate seamlessly with ERP and BI tools, and maintain control over their technology environments.

With IntraOne, you don’t have to sacrifice security or scalability to gain agility. Future-ready supply chains are orchestrated, not custom-coded, giving IT teams the flexibility to evolve alongside business demands.

See the IntraOne Architecture

Want to see how IntraOne integrates with your ERP, BI tools, and automation stack, securely and to scale?

This recognition, based on direct and specific customer feedback, highlights the company’s mission to be more than a technology provider—serving instead as a collaborative partner that delivers insight, execution and results across the entire distribution lifecycle. Each year, Hy-Tek customers have eagerly participated in nominating the company for this recognition and this year focused on its exceptional strategic advisory services in intralogistics and supply chain solutions.

Brad Berger, publisher of SupplyChainBrian, said the publication was inspired by the number of companies who so deeply appreciate their suppliers’ services and solutions.   “For twenty-three consecutive years, SupplyChainBrain has published our much-anticipated list of 100 Great Supply Chain Partners.  This select group of companies have customers recognize them for providing outstanding solutions and services,” he said.

This six-month online poll of supply chain professionals requires a qualified response, asking them to nominate vendors and service providers whose solutions have made a significant impact on their company’s efficiency, customer service and overall supply chain performance. 

According to SupplyChainBrain, this year’s field of nominees was highly competitive and overall excellent – coming from all areas of supply chain management.  The nominations yielded a strong, competitive field of solutions providers including Hy-Tek’s Strategic Services team which has helped companies across industries make smarter, faster and more confident supply chain decisions. Hy-Tek’s strategic oversight ensures that supplier relationships contribute positively to operational efficiency and long-term supply chain health. 

“At Hy-Tek, our Strategic Services offer advisory services aimed at transforming supply chain operations. Rather than providing a standard approach, we focus on tailored, practical support designed to specifically align with each client’s operational and financial objectives,” said Hy-Tek Intralogistics CEO Kevin Viravec. “This coveted recognition from our customers means we are addressing their automation needs and reflects their positive experiences with our support, services and solutions across our business. We will continue to focus on delivering systems based on advanced technology and agnostic solutions to meet our customers’ needs so they can benefit from greater clarity across operations and help transform supply chains from a cost center to a competitive advantage.”

Whether forecasting demand, balancing inventory across channels or rerouting logistics in real time, Hy-Tek professionals bring discipline and agility to the decision-making process. Supply chain advisors like Hy-Tek provide critical insight that bridges the gap between tactical planning and strategic execution.

About Hy-Tek Intralogistics

Hy-Tek orchestrates the future of automation by seamlessly connecting people to products in a complex supply-chain-dependent world.  From network optimization to its IntraOne® full stack software platform, robotics and advanced material handling automation and aftermarket support, Hy-Tek leverages and integrates leading-edge technologies with existing systems, minimizing disruption and accelerating ROI.  As the most trusted partner in supply chain automation, Hy-Tek equips its customers with solutions that create competitive advantage.  With more than 500 employees, Hy-Tek serves customers across the United States, Canada and Mexico from offices in Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. For more information, visit

www.hy-tek.com 

Press Contact:

Erik Koenig

Vice President of Marketing, Hy-Tek Intralogistics

Erik.Koenig@hy-tek.com

614-654-4246

Columbus, OH –August 5, 2025 – Hy-Tek Intralogistics, a leading provider of strategy, software, systems and services for supply chain automation, today announced two key leadership appointments to its software organization. Sarah Hollinger has joined as Vice President of Software Solutions, and Mansi David as Vice President of Product Management. Both leaders will play critical roles in advancing IntraOne, Hy-Tek’s unified warehouse orchestration platform.

As Hy-Tek continues to help customers navigate complexity across warehousing and distribution operations, these additions deepen the company’s bench of industry expertise and strengthen its ability to serve as a long-term, trusted advisor.

Sarah Hollinger brings over 14 years of experience in supply chain software, ERP strategy and implementation consulting. In her new role, she will lead the Hy-Tek Software Implementation Consulting team, with a focus on delivering solutions that align with customers’ operational goals and long-term growth strategies. Hollinger has led global deployments across Manhattan Associates; enVista’s Microsoft F&SCM; and Gartner Consulting. She is known for her hands-on leadership, ability to drive adoption through effective change management and her commitment to building strong customer relationships.

Mansi David joins Hy-Tek with more than 15 years of experience in enterprise software development, product strategy and digital transformation. With a track record of delivering scalable solutions at companies such as IAM Robotics, Seegrid and Quest Global, David will guide IntraOne’s product vision and roadmap. Her work has consistently focused on solving real-world customer challenges through thoughtful design, cross-functional collaboration and outcome-based innovation.

-more-

“Sarah and Mansi each bring a deep understanding of the warehouse technology landscape—Sarah from the lens of execution and implementation, and Mansi from the product and innovation side,” said Kevin Viravec, CEO of Hy-Tek Intralogistics. “Together, they represent our commitment to helping customers orchestrate the future of automation by delivering flexible, intelligent and integrated solutions that evolve with their business.”

This strategic expansion of Hy-Tek’s software leadership underscores the company’s mission to be more than a technology provider—serving instead as a collaborative partner that delivers insight, execution and results across the entire supply chain network.

About Hy-Tek Intralogistics

Hy-Tek orchestrates the future of automation by seamlessly connecting people to products in a complex supply-chain-dependent world.  From network optimization to its IntraOne® full stack software platform, robotics and advanced material handling automation and aftermarket support, Hy-Tek leverages and integrates leading-edge technologies with existing systems, minimizing disruption and accelerating ROI.  As the most trusted partner in supply chain automation, Hy-Tek equips its customers with solutions that create competitive advantage.  With more than 500 employees, Hy-Tek serves customers across the United States, Canada and Mexico from offices in Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. For more information,

visit www.hy-tek.com 

Press Contact:

Erik Koenig

Vice President of Marketing, Hy-Tek Intralogistics

Erik.Koenig@hy-tek.com

614-654-4246

Even five years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, global supply chains are still adjusting to the weaknesses the crisis brought to light. One of the biggest takeaways was clear: many supply chains were not prepared to respond quickly to sudden and unpredictable changes. 

Today’s business environment continues to evolve at a rapid pace, placing increasing pressure on supply chains to be more agile, efficient, and resilient. At the center of this shift is the supply chain advisor. This strategic partner helps companies manage complexity, improve operations, and prepare for future challenges. In this blog, we will explore the core responsibilities of a supply chain advisor and how Hy-Tek’s Strategic Services help businesses achieve long-term success. 

The Harvard Business Review offers valuable insights on this topic for those interested in learning more about the impact the pandemic had on the industry. 

Understanding the Supply Chain Advisor Role 

A supply chain advisor serves as a strategic guide, helping organizations navigate the intricacies of their supply chain operations. Unlike traditional consultants, supply chain advisors are deeply integrated into the client’s operations, offering tailored solutions that align with the company’s unique goals and challenges. 

Core Responsibilities 

1. Strategic Planning and Development 
   Supply chain advisors collaborate with stakeholders to develop comprehensive strategies that support long-term objectives. This includes analyzing demand, distribution networks, and operational workflows to build customized roadmaps. 

2. Process Optimization 
   Through careful evaluation, advisors identify inefficiencies across sourcing, fulfillment, and distribution. They implement process improvements that reduce waste, enhance speed, and lower operational costs. 

3. Technology Integration 
   Supply chain advisors help identify and implement advanced technologies such as warehouse execution systems (WES), warehouse management systems (WMS), and automation solutions to streamline operations and boost visibility. 

4. Supplier Relationship Management 
   Supply chain advisors support supplier alignment by focusing on performance, compliance, and the overall impact of vendor operations on the distribution center. While not directly involved in procurement, advisors help organizations assess supplier reliability, monitor inbound execution, and identify opportunities to improve consistency and flow. This strategic oversight ensures that supplier relationships contribute positively to operational efficiency and long-term supply chain health. 

5. Risk Management and Compliance 
   Advisors proactively address vulnerabilities in the supply chain, designing mitigation strategies while ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements. 

6. Performance Monitoring 
   With the help of data analytics and KPI tracking, advisors assess the impact of supply chain strategies and make data-driven adjustments for continuous improvement. 

Why Supply Chain Advisors Matter More Than Ever 

In an era of economic uncertainty, shifting consumer behavior, and rising service-level expectations, supply chain advisors bring unmatched value. They not only solve operational issues but also unlock new opportunities for resilience, growth, and competitive differentiation. Supply chains today are no longer simple, linear systems. They are vast, interdependent ecosystems that require constant alignment with internal objectives and external conditions. The supply chain advisor provides strategic foresight and execution support that allows businesses to remain proactive rather than reactive. 

Organizations that invest in expert supply chain guidance benefit from greater clarity across operations. Whether forecasting demand, balancing inventory across channels, or rerouting logistics in real time, these professionals bring discipline and agility to the decision-making process. Supply chain advisors provide critical insight that bridges the gap between tactical planning and strategic execution. 

Enabling Resilience and Flexibility 

Resilience has become a cornerstone of competitive supply chains. Global events, from natural disasters to pandemics and political instability, have exposed how vulnerable supply chains can be when over-optimized for efficiency without consideration for risk. A supply chain advisor helps companies build flexibility into their operations by developing multiple sourcing strategies, rerouting capabilities, and real-time monitoring systems that can alert and adapt to changing conditions. 

They work closely with internal stakeholders to ensure that your supply chain can maintain operational continuity even in the face of disruptions. This might mean establishing regional fulfillment hubs, negotiating flexible contracts with logistics providers, or investing in smart automation that can scale up or down depending on volume fluctuations. These strategies are not theoretical. With the right supply chain advisor, they become practical, executable tactics that preserve customer satisfaction and protect the bottom line. 

Supporting Sustainable Supply Chains 

Sustainability is no longer a corporate buzzword. It is a tangible, measurable commitment that supply chain advisors help businesses fulfill. Today’s consumers, partners, and investors expect companies to operate with transparency, ethics, and environmental stewardship. A supply chain advisor guides organizations in identifying wasteful practices, selecting sustainable materials, and creating closed-loop logistics systems that reduce environmental impact. 

Hy-Tek Strategic Services: Beyond Traditional Consulting 

At Hy-Tek, we believe in transforming the way supply chains operate. Our Strategic Services team goes beyond one-size-fits-all consulting by providing hands-on, customized support that aligns with each client’s operational and financial goals. 

Our Differentiated Approach 

• Data-Driven Network Design 
  Our advisors leverage modeling tools and deep logistics expertise to design optimized distribution networks that lower total landed cost and support future growth. 

• Labor and Throughput Assessments 
  We analyze labor utilization and throughput capacity across your operations to identify areas for automation, training, or process reengineering. 

• Digital Transformation Strategy 
  We help clients identify the right digital tools, from robotics to AI-driven analytics, and integrate them seamlessly into their warehouse and distribution center environments. 

• End-to-End Roadmaps 
  From discovery through execution, our strategic advisors create detailed implementation roadmaps tailored to your timelines, budgets, and performance metrics. 

• Cross-Functional Collaboration 
  Our team works closely with Hy-Tek’s automation, software, and aftermarket divisions to ensure seamless execution and post-implementation support. 

Ready to Partner with a Supply Chain Advisor? 

If you’re looking to drive efficiency, reduce costs, and future-proof your operations, it’s time to explore what a dedicated supply chain advisor can bring to the table. Hy-Tek’s Strategic Services team has helped companies across industries make smarter, faster, and more confident supply chain decisions. 

Contact Hy-Tek today to schedule a strategy session and learn how our expert advisors can help transform your supply chain from a cost center to a competitive advantage.

Ask any warehouse leader today what keeps them up at night, and the answer is rarely just about volume. It’s volatility. Orders fluctuate by the hour. Labor capacity rises and falls by the shift. Even the most advanced automation systems can quickly turn into bottlenecks without the right coordination in place. 

Planning systems like ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and WMS (Warehouse Management Software) were built for a different era. They operate in batches, follow predefined rules, and often don’t communicate well with each other. For a long time, that was enough. But supply chain expectations have changed, and the tools alone haven’t kept pace. 

That’s where warehouse orchestration comes in. 

The Fulfillment Equation Has Changed 

Change isn’t occasional anymore; it’s constant. And the ability to adapt is now a defining trait of high-performing supply chains. According to Gartner, “Ninety-five percent of supply chains must quickly react to change, but only 7% can execute decisions in real time”. In an environment where priorities shift by the minute and disruptions can come from anywhere, execution needs to be just as dynamic as planning. By 2028, companies are expected to invest five times more in technology that supports real-time execution (Gartner).  

Warehouse orchestration is the new frontier. It’s not about replacing your existing systems; it’s about making them work better together. By coordinating workflows, labor, automation, and data in real-time, orchestration enables operations to do more than just plan. It enables them to respond, self-correct, and continuously optimize as conditions change. 

Why Planning Alone Is No Longer Enough 

ERP platforms play a vital role in long-range planning and financial alignment. WMS platforms provide structure for inventory control and order fulfillment. But both rely on logic that’s fixed at the time of configuration. When things go according to plan, they work well. When the unexpected happens, and it always does, they struggle to adapt. 

Consider just a few of the disruptions warehouses face regularly: 

• A large retailer pushes up a ship date for a promotion. 

• Several key workers call out during the second shift. 

• A robotic system slows down due to a mechanical fault. 

• A new batch of SKUs arrives, but the slotting hasn’t been updated yet. 

In most environments, these challenges are handled manually. Supervisors walk the floor. Operators wait for direction. Adjustments are made, but they’re often reactive and not repeatable. 

Warehouse orchestration offers a smarter alternative. By sitting above existing systems and monitoring activity in real time, it provides a central brain that continuously evaluates and reprioritizes the operation. 

Enter Warehouse Orchestration: The New Layer of Agility 

Warehouse orchestration is not simply a single product. It’s a strategy, and increasingly, a requirement, for high-performing fulfillment networks. 

At its core, warehouse orchestration is about aligning systems, automation, and people toward a shared set of goals. It enables real-time execution decisions based on live conditions and facility priorities. Instead of rigid, siloed workflows, orchestration brings flexibility to every layer of the warehouse. 

Think of it as the glue that connects the data coming from your WMS, WCS, robotics, labor systems, and even your ERP. It absorbs that information, analyzes it, and triggers the next best action, whether that’s reassigning a pick task, rerouting totes, or adjusting wave timing. 

Multiagent Orchestration: Moving from Control to Coordination 

Not only familiar in name, it can be helpful to compare orchestration to the role of an orchestra conductor. In both cases, each element, whether a musician or a function of a warehouse, operates independently, but needs to stay in sync with others to avoid delays, confusion, or worse. 

Warehouses are managing more complexity than ever. Between traditional material handling equipment, mobile robotics, labor fluctuations, and customer-driven SLAs, there are more moving parts with less room for error. WCS systems control machines. WMS platforms issue work orders. But few tools provide the visibility and agility needed to coordinate across all of them. 

That’s the value of orchestration. It doesn’t just automate steps. It monitors the entire performance and adapts on the fly. At Hy-Tek, our IntraOne software is purpose-built to do just that, combining inputs from across the facility to dynamically assign tasks, self-heal disruptions, and continuously optimize throughput. 

Why ERP Interoperability Matters More Than Ever 

Another reason orchestration is gaining momentum is its ability to extend the value of ERP systems without the need for costly customization. Many organizations attempt to drive execution logic directly from the ERP layer, only to find themselves limited by slow refresh rates, batch-level visibility, and rigid workflows. 

Orchestration fills the gap. Full-stack software systems like IntraOne connect directly to major ERPs such as Microsoft Dynamics 365, SAP, and Oracle. They translate high-level planning data into warehouse-specific action, and just as importantly, push execution insights back upstream. 

The result is a connected enterprise where strategic planning and tactical execution are in lockstep. Inventory turns faster, and labor is better utilized. And leaders gain real-time visibility that informs both daily operations and long-term decision-making.

Orchestration in Action: Real-Time, Not Reactive 

The benefits of orchestration become especially clear when something goes wrong. Here are a few everyday challenges where orchestration makes a measurable difference: 

1. Order prioritization shifts mid-day 
   With orchestration, the system recognizes that high-priority orders need to be expedited and reshuffles wave planning accordingly, without manual intervention. 

2. An automation system slows down 
   Rather than allow downstream work to pile up, orchestration redistributes tasks to nearby zones or reallocates labor to prevent delays. 

3. Labor constraints affect a critical pick area 
   Orchestration rebalances work in real time, assigning the most skilled associates to high-impact areas while scaling back on less urgent tasks. 

These adjustments are not theoretical. They’re happening in real time, every day, in high-volume operations using platforms like Hy-Tek’s  IntraOne to maintain flow, improve accuracy, and hit service targets. 

What to Look for in an Orchestration Partner 

As with any major operational investment, choosing the right orchestration partner matters. Look for a solution and provider that can support not only your current state, but where your warehouse is headed. Key traits include: 

• Built for hybrid operations with both manual and automated workflows. 

• API-first, cloud-native architecture that integrates with your tech stack. 

• ERP-agnostic capabilities that complement your planning tools. 

• Real-time decision-making and continuous optimization features. 

• A proven partner with expertise in warehouse design, integration, and support. 

At Hy-Tek, we bring all of that together with IntraOne, a platform designed to help warehouses operate with greater speed, accuracy, and agility. 

Orchestrated Today, Competitive Tomorrow 

The days of static execution are behind us. Today’s distribution centers need to respond to change quickly, allocate resources wisely, and maintain flow across increasingly complex environments. 

Warehouse orchestration is not just a trend. It’s the foundation for a more agile, competitive supply chain. By creating a real-time layer of coordination, orchestration improves everything from labor efficiency to system utilization to customer service. 

At Hy-Tek, we believe warehouse orchestration is central to the future of fulfillment, and we’re helping our customers lead the way. 

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