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The use of automated guided vehicles (AGVs), or robotic lift trucks, is expanding as the industry finds ways to transition simple, repeatable tasks to guided or autonomous vehicles, experts say.

Increasing the array of channels, devices and platforms that splinter mass communication into the thousands of niche outlets, allows brands to cater to specific audiences.

Sometimes you want to take care of your own backyard. That’s essentially the reason that Boston-based Harpoon Brewery — now the 18th largest craft brewer in the country, according to the Brewers Association, operates a separate distribution business to serve its home market.

Through new facility development, some beverage operators are dedicating their capital expenditure budget to the construction of new plants and offices.

A team might be delivering to more accounts with fewer miles and hours on the road, but are those vehicles spending enough hours on the road?

Once an emerging technology, telematics and logistic support has dramatically increased in the past few years to keep pace with SKU proliferation, the need to move products faster, multiple deliveries and even last-minute deliveries that require immediate action, experts note.

Carts and hand trucks are helping to reduce delivery personnel’s body stress in store, while powered liftgates are supporting these concerns among fleet operations.

Certain industry-leading best practices can be adapted to just about any size beverage distribution business to help minimize downtime. Here are the Top 10.

Distributors rely on mobile apps and wireless direct-store-delivery (DSD) hardware and software solutions in order to provide the best customer service, ensure accuracy and boost efficiency.