VARGO® Adds to Software Support Team

HILLIARD, Ohio, August 24, 2020 — VARGO®, a leading provider of material-handling systems integration, warehouse execution software and equipment solutions for major fulfillment and distribution centers, has hired Anthony Nembhard as a software support specialist.

In his role, Nembhard provides on-site and remote support to VARGO® customers and he assists in customer implementation and installations of COFE® (Continuous Order Fulfillment Engine), VARGO®’s warehouse execution system software. COFE® is a leading waveless fulfillment solution that synchronizes and sequences all resources — people and equipment — and responds to dynamically changing requirements within a fulfillment center.

“Anthony makes an excellent addition to the software support team, and we know he will add strength to that group, which is focused on providing excellent service to our customers,” said Bart Cera, president and COO. “We look forward to seeing how he grows in his role here.”

Nembhard grew up in Columbus, Ohio, and in December 2019, he graduated from Regis University with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems.

He currently lives in Galloway, Ohio. (ZIP Code 43119).

Griffin Promoted to Software Manager

HILLIARD, Ohio (AUGUST 17 2020) — VARGO®, a leading provider of material-handling systems integration, warehouse execution software and equipment solutions for major fulfillment and distribution centers, has promoted Eric Griffin to software manager.

Griffin joined VARGO® in June 2012 as a software engineer, responsible for engineering Python applications for the company’s COFE® (Continuous Order Fulfillment Engine) warehouse execution system software. COFE® is a leading waveless fulfillment solution that synchronizes and sequences all resources — people and equipment — and responds to dynamically changing requirements within a fulfillment center. As software manager, engineering, Griffin will continue to work on the Python applications, but he also will be mentoring and fostering the development of the junior developers on the software engineering team.

Prior to his work at VARGO®, Griffin was a software tester at Primatech, where he tested chemical process safety software. He also served in the U.S. Army from 2004-2007, and earned a Combat Action Badge and an Army Commendation Medal.

“We are excited to see how Eric has grown in his role at VARGO® and greatly appreciate the contributions he has made to our Warehouse Execution System software,” said Bart Cera, president and COO. “We know that his leadership and intelligence will help in the development of our growing software engineering team.”

Griffin grew up in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, and in 2011, he graduated from Ohio Dominican University with a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems. Griffin currently lives in Columbus, Ohio. (ZIP Code 43204).

Raymond Promoted to Senior Software Manager

HILLIARD, Ohio (AUGUST 17, 2020) — VARGO®, a leading provider of material-handling systems integration, warehouse execution software and equipment solutions for major fulfillment and distribution centers, has promoted Joel Raymond to senior software manager.

Raymond, who joined the VARGO® team in February 2012, has held numerous roles of increasing responsibility. Since September 2018, he has served as a software manager, overseeing the design and development of VARGO® software and managing a team of software engineers. Prior to that, he was a senior software engineer and software developer, and he assisted with software design, development and support. He has had a significant impact on the company’s COFE® (Continuous Order Fulfillment Engine) warehouse execution system software, a leading waveless fulfillment solution that synchronizes and sequences all resources — people and equipment — and responds to dynamically changing requirements within a fulfillment center.

“Joel has become an invaluable part of our Tech Center team and has grown in his leadership and his ability to inspire his team,” said Bart Cera, president and COO. “We’re happy to recognize his contributions and look forward to his continued impact within our software group and our company.”

Raymond grew up in Lancaster, Ohio. In 2011, he graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Art in Computer Science.

Raymond currently lives in Gahanna, Ohio. (ZIP Code 43230).

VARGO® Unveils New Social Distancing Feature in COFE® WES Software

The new functionality automates one-picker-per-aisle workflows that maintain safe social distance for warehouse workers

HILLIARD, Ohio (July 14, 2020) — VARGO®, a leading provider of material-handling systems integration, warehouse execution software and equipment solutions for major fulfillment and distribution centers, has unveiled a new social distancing feature to its COFE® continuous order fulfillment execution system.

For large volume sites, COFE®’s algorithms and AI-like functionality can now be specifically programmed to create a process where only one person is working in the same pick aisle at a time, keeping workers a minimum of one per pick aisle, or 8 feet apart, in the picking areas.

This feature helps fulfillment centers maintain high productivity and high worker safety protocols at the same time. Often, social distancing slows down workflows in order to keep workers spaced apart. But the new COFE® function automates the distancing so that it integrates into the overall workflow. For example, if there is one worker in a specific aisle, COFE® will send multiple picks to that employee to maximize the time they spend in that pick aisle.

Because COFE® already promotes a decoupled work process, it is a natural a fit with social distancing and goes along with the philosophy of rewarding the most productive associates with more work.

“COFE® has always done an outstanding job of delegating work and keeping workers productive. During COVID, we’ve been able to leverage these same features to aid operations with social distancing requirements and desires,” said Art Eldred, Client Executive, Systems Engineering at VARGO®.

The social distancing feature is available for large-volume warehouse sites. More information is available by calling 877.876.6384 or emailing inquiry@vargomail.com.

VARGO®’s system sales team grows

New client executive to focus on new business growth

HILLIARD, Ohio (May 7, 2020) — VARGO®, a leading provider of material-handling systems integration, warehouse execution software and equipment solutions for major fulfillment and distribution centers, has hired Brian Drees as a client executive, system sales.

In this capacity, Drees is responsible for planning, implementing and coordinating sales calls, presentations and other business development initiatives that lead to the sale of material handling equipment, conveyor systems and software solutions. He is part of a team that manages direct-to-consumer and business-to-business sales opportunities and analyzes customers’ complex fulfillment or distribution operations.

“We are confident that Brian’s extensive experience in e-commerce fulfillment and engineering will make a great impact on helping VARGO® grow in the marketplace,” said Bart Cera, president and COO.

Prior to joining VARGO®, Drees worked on the client side, most recently at Thirty-One Gifts, a direct-selling company that specializes in personalized bags, accessories and home décor. At Thirty-One Gifts, he worked as executive director of operations support, director of engineering and senior manager of engineering and systems. Drees brings almost 30 years of experience in engineering and distribution operations to his role. Prior to working at Thirty-One, he worked as a project manager for supply chain at Abercrombie & Fitch, a global retailer, and as a project manager for systems at Sygma Foods, a subsidiary of Sysco that provides food and non-food products to chain restaurants throughout the United States.

Drees earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from University of Cincinnati.

He currently lives in Hilliard, Ohio (ZIP 43026).

VARGO® and Körber Announce Alliance

Together, companies will conquer supply chain complexity through latest WMS, WES, system design, MHE, and automation solutions

HILLIARD, Ohio (April 7, 2020) VARGO®, a leading provider of material-handling systems integration, warehouse execution software and equipment solutions for major fulfillment and distribution centers, today announced an alliance partnership with Körber, the global supply chain technology leader from software to material handling automation.

This alliance provides a referral program through which Körber will offer VARGO®’s Continuous Order Fulfillment Engine (COFE®) warehouse execution system (WES) and other VARGO® solutions in North America. In turn, VARGO® will provide Körber’s warehouse management system (WMS) as part of its design solutions for customers.

“In designing solutions for its clients, VARGO® provides a comprehensive material handling systems integration approach, which includes designing, implementing and supporting optimized solutions based on the customer’s needs,” said Bart J. Cera, president and COO of VARGO®. “This partnership with Körber provides an integrated cross-selling model of products, which allows both of our companies to bring a total proven business solution to the industry.”

“Today’s supply chains are under more pressure than ever before,” said Chad Collins, chief executive officer for Körber Supply Chain – Software. “Partnering with VARGO® exemplifies our dedication to providing the solutions and expertise businesses need to handle any complexity that comes their way. Be it more products, suppliers, distribution channels or competition, we provide a range of solutions to fit any business size or strategy.”

Körber’s industry-leading WMS, empowers quick and efficient tracking of all materials entering, being managed in and leaving the distribution center. The WMS uniquely handles the needs of small businesses to global enterprises. This includes handling diverse day-to-day operations, rapid growth, and complex workflows requiring personalized solutions.

VARGO®’s COFE® WES manages the elements that make up the outbound workflow. It synchronizes and sequences all work resources — equipment, devices and personnel — and keeps orders flowing by providing real-time visibility and controlling automation, labor and other elements. The ever-advancing growth of e-commerce has challenged companies to address both efficiency and expediency in their fulfillment centers. Just this past peak season, the top seven fulfillment centers powered by COFE® experienced a 20-percent growth from 2018 to 2019 in the number of units they processed in one peak, seven-day period after Thanksgiving.

The Körber Business Area Supply Chain is part of the international technology group Körber. Formerly Körber Logistics Systems, this consists of Aberle, Aberle Software, Cirrus Logistics, The Cohesio Group, Consoveyo, DMLogic, HighJump, inconso, Otimis, Langhammer, Riantics and Voiteq. Based on 40+ years of experience, Körber uniquely provides an end-to-end offering for all supply chain needs, spanning software, automation, voice/vision/mobility, robotics, materials handling equipment, systems integration and consulting. The company already has proven success with thousands of companies worldwide.

About the Körber Business Area Supply Chain

Supply chains are growing more complex by the day. Körber uniquely provides a broad range of proven, end-to-end supply chain solutions fitting any business size, strategy or appetite for growth. Capable of delivering not just software, but automation, voice, robotics, and materials handling – plus the expertise to tie it all together. We are a global partner not just for today, but also as the needs of supply chains continue to evolve. Conquer supply chain complexity – with Körber. The Business Area Supply Chain is part of the global technology group Körber. Find out more on www.koerber-supplychain.com.