Inspiration in Manhattan
There’s something to be said for taking automation to extremes, and I had the opportunity to get a close look at some very cool automation that is put to effective use while spending some time in Manhattan over the holidays.
During my visit, I accepted and invitation from B&H Photo to visit their facility and get a “behind the scenes” look at their operations. Of course, as a photographer and certified “gadget geek” just visiting a store that sells just about every digital camera, lens, tripod, and accessory you could possibly want is pretty cool. On top of that they have incredible audio and video products. And the place is huge (and clean, and organized).
But what really impressed me from a technology standpoint wasn’t anything they were selling at B&H, but rather how they go about moving product from the warehouse to the customer. You see, while B&H is huge, they sell so many products you couldn’t possibly fit inventory for all those products in the same space. So there are display items for customers to review, and when they want to make a purchase the product gets delivered via a network of automated rollers. It is incredible to watch, as bins roll around overhead, take rides in little elevators, and make their way (quite quickly) to the customer. When you’re ready to pay, those products get delivered to the checkout area so they’ll be waiting for you when you go to pay. Amazing.
What I didn’t realize at the time was that this visit was going to inspire my latest DVD. I was so impressed with the efficient use of automation at B&H’s store, that I started thinking a lot about how automation can be helpful in a variety of situations. That thinking led me to decide to create a video tutorial DVD that covers the various automation tools in Photoshop. The result is “Photoshop Hands-On: Automation”, which is in production this week and will begin shipping this weekend.
So, thanks B&H Photo for a great tour of an impressive facility, and thanks for the inspiration too!
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