Online Learning
Welcome to the world of online learning--which allows you to take a course in the comfort of your own home or office and at times that are convenient for you. Within the course there can be one or multiple lessons with a quiz and test. Take your time, but don't take too long.
How to Sign Up Click on a topic below. Register and pay for the course. You will receive a confirmation e-mail within 30 minutes (Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4:30 pm Central time). Once payment has been processed, you will receive a second email with sign-in information and instructions.
Operations Topics
Pallet Storage Systems.  Selecting the best storage system for your operation can reduce the company's investment in a building and equipment. Learn everything you ever wanted to know about pallets, types of storage and material handling equipment. Approximately 6 hours
Reverse Logistics: The Basics  Course covers the basics of reverse logistics concepts and terminology. Examples are also provided for this growing field. Approximately 2 hours
Cycle Counting Learn the basics of cycle counting so you can apply the principles in your own operation. Approximately 4 hours
Management Topics
Supervising in the Warehouse This online course has 5 sections that deal with differing aspects of the role of supervising in the warehouse. Approximately 5 hours
From the Logistics Institute of Canada
Logistics This introductory online course describes the concept of logistics and its subsectors. You'll learn the process that a single item goes through from raw material to final distribution to the customer. Approx. 5 hours       Warehousing & Distribution This online course outlines different warehousing and distribution systems as a subsector of logistics. You'll  participate in warehousing, materials handling systems, stock placement and documentation activities. Approx. 5 hours
Inventory Management is critical to an organization’s success. Not only does inventory control provide raw materials on a timely basis to be used in manufacturing, but inventory also provides customer service by supplying finished goods and spare parts as required. Having the right amount of inventory at the right time is the key.  Approximately 6 hours
Purchasing and Procurement This module outlines the role of purchasing as a logistics subsector. Learn to distinguish between internal and external customers and about the financial health of companies. Customer satisfaction is explored and public and private purchasing, centralized and decentralized purchasing, the purchasing cycle and technology. Common purchasing documentation is also discussed.    Approximately 6 hours
From WERC Conference 2007 (Sessions are audio and slide presentations.)
Optimizing the (Smaller) Warehouse Any warehouse can be improved, even without adding more space or technology. In the smaller warehouse, little changes can lead to BIG improvements. This presentation focuses on identifying improvements that engineers or managers in small to mid-sized facilities can make to increase productivity. 1.5 hours Rack Up Savings With the Right Slotting Strategy Warehouse slotting is unique process that cannot be performed using a "cookie cutter" approach. Companies place different emphasis on priorities and criteria, all of which must be explored before developing the appropriate slotting strategy. This  2007 WERC Conference presentation focuses on the slotting objectives and various strategies to effectively slot your warehouse. 1.5 hours   Reverse Logistics: “Backwards” Practices That Matter Learn the results of an in-depth study of best practices in reverse logistics. Co-sponsored by WERC and IBM, this study focused on major players in the reverse field and identifies their best practices and key metrics. 1.5 hours
Rev’n Up Productivity: Understand Your Automation Options Hear about the most commonly-used technology and automation concepts employed today and their associated benefits. A glossary of practical terms and photos will be shared to help you avoid common mis-understandings of implementing technology. Real life case studies will illustrate practical applications. 1.5 hours
What You Need to Know About Financing MHE Do you understand the various types of financing for material handling equipment? What about the advantages / disadvantages of capitalizing equipment vs. financing it? Learn basic financial principles of material handling equipment and the difference between operating leases and capital leases.  1.5 hours You Want Me to Drive What? Learn what material equipment options are available for your operation, the benefits and advantages of each, and how to match the right equipment to your application. Product coverage will include electric walkies (pallet jacks), end-riders (riding pallet jacks), counterbalance forklifts (three-wheel, four-wheel, and stand-up), reach trucks, order pickers, and very narrow aisle (VNA) equipment. 1.5 hours