Picking and packing operations in a warehouse drive order fulfilment and technology tools are transforming how we pick and pack, from collecting items from their storage containers, sorting, packing and labelling them for shipping and delivery. One of the main challenges to a smooth order fulfilment process is the poor visibility of information throughout the process. By automating repetitive tasks and improving communications you can create a more optimised warehouse. The aim is to pick, pack and dispatch items using the fewest resources at the lowest cost. Provided you have an efficient warehouse design and layout, you can increase productivity, reduce costs, speed up order delivery, and avoid costly errors. The recent growth in order volumes, especially in e-commerce, means more staff are needed, pushing up costs. Organisations are investing in various automation tools because manual processes are slow, resource-heavy, and no longer fit for purpose. Automated tools mean fewer mistakes and higher productivity. Automated equipment can work 24/7, without requiring breaks, according to the Supply Chain Consulting Group.
This article was first published in the February 15th 2023 issue of Warehouse & Logistics News, subscribe to the magazine by clicking here.
In order to help supply chain managers sleep soundly every night (and especially during peak season), manufacturers of highly-automated systems are offering on-site technical operation services. TGW offers a range of On-Site Services: from Ramp-Up Services to Maintenance and Support Services to Technical Cleaning. 400 experienced specialists ensure that distribution centres run smoothly, whether they are located in China, Europe or the U.S.
Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have accelerated the capability of robotic piece picking. The Covariant Brain is the leader in AI-powered robotics for warehouse automation, or AI Robotics. Pre-trained on millions of SKU picks from connected robots in warehouses around the world, the Covariant Brain enables robots to see, think, act, and handle any item presented to it, according to LAC.
Geek+, the global leader in mobile logistics robots, has released its latest solution, RoboShuttle Plus, achieving one-stop storage and picking of all types of goods and delivering higher throughput and flexibility. This marks a significant advance in the interoperability of Geek+’s various robot models and a stride towards full warehouse automation.
The upgraded solution fills the market gap for an all-in-one picking solution by coordinating three types of robots around one centralised workstation: RoboShuttles handle vertical storage and retrieval of totes, P40 picking robots move smaller items, and P500 and P800 robots move medium to large items.
Using a WMS, it is possible to track stock items right down to the last item left in the warehouse accurately and avoid disappointing customers. If only a single product is left, when that last item is picked off the shelf, zero availability is immediately recorded and the item vanishes from view online. Each time an operative visits a particular location to pick stock for an order, they can be asked to confirm the numbers of items remaining, adding in a further check to warehouse processes, according to Indigo Software.
It is exciting to see how technology is making order picking cheaper and more efficient.
George Simpson
Features Editor
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