The continuing increase in online sales is driving the need for new technologies, with cloud-based software solutions becoming standard requirements for forecasting and inventory management. Reviewing your warehouse layout and workflow to accommodate the increased volumes can speed up packing and picking efficiency. A warehouse management system (WMS) and other technology tools can provide efficiency and accuracy in the order fulfilment process, says the Supply Chain Consulting Group.
This article was first published in the September 15th 2024 issue of Warehouse & Logistics News, subscribe to the magazine by clicking here.
At a time when the demands for flexibility and efficiency in intralogistics are constantly increasing, LivePick, from TGW Logistics, offers a forward-looking solution for goods-to-person order processing. Whether in e-commerce, wholesale or retail, LivePick seamlessly adapts to the needs of different sales channels and optimises the picking process for various business profiles. LivePick’s innovative design provides the flexibility needed to introduce new processes in the warehouse and respond to unpredictable medium- to long-term business developments.
Olvi plc, one of the leading beverage producers in Finland and the Baltic region, is cementing its strong partnership with Cimcorp in a project for a new high-bay warehouse at its headquarters in Iisalmi, Finland. Back in 2005, Cimcorp installed an automated order-picking system featuring gantry robots for Olvi. Collaboration between the companies continued over the years, resulting in the installation of the original high-bay warehouse with Warehouse Control System (WCS), an innovative keg-picking solution and a robotic dolly-picking system.
Given its significant impact on costs, optimising order picking is essential for improving warehouse efficiency and for meeting key performance indicators (KPIs) on-time and in-full (OTIF) delivery targets. When the pick process is finely tuned, it reduces errors, increases throughput speeds and enhances overall productivity, leading to many cost savings and improved customer satisfaction levels. Not surprisingly, many companies invest large amounts of resources into their picking activities; in some warehouses, between 50% to 75% of the total warehouse operating expenses are allocated to picking tasks, according to Indigo.
Zone picking has several situations where it can make the most sense to utilise. It is particularly effective in large warehouses or distribution centres with extensive inventory and a high volume of orders. When the inventory includes a diverse range of products, grouping them into zones allows for more specialised knowledge by pickers, enhancing accuracy and speed, according to Chandru Palaniyandi, Business Analyst at Lucas Systems.
With ever increasing demand being placed on warehouses, it is becoming essential to automate order picking.
George Simpson
Features Editor
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