Central to driving efficiencies involves tracking key performance indicators (KPIs), such as; cases picked, overtime, percentage of orders despatched same day, picking errors, etc.
Key areas where efficiencies are identified, include:
1. Back Office:
(a) File integrations
- Integrate electronically with clients to reduce back office admin.
- Seamlessly email all/any documents, invoice etc. from the PC
- Eliminate time consuming fax machines and printers
- Web online POD Enquiries
- Allow customers dial in and make their own enquiries
- Radio & Voice Control Operatives
- Empower operatives with system drive instructions reduce
- Required back-office dependence
(b) Auto Reporting
System generated reporting and auto circulation by Fax/Email as scheduled.
2. Warehouse Floor:
(a) Deskill Operatives
- System driven put-away and picking logic.
- Walk Sequence and Pallet Building Logic
- Optimised Walk Sequence, picking non crushable then crushable items
(b) Dual Cycling
- Pre-emptive extraction of required pallets by put-away driver.
(c) Auto Replenishments
- Auto replenishment of pick faces based on optimised logic.
3. Error Reduction
Real-time information allows 100% Accuracy as potential errors are caught and rectified in real-time.
The above are just some of the ways that WMS and Supply Chain Solutions for Principal Systems improve operational efficiencies.
Joe O Shea
Principal Systems – Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) – Supply Chain Solutions
