Technology has transformed how goods are transported and tracked in logistics and supply chain management. Customers demand a fast, efficient, and cost-effective supply chain, which is why the supply chain industry has seen the rise of Goods to Person (GTP) technology.
GTP technology is a revolutionary concept in logistics and supply chain management that has transformed the delivery process by bringing goods directly to the pickers rather than the other way around. In this blog post, we explore Goods to Person (GTP) technology in more detail and discuss how it can help solve many problems supply chain professionals face. This innovative technology presents numerous benefits to supply chain and logistics professionals, enabling them to simultaneously handle more orders and reduce costs. This blog post will explore the benefits of using GTP technology and how it can help businesses increase efficiency and reduce operational costs.
The Rise of Goods to Person (GTP) Technology
Goods to Person (GTP) technology has been around for quite some time but has continued to gain traction in the logistics and supply chain industry. This technology has revolutionized how goods are transported and delivered, providing numerous benefits to supply chain professionals.
GTP technology uses automated systems to bring goods directly to the pickers rather than requiring pickers to travel across the warehouse to retrieve the goods. This technology allows quicker and more efficient processes, resulting in faster delivery times.
The Benefits of Goods to Person (GTP) Technology
GTP technology provides numerous benefits to logistics and supply chain professionals. For instance, it helps to eliminate the need for manual handling, thereby reducing the risk of workplace injuries. Additionally, GTP technology improves accuracy and reduces the time to pick and pack products, ultimately leading to efficient and cost-effective supply chain solutions.
Moreover, GTP technology reduces the time wasted walking through warehouses. Because the machine can do the heavy lifting, workers can be utilized for other essential tasks, such as quality control or customer service. As a result, GTP technology helps supply chain companies improve productivity, cut costs, and increase profitability.
Improved Efficiency in Picking and Order Fulfillment
Traditionally, the picking process in warehouses and distribution centers has been a manual task where workers walk around the warehouse searching for products. This process can be time-consuming and can lead to errors that result in delays and misplaced orders. GTP technology automates the picking process, allowing workers to remain in one place while products are brought to them. The result is improved efficiency in picking, eliminating errors, and speeding up order fulfillment.
Cost Savings in Labor
GTP technology dramatically reduces the number of workers needed to handle products. With GTP technology, workers can take more orders quickly, saving labor costs. In addition, the technology can work 24/7 without needing breaks or rest, reducing the cost of shift work.
Increased Safety
GTP technology eliminates the need for workers to move around the warehouse or distribution center, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. Providing a safer and more secure working environment reduces the risk of legal action or compensation claims.
More Efficient Use of Warehouse Space
GTP technology maximizes the use of warehouse space by storing products in compact carousels, shelves, and bins, optimizing the use of space and increasing storage in smaller areas. Companies can save on rental space, reduce their carbon footprint, and reduce their environmental impact by reducing their warehouse size.
Improved Productivity and Customer Satisfaction
With GTP technology, companies can handle more orders in a shorter time, leading to improved productivity, faster order delivery, reduced customer waiting time, and improved customer satisfaction. Improved customer satisfaction can lead to increased orders, repeat business, and higher revenue.
Integrating GTP Technology with Other Transport Solutions
GTP technology can be easily integrated with other transport solutions like automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) to provide even better results. By integrating GTP technology with other transport solutions, suppliers can streamline their supply chains and accelerate the delivery of products altogether.
Moreover, GTP technology can be integrated with other technologies, such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags, picking modules, and warehouse management systems (WMS) to fully optimize the supply chain delivery process.
The Future of GTP Technology
GTP technology is relatively new in the logistics and supply chain industry and is still evolving. However, experts predict that it is one of the most promising technologies in the industry. Automated technology will likely play a more significant role in supply chain management due to its effectiveness in reducing costs and increasing productivity.
What Does This Mean For Me?
Goods to Person (GTP) technology has revolutionized warehouse and distribution center operations, reducing operational costs, improving efficiency, and increasing worker safety. By providing advanced solutions for the picking and transporting of products in warehouses and factories, GTP technology is changing the way supply chain processes work. The benefits of GTP technology are numerous, including increased accuracy, reduced risk of workplace injuries, increased productivity, cost savings, and, ultimately, faster delivery times. Companies implementing GTP technology into their supply chains stand the best chance of maintaining a sustainable competitive advantage in the market as technology continues to evolve.
GTP is only one of the myriad of technologies that ABCO Systems offers as a Systems Integrator for warehouse automation. Download our GTP infographic that summarizes the various aspects of GTP technology. You can also see this technology in person by scheduling a visit to our Showroom and Training Center.
Image courtesy of Exotec