In the ever-changing world of supply chain management, warehouse automation is a key factor in ensuring that an operation runs effectively and efficiently. Batch picking and automated sorting are two technologies that can help reduce costs and improve accuracy in your warehouse. Let’s take a closer look at how these systems work and why they should be part of your warehousing strategy.
Batch Picking
Batch picking is a process that combines orders into batches before they are picked from the shelves. This system reduces the number of trips to the shelves required to fill orders, which increases efficiency while minimizing errors. The process starts with order consolidation software that looks at incoming orders and consolidates them into batches based on common elements like customer or ship-to location, product type, or order size. Once orders are consolidated into batches, pickers move through each batch in sequence to pick items quickly and accurately.
Automated Sorting Systems
Automated sorting systems are used to optimize the storage capacity of warehouses as well as streamline outbound processes. These systems use algorithms to determine which products should be stored where in order to maximize space utilization, minimize handling time, and increase throughput times for outgoing orders. Automated sorting systems are also capable of automatically routing products based on their destination or other criteria, allowing for greater flexibility in managing inventory flow within a facility.
As warehouses become more complex and operations become more demanding, technologies like batch picking and automated sorting can help you stay ahead of the competition by improving efficiency and reducing costs. By implementing these solutions now, you can ensure that you have an efficient warehouse operation today so you can remain competitive tomorrow. ABCO Systems will make the most of your batch picking by integrating with the right automation solution. Supply chain professionals who want to optimize their operations should seriously consider investing in these tools – it could pay off big in the long run! CONTACT USto speak to an ABCO Team member about the right solution for you.
As eCommerce business continues to grow, customers are looking for even faster delivery of the goods they purchase. As such, businesses are constantly looking for ways to optimize their warehouses to speed up order fulfillment. One way to achieve this is through goods-to-person automation. This automation technology helps streamline the process of stocking, picking, and shipping items, allowing businesses to reduce labor costs and free up warehouse space.
Goods-to-person automation works by utilizing automated guided vehicles (AGVs) to move items from storage locations to human operators. The robots then drive up to an ergonomic workstation and present items in containers or on shelves for easy human pickup. By eliminating the need for humans to manually search for items on the ground or in shelving aisles, goods-to-person automation allows warehouse staff to work more quickly and efficiently. In addition to reducing labor costs associated with picking, goods-to-person automation also reduces energy costs associated with moving people around a warehouse facility. By using robots instead of manual labor, companies can save time and money by not having to pay employees overtime while they walk back and forth between storage locations. AGVs are more efficient since they can travel faster than humans can walk, reducing the overall time it takes for one pick cycle.
Goods-to-person automation also helps improve workflow within warehouses by freeing up space that was once used for storing inventory or materials on shelves or racks. These freed-up areas can be used for other purposes, such as stocking new products arriving from suppliers or staging larger orders prior to shipment. Additionally, goods-to-person automation increases safety within the workplace as employees no longer need to spend time searching through cluttered aisles of inventory or lifting heavy items off high shelves themselves — tasks that are easily accomplished by robots with minimal health risks involved.
Using goods-to-person automation helps businesses optimize both their labor force as well as their warehouse space usage — all while ensuring employee safety and enhancing customer satisfaction by increasing order speed and accuracy at scale. Companies should consider implementing these solutions if they want to maximize efficiency in their warehouses — especially those with large SKU counts and frequent customer orders.
ABCO Systems offers a variety of goods-to-person solutions that can easily be implemented into your warehouse with little to no disruption to your daily workflow. Contact us to see how goods-to-person technology can optimize your warehouse by decreasing labor and increasing space.
Robotics has the potential to revolutionize the distribution industry, improving efficiency, accuracy, and speed of operations. This article will explore the current state of robotics in distribution, the benefits and challenges of implementing these technologies, and the potential future of robotics in the industry.
Current State of Robotics in Distribution:
Robotics is already being used in a variety of roles within the distribution industry. These include tasks such as order picking, packing, sorting, and transportation. Some distribution centers have implemented fully automated systems, while others have adopted a hybrid approach, using robotics to complement the work of human employees.
One example of a company that has successfully implemented robotics in its distribution operations is Amazon. The company uses a variety of robotic systems in its fulfillment centers, including Kiva robots for order picking and transportation and Pegasus robots for sorting packages. These systems have allowed Amazon to improve efficiency and speed of operations, leading to faster delivery times for customers.
Benefits of Implementing Robotics in Distribution:
There are several benefits to implementing robotics in distribution operations. These include:
Increased efficiency: Robotics can work 24/7 without breaks, allowing for uninterrupted operations. In addition, robots can perform tasks with high accuracy and precision, reducing the need for rework and correcting errors.
Improved accuracy: Robotics can help reduce the risk of errors in tasks such as order picking and packing, leading to higher levels of customer satisfaction.
Reduced labor costs: By automating tasks that are currently performed by humans, companies can reduce labor costs.
Increased speed: Robotics can help speed up operations, leading to faster delivery times for customers.
Challenges of Implementing Robotics in Distribution:
There are also several challenges to implementing robotics in distribution operations. These include:
High upfront costs: Implementing robotics can be expensive, with the cost of purchasing and installing the systems being a significant barrier for some companies.
Lack of skilled labor: There is currently a shortage of skilled workers who are able to program and maintain robotic systems. This can make it difficult for companies to find the personnel needed to implement and maintain these systems.
Complexity of operations: Distribution centers often have a high level of complexity, with a wide range of products being stored and shipped. This can make it difficult to implement robotic systems that are able to handle the diversity of tasks required.
Limited adaptability: Robotics systems are not currently able to adapt to changes in operations as easily as human workers. This can make it difficult to respond quickly to changes in demand or shifts in the market.
The Future of Robotics in Distribution:
Despite the challenges, the future of robotics in distribution looks bright. As technology continues to improve and costs decrease, more and more companies will likely adopt robotics in their operations. In the future, it is possible that fully automated distribution centers will become more common, with robots taking on an even wider range of tasks.
Robotics has the potential to revolutionize the distribution industry, improving efficiency, accuracy, and speed of operations. While there are challenges to implementing these technologies, the benefits and potential for growth make it an attractive option for many companies. As technology continues to improve, we will see increasing adoption of robotics in the distribution industry.
ABCO Systems offers years of expertise and insight into product flow to help you navigate any challenges you may face in the design and implementation of automation and robotics in your warehouse distribution. We maintain relationships with the top robotics and automation solutions suppliers to help you find the right solution for your unique situation. CLICK for more information or a consultation on how we can help you increase efficiency and productivity in your warehouse.
*Image depicts robotic solutions from Addverb Technologies on display in the ABCO Systems Showroom and Training Center.
Thank you to everyone who attended the DC Velocity webinar on December 15th, where we collaborated with our partner Addverb Technologies. For those unable to attend, we are pleased to provide a link here where you can view the webinar.
For further information on how ABCO Systems can help you navigate your Automation and Robotics needs, CLICK HERE, and an ABCO Team member will contact you.
Advances in technology have increased the efficiency of warehouse processes in many ways. These technologies can now augment the work of humans as well as automate tedious, manual tasks allowing the labor team to focus on more complex tasks. Warehouse automation takes on many forms, such as machines and robots, that assist workers with distribution-related processes that start when goods arrive at the warehouse all the way through when they leave the building. Implementing warehouse automation solutions can help increase the productivity and accuracy of those processes while reducing labor costs and improving overall safety.
This does not equate to robots replacing the need for human workers. These automation solutions take on the tedious tasks that required long hours of work and allow employees to focus on other less labor-intensive aspects of the distribution process, providing a safer environment for all involved. Warehouse automation can cover everything from unloading trailers to fulfilling orders, but humans are still a vital part of the process.
One technology that is a part of automation is Sortation. Manual sortation requires the labor force to organize, categorize and separate products and materials. Automating this process can reduce the labor intensity of the overall process. A sortation device identifies individual items on a conveyor system and is able to divert them to their proper location using a variety of discharge methods..
One of the strategic partners ABCO Systems is aligned with is EuroSort. In 2001, EuroSort emerged from a need for a solution to manage the growing number of irregularly shaped items requiring sortation in warehouses. The first EuroSort sorter design was the Split Tray Sorter, which quickly caught on in the industry. EuroSort learned from each installation of the Split Tray Sorter and the design was augmented and refined over time. With the rising demand for sortation, EuroSort continued to release new sortation solutions such as the Dual Split Tray, Push Tray, Twin Push Tray, Cross Tray, Sweeper, and Push Bar Sorters.
Let’s look at the EuroSort Push Bar Sorter. This sortation solution was first installed in 2004 and then re-introduced in 2019 after further cultivation of the technology. The Push Bar Sorter offers a wide range of sortable products, extreme layout flexibility, and easy scalability to allow for a fast ROI and a significant increase in productivity.
The EuroSort PushBar Sorter affords precise bi-directional sorting using an overhead push divert. This allows for the accurate discharge of a large variety of products into an extremely tight destination like an outbound carton or mailsack. The system is designed to be space-conscious and requires a minimum of maintenance.
The EuroSort Push Bar Sorter accurately sorts items from as small as a single business card or individual polybag up to a 30-inch carton at rates of up to 3,000 items/hour. The system is also becoming a reliable solution for linear sortation at a more affordable cost.
Let’s take a look at the benefits of the EuroSort Push Bar Sorter:
Modular Construction – The ultimate in flexibility!
Manual Induction Ease – Save money, reduce complications, and increase your flexibility with a machine that allows for manual induction.
No-touch Pack Out – The tightest discharge pitch in the industry enables the sorting of items directly into the outbound carton/tote/container with no secondary touch during pack out.
No Weld Framework – Easy installation, easy expansion, and superior modularity of your sortation system.
Smallest Discharge Pitch – Increased accuracy allows for a smaller discharge pitch and a denser sorter footprint.
Gentle Push Product Handling – Sorting your fragile items without damage!
Quiet As a Mouse Operation – Noise levels below 70db
Low Budget Friendly – High-quality automation without the high price tag.
Key Takeaways:
Automation does not replace human labor, it takes on the more tedious aspects of the distribution process
Automating the sortation of a diverse array of products can increase the accuracy and efficiency of your distribution
Sortation automation can be flexible and space efficient
Sortation automation solutions can be cost-effective and implemented without disruption to your workday or current processes.
Contact the ABCO Systems Team for more information on the sortation solution that is right for you.
