Incoming parts are entered into Northwest's computer system and put into color-coded totes according to which aisle they are to be stored in the mini load.
A conveyor transports the totes from the receiving dock to the mini load.
Stock clerks input totes to the mini load as needed between order picks.
Output
Mechanics enter their parts orders into Northwest’s host computer, which forwards the order to the mini load’s control software.
As the mini load retrieves the tote and delivers it to the picking workstation, the stock clerk's terminal displays the items to pick, the pick quantity, and which hanger receives the order.
When the order is picked, the stock clerk puts the order
in a plastic bag; the printer generates a peel-off label
that goes on the bag.
The stock clerk then puts the completed order in a section of the shelf designated for each hanger.
Delivery personnel loop back and forth between the maintenance hangers and the warehouse picking up orders and returning unused parts, which are returned to the mini load.
For high-priority AOG orders, the system triggers a yellow light at the workstation that stays on until the AOG part is picked.
