Home
  Users
  MH Glossary
  Material Handling Info
  How to Get Started
  Daifuku America
Material Handling Information - Too Much Time Spent Expediting Orders
   
Productivity
Too Much Time Spent Expediting Orders

Without an efficient picking process supported by a Warehouse Management Software (WMS) system, peak order times or urgent orders can easily overwhelm operations.

RF-directed picking at Rohm helps workers quickly find items, confirm pick accuracy, and update inventory in real time.
Problem
  • Cannot find inventory quickly or sometimes at all.
  • Picking path is not efficient.
  • No process for expediting urgent orders.
  • Picking dependent on printed pick list or labels.
  • Missing items on an order requires reprint of pick list or label.
  • Too many steps to confirm picks.
  • Wasted time between order receipt, order assignment, picking, and confirmation of order.
  • Workers not given direction for next pick assignment.
  • Disorganized order consolidation area.
  • Excessive deadheading by forklift drivers or order pickers.
  • Insufficient capacity to handle peak order times.
Solution
  • Use Warehouse Management Software (WMS) and RF terminals to:
    • Eliminate the need to print pick lists and labels.
    • Allow workers to simultaneously pick multiple orders or multiple workers to pick a single order.
    • Allow workers to alternately putaway and pick items.
    • Determine the most efficient picking sequence or pick path.
    • Assign workers to non-interfering pick areas.
    • Assign picks to a worker in real-time based on the worker's current location.
    • Confirm picks and update inventory data in real-time.
    • Assign picks by priority (e.g., urgent or will-call orders).
    • Dynamically reassign pick locations in case of shortages.
    • Cross-dock from receiving to shipping.
    • Allocate picking resources based on expected demand.
    • Plan pick assignments by shipment.
    • Use bar code technology to improve data entry accuracy and efficiency.
    • Automatically update accounting or ERP systems.
    • Direct each order to its consolidation area and confirm order integrity.
  • See Warehouse Management System (WMS) Feature Selection Guide.
Case Study Applications
Guest Survey