WAREHOUSE MANAGEMENT
TECHNOLOGY
points and 50 per cent reallocation of labour to more complex processes that can now be tackled as the basic steps are automated .”
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WAREHOUSE MANAGEMENT
“ Inventory errors can occur during the receiving , picking , and shipping process when handled manually without a Warehouse Management System ( WMS ) that places both process control and auditing in place . These functions in a WMS have dedicated screens that are deployed via RF scanning or Voice that provide clear task direction and require validation of correct location , item id , and quantity . When any of these inputs are incorrect , the WMS system requires further auditing .
RPA powered tools are deployed to reduce human inventory errors . Other material handling equipment ( MHE ) such as sorters , pick to light , and robots can also be integrated with WMS to further reduce inventory errors while increasing overall productivity . This automation requires the same validation of item id and quantity to complete the task . Machine learning can be utilised in WMS to provide warnings when data entered into WMS is outside the normal range
based on specific history . Robotics and MHE are most used in the replenishment and picking processes to increase both accuracy and productivity .
Covid-19 has increased the dependency on the supply chain and has forced a high dependency on ecommerce orders . For WMS this means a huge increase in the amount of SKUs carried in the Distribution Centers , a huge increase in the number of outbound orders , and for most orders a huge decrease in the quantity ordered . At the same time , DC ’ s are having a problem staffing based on Covid-19 fears .
JANUARY 2021