Warehouse automation for e-commerce "from picking to reverse logistics"
The rapid growth in online sales brings a whole range of new challenges for e-commerce companies. These include; for example; the speed and accuracy of order picking; not least because the costs of order picking account for approximately 50-70% of operator labour costs. Since the beginning of March; suppliers have been facing a situation that can be described as "turbulent logistics". Market demands for transport and storage capacity have changed within days. In the first weeks after the state of emergency was declared; demand for distribution; especially of food; increased by 50-120% compared to normal conditions in the same period of the year. This was a comparable fluctuation to that seen before Christmas or other holidays; but now it was completely unexpected; exacerbated by the Easter holidays in the supply of chains (FMCG) in particular. With the growth of the e-commerce sector; customer expectations are also growing. Today; they order more frequently and in smaller quantities. At the same time; they place their orders later in the day and expect faster delivery than ever before. Traditional order picking methods are no longer sufficient; and the current setup of internal logistics processes often hinders the growth of companies. The direct impact of delivery speed on customer and service satisfaction is also significant. That is why technology suppliers began offering several solutions designed specifically for the e-commerce sector some time ago. These systems represent an advantageous alternative to both "miniload systems" and "large complex systems;" complemented by Pick/Put-to-Light guidance functions and fixed frames for storing goods. These complex systems are capable of handling really high picking performance without the need to invest in conveyor belts; while providing the customer with considerable accuracy and flexibility. In addition to solutions for the preparation and picking of goods; these technologies can be used to manage and process returned/reclaimed goods in the form of standardised solutions. They simplify reverse logistics processes and return goods are processed more efficiently; minimising inventory costs and labour and space requirements. Fast order picking – how can you increase picking performance? • Logistics and warehousing processes today depend on fast order processing. • Customers expect flawless delivery of goods in the shortest possible time. • Turnover is increasing and your business is growing; so you need more space for production. • A number of factors significantly slow down warehouse operations: - long and time-consuming errands by operators; - problems in the area of ergonomics and occupational safety; - storage of stock items in several different locations in the warehouse that are far apart; - difficult-to-access stock items (unpacked mixed pallets in the "low-runner" section; etc.); all of which cause picking errors.
Solutions for increasing picking speed - automated warehouse systems
Everything works on the "goods-to-person" principle and; especially in wholesale; dramatically reduces staff trips in the warehouse. The combination of intelligent yet intuitive technology helps eliminate picking errors. In addition; intelligent order grouping can increase operator productivity by up to four times – all without the need to install complex and inflexible conveyor belt systems or invest in expensive automatic handling equipment. A fourfold increase in productivity is a reality that we can achieve; thereby increasing the efficiency of this solution.
So why automate the process of stocking; storing and picking?
An automated system is a transparent and reproducible process that enables: • a drastic reduction in the time spent by operators searching for goods; • a reduction in warehouse space – saving space; • a reduction in picking errors; • labour savings – a reduction in the number of operators in the warehouse / increased productivity; • I see the disadvantage in the longer implementation time; at least 4-6 months; or even a year for larger projects. Suitable types of goods are all small materials up to 20-30 cm in size (fasteners; electronic components; machine or construction parts and components; where more than one piece is picked). • Currently; there is also the aspect of the number of people; where fewer people = fewer physical contacts; thus significantly reducing the risk of transmission of infection among workers and thus interrupting the company's activities due to quarantine and preventing large financial losses.
