Exploring Goods-to-Person Tote Solutions for Distribution Centers
In the ever-evolving landscape of e-commerce, directors of distribution, logistics, and supply chain management strive to adopt innovative solutions that enhance operational efficiency and meet consumer demands. One of the most transformative technologies gaining traction in modern warehouses is the Goods-to-Person (GTP) tote and case solution. This system leverages automation to streamline order fulfillment processes by bringing goods directly to workers, thereby revolutionizing the traditional picking workflow.
At the heart of the GTP system can be multiple technologies to perform the tote movements to and from the human workers or pickers. Some use multi-directional mobile robots with mobile shelving units and pick stations, some use mobile robots to interact with stationary shelving and the pick stations, and some use tote shuttle imbedded in rack system that run on tracks typically partnered with lifts and conveyor to deliver to pick stations. All of these core technology examples are integrated with advanced move management software. Invar Systems offers state-of-the-art solutions that can achieve pick rates in the range of 300 to 600 picks per hour per person. This efficiency not only increases productivity but also allows for greater accuracy in order fulfillment, minimizing errors that can arise from manual picking methods.
The implementation of GTP systems is ideal for various scenarios within distribution centers. For example, facilities that manage high SKU proliferation can greatly benefit from this technology since the SKUS do not require a fixed pick face. With the ability to relocate stock dynamically, these systems can effortlessly adapt to changes in demand. Since operators are located at workstations, training and supervision requirements are reduced. This flexibility is particularly valuable during peak seasons when order volumes can fluctuate dramatically.
GTP systems support SKU or article velocity slotting that is automatically managed through software. This allows the most picked SKUs to be stored closer to the pick stations increasing response time and reducing demand on automation. The storage location selection can be dynamically managed through the software based on historical volumes or can be adjusted based on volume forecasts. Every time a tote is stored, it is an opportunity for the software to evaluate the best location to choose to store the tote.
GTP solutions facilitate later cutoff times for same-day shipping, a critical factor in meeting consumer expectations for quick delivery. By utilizing a combination of automated picking and real-time inventory management, distribution centers can efficiently manage their stock levels while maintaining rapid processing times. This has an added benefit of reducing the need for order staging space as the time from picking to shipping is greatly reduced.
The integration of pick-to-light systems, as offered by Invar Systems, enhances the GTP strategy. These systems allow operators to quickly identify the exact location of items needed for orders, further reducing the time spent searching for products and increasing overall picking speed and accuracy.
Read more about Invar Systems picking and sortation and see what manufacturers equipment we integrate HERE.
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