Dynamic Picking Raises the Bar in Order Fulfillment, According to QC Software Executive

CINCINNATI - June 12, 2013 - PRLog -- While capital equipment and real estate are the two highest expenses in the warehouse, direct labor direct labor ranks number three. Consequently, anything that makes labor more efficient is a concern to managers.

Distributors are taking advantage of technology to improve order picking, one of the more labor intensive operations.  They have the option of using RF devices, pick-to-light, pick-to-voice, carousels, A-frames, etc. They often use a combination of technologies for the best results. For instance, pick-to-light is effective with the fastest high-velocity inventory, while A-frames are extremely fast when picking small items such as jewelry.

Pick methods also significantly impact productivity. Batch picking is effective when single-line orders of the same SKU are grouped together or orders within the same pick zone are grouped together. Cluster picking saves travel time when picking low-quantity orders into multiple containers at the same time.

The material handling industry is relying on the agile warehouse control system to better manage order fulfillment. This system continuously monitors the operation and determines the most efficient way to pick based on layout, current system conditions and other factors. If a pick zone is full or unavailable due to equipment failure, the WCS makes a last-minute determination and selects another location. This dynamic pick allocation helps balance the load on the system and ensure a continuous flow of materials.

“Customers have realized significant improvements with our warehouse control system. With the right methodology, they are able to achieve higher pick rates while reducing errors. As the volume of orders increase, distributors can maintain an efficient operation,” states Rich Hite, President of QC Software, a leading provider of Tier-1 warehouse control systems for the material handling industry.

In the warehouse there are two main factors affecting profitability, direct labor expenses and the facility’s footprint which includes the material handling equipment and how they are linked. The warehouse control system impacts both areas by using a single point of control to dynamically manage floor operations. This allows the warehouse to operate at higher levels of efficiency. As order fulfillment becomes more complex, distributors are finding the need for intelligent software.

QC Software is recognized as an industry leader in providing innovative software solutions for order fulfillment and distribution centers. Their Tier-1 warehouse control system provides advanced management capabilities for inventory control, resource scheduling and order management. For over seventeen years, their solutions have enabled customers throughout North America to streamline their warehouse operations with the lowest total cost of ownership in the industry.