Automation is leading the way

David Hibbett, business development manager at SSI Schaefer says: “If you want faster reaction / cycle times, on-time delivery, same-day delivery, high picking accuracy, order fulfilment, manpower savings, store friendly picking, RFID, tracking, tracing, information transparency and visibility with a significant reduction in damaged stock then automation is the only way forward.” Schaefer is urging companies to think ‘outside the box’ and to look at the range of proven concepts that are available and search for opportunities to handle today’s supply chain challenges. Perhaps the most visual change to follow the implementation of an automated picking machine is the reduction in manpower. Manpower reduction is driven by several main design features: - Automation replaces staff for replenishment, handling and indirect staffing such as inventory control and cycle counting. - Uncoupling of work areas for receiving, replenishment, picking and shipping allows sustained, standard performance. - A workstation concept for receiving, replenishment and picking allows each individual operator to work independently (systems balanced and workload driven). It is worth noting than an ergonomic environment can save a distributor as much as £8,000 per lost employee at the distribution centre level. Schaefer’s ergonomic picking stations include higher picking rates per picker per hour, low error rate during picking and support to the picker by means of technological devices, such as radio frequency, hand-held scanners and light sensors just to name a few. Stations also feature short reaching times allowing optimal working height and limited reaching distance. Short distances are handled quickly thanks to goods-to-man, i.e. no distances to be covered and support for lifting heavy articles is given using mechanical lifting devices.