It's All in the Attitude!
The most significant issue recently discovered in the field when implementing a warehouse voice picking system as an augmentation to an existing system, turned out not to be a technical issue. The attitude of the users was a significant contributor as to whether or not productivity gains were strong.
Read more on Voice Picking #1 Issue Wasn't a Technical Issue…
Filed under Consulting, Process, Software, Voice Picking 
Years of Feedback From the Field Reveals…
For the last several years, Voice Picking activities in the warehouse have been moving away from full process and technology replacement, toward a strategic augmentation of a current workflow process to leverage inventories of existing mobile devices and existing terminal emulation interfaces. Reports from the field in sticking to existing infrastructure in lieu of undergoing a technology replacement has shown mixed results. Although the marketing dogma of relying on standardized mobiles has been highly touted, have enterprises really seen the expected ROI? If so, what has the feedback called out as the key to a successful implementation?
Filed under Consulting, Process, Voice Picking
In a recent Aberdeen study, leading C-Tier professionals agree that adopting Lean practices is well worth the challenges. Streamlining work-flows, and using feedback to constantly revise processes for maximum optimization is a critical new way to think about operating a warehouse. Doing 'more with less' has been a central theme given the recent sluggish economic recovery, and Lean, Six Sigma or Kaizen methodologies, have made such a seemly impossible task quite doable.
Read more on Adopting Lean Practices is Well Worth the Challenges…
Filed under Consulting, Process
Optimize Distribution From Raw Materials to Finished Goods
What is warehouse management anyway? Isn't just the efficient integration of space, equipment, inventory and people? Yes! Optimize your distribution operation by effectively managing all of these important resources – and that spells success. The right warehouse management system (WMS) is imperative to keeping that goal.
Read more on The Adaptable Warehouse Management System (WMS)…
Filed under Consulting, Process, Software, WMS Basics
The major warehousing processes include such activities as Receiving, Inventory Management, Addressing, Cycle Counting, Put away/Replenishment, Order Preparation, Order Picking, Cross Docking, Stacking, Staging, Wrapping, Loading and Shipping. Often forgotten, however, is the importance of constantly auditing and revising the processes for the sake of improvement in productivity and accuracy. Is a particular product best suited for using a piece pick method? Or, is it best to use a bulk, fork-lift picking method? Should labels be used or is scanning and manually counting the product enough?
Filed under Consulting, Process
