The automation of logistics processes is bringing about transformations that aim to increase agility and reduce costs in companies. These are essential factors that contribute significantly to the improvement of all services.
Having efficiency within the warehouse, such as reducing costs and improving the accuracy rate, is a differential compared to the competition. To reach this level, it is necessary to avoid basic failures from the beginning of the project.
In this article, we will look at these problems and give tips on how to get around them:
7 common problems in warehouses
1. Overlapping receiving and shipping areas
Developing a warehouse with distinct locations and functions promotes greater efficiency. Otherwise, outgoing orders may be confused with incoming orders, which can cause them to be archived again, delaying deliveries.
2. Receiving area is too small
Areas with reduced space can lead to inaccuracies in activities. The receiving area has a fundamental function for the warehouse — in cases of inaccuracies, other sectors are affected and production as a whole is compromised.
3. Non-optimized picking routes
The picking routes or voice picking are extremely important. After all, the more time spent preparing orders and the less time spent moving around the warehouse, the better they are adjusted. Without managing picking routes, excessive trips and unnecessary labor costs occur.
Learn more about picking, the 6th stage of the storage process
4. Unused quick picking areas
The main idea is to always minimize trips to more remote locations in the warehouse. At the same time, the distance a picker needs to travel to get an item is much shorter.
In order to achieve these objectives, quick picking areas must be used, thus saving time and, most importantly, optimizing activities.
5. Lack of growth plans
Many companies fail when it comes to planning and future expansion. To this end, it is worth noting that a good plan must anticipate changes in market demand, whether it is what is usually the case or seasonal changes.
A good way to monitor this is through market research and participation in events. This way, managers are always aware of what is happening and can anticipate changes.
6. Labels and signs that are not very visible
A crucial factor in providing organization and assertiveness in the execution of activities: visible labels and signs. It is necessary that all areas are clearly identified, going beyond barcodes for items. Employees must visually distinguish different areas and items.
This is not just a question of operation: the signage also serves as a safety scheme, with rules set out in the Brazilian Association of Technical Standards (ABNT) to reduce work accidents and other fatalities.
7. Treat information flow technology as an essential point
It is critical that technology is a tool to quickly and easily optimize warehouse layout and operations.
Gaining efficiency through the adoption of technologies to reduce costs at the base of the production line directly influences the provision of services to the end customer and can result in numerous business differentials.
Is automation in processes really important?
This is an activity of great importance and should be considered when two or more of the items below exist:
Separation rate of 10 thousand boxes per work shift;
Separation accuracy of 99% or higher;
Minimization of cargo damage;
Increased productivity without increasing the number of employees;
Optimization of the capacity of existing facilities and processes;
Business growth.
In addition to optimizing the way activities occur within the warehouse, automating logistics processes contributes to improving organization. In the short and long term, it saves inputs and increases the range of possible actions to increase sales.
In other words: there is a gain in efficiency through the adoption of technologies to reduce costs at the base of the production line, which directly influences the provision of services. How can errors be reduced within this process?
Nothing can be automated unless operations are optimized. This basic principle must be followed, otherwise there is a risk of automating problems. Another important point is to analyze the business profile and understand the best separation method in a Distribution Center (DC).
For example:
Grouped picking, with multiple orders being grouped and picked as a single order. This reduces travel time and being sorted later;
Orders are separated independently or in parallel in different areas and/or storage/handling equipment, needing to be grouped later for packaging;
Items need to be moved between different areas, levels and buildings;
Complete orders need to be sequenced before loading, for example, sorted by carrier, weight or delivery sequence;
After defining the need for an automatic order separation system, there are three subsystems that make up an integrated separation system: Induction, Sorter and Post Sorting.
What are the advantages of automating logistics processes?
Automating logistics processes promotes efficient processes thanks to the costs involved in operations aligned with the needs of the space. In this sense, investing in new ways of operating within your warehouse can guarantee optimized results in the long term.
Discover some of the advantages that automating logistics processes provides:
Have the operation information online;
Increased productivity;
Better accuracy;
Standard service times;
Elimination and/or reduction of ergometric problems;
Increased competitiveness.
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