The success of order fulfillment operations are measured by several key performance indicators (KPIs), such as:
Inbound metrics: includes receiving materials such as corrugated and void fill material, receiving orders, and processing storage material “dock to stock” cycle. Outbound metrics: this includes all outbound measurables such as order fill rate, picking rate per hour and lines picked per hour. Customer metrics: includes factors which affect the likelihood of completing orders such as perfect order percentage, internal order cycle time, total order cycle time, and on-time shipping. Financial metrics: analyzing financial metrics is important in any business operation, with KPIs in order fulfillment including profitability of operations, inventory turns, and distribution costs as a percentage of sales and per unit to measure order profitability. We cannot improve what we don’t measure and measuring all of these metrics is important to see the big picture. Keeping track of just customer and outbound metrics will not provide the whole picture as is needed for total order fulfillment improvement. Analyzing these metrics is the first step to improving them which allows companies to obtain maximum productivity and profitability. Numina Proves Order Fulfillment Analysis and Improvements Numina Group is a leading warehouse automation company offering complete analysis and design studies which reveal areas for improvement. We roll up our sleeves and analyze KPIs that matter most to order fulfillment operations, with recommendations for reaching maximum productivity and profitability. Our design and automation engineers are the most experienced in the business, with in-depth knowledge of automation technology and warehouse control software. Our warehouse control and execution system, Real-Time Distribution, RDS™, offers a flexible and scalable solution to improve KPIs of small, mid-sized or large distribution operations. RDS™ is powerful software which drives automated technologies such as:
Numina Group has over 30 years of experience in providing warehouse automation which improves all KPIs in order fulfillment. Our clients typically experience profitability increases of 30%, labor costs reductions anywhere from 30% to 70% and accuracy increase to 99.99%. Contact us today to learn more about improving your order fulfillment KPIs with proven warehouse automation solutions.
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Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are becoming more popular in order fulfillment operations. Companies are realizing the benefits of automated robots moving material from one location to another, reducing or eliminating non-value added labor such as pushing carts through a warehouse. With the cost of implementing AGVs and AMRs coming down in recent years, many companies are able to include automated robots as part of their lean order fulfillment system.
As leading industrial publications such as DC Velocity and Modern Material have noted, companies are implementing self-driving vehicles as past limitations are being eliminated. The latest advancements in automated guided vehicles or robots provide increased resolution with a lower cost laser and improved positional guidance systems to improve performance and speed up return on investment (ROI). As more companies are implementing and documenting the improvements realized with robots in the distribution process, they will continue to evolve with improved technology at a lower cost. Where Do Robots Provide the Most Value Robots are useful in any application where they can replace mundane, non-value added labor and where speed and efficiency are required to keep up with automated processes. Moving product in material handling systems is an area for improvement in most order fulfillment operations. The pack and ship function especially is often noted as an area for improvement, with bottlenecks common in this area slowing down and negatively impacting performance and profits. To learn more about the value of robots in material movement operations, contact an experienced warehouse automation company. Conducting lean studies and offering automated warehouse solutions designed around your order requirements deliver maximum benefit. Numina Group is a leading warehouse automation company, with vast experience in all automated order fulfillment technology and software. We understand how to roll up our sleeves and analyze your process to deliver personalized automated solutions with projected ROI. Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of robots in order fulfillment operations. Bottlenecks are a real problem in order fulfillment and distribution centers worldwide, draining profits with added labor and delivery time. Distribution centers realize gains in productivity and profitability when continuous order flow occurs throughout the entire pick, pack and ship process. Eliminating bottlenecks in order fulfillment provides many advantages which allow companies to maximize productivity and profitability.
How to Improve Order Picking with Voice Technology Voice picking technology drastically improves the picking process by giving operators clear to understand voice commands, directing them through the most optimized path flow. With the latest generation of voice picking software, little to no training is required and operators are up and running, productive in minutes. No time is wasted searching for items, backtracking or picking the wrong item with automatic scanning for item and quantity verification. Hands free picking with a wearable headset eliminates the need to scan items or cartons with one hand, drastically improving picking rates. Improve Packing and Shipping in Order Fulfillment Increasing picking rates with voice picking could create bottlenecks in the shipping area if automation is not considered for continuous order flow. Distribution centers which implement voice picking combined with additional automated technologies in the pack and ship function realize maximum benefits. Implementing automated packing operations such as print and apply labeling increases efficiency and accuracy while reducing labor expenses. Print and apply labeling systems automatically apply the right labels to cartons as they flow through an automated conveyor system, eliminating the need for manual application of packing slips and shipping labels. Automated scanning for verification of carton weight and dimension improves shipping functions by eliminating errors which incur chargebacks from freight companies. Distribution centers which implement these automated solutions eliminated bottlenecks in order fulfillment operations. Numina Group Eliminates Bottlenecks in Pick, Pack and Ship Functions Numina Group is a leading warehouse automation company, offering solutions to distribution centers across North America. We provide continuous order flow for maximum productivity and profitability to many warehouse, manufacturing and order fulfillment operations. Our automated warehouse systems can be found in the following industries:
Numina Group is recognized as an authority on warehouse automation technologies. We provide skilled engineers, high-tech automated technologies and real-time software which improves all key performance indicators. Contact us to learn more about our warehouse execution system and how to eliminate bottlenecks in your process. The goal of every order fulfillment and distribution center operation is to achieve balanced order flow throughout the entire operation. From order release through shipment and delivery, synchronizing processes with streamlined order flow produces the most profitable results. Combining processes with real time software provides many advantages including increased efficiency and profitability.
The first step to improving order flow is with a distribution center design study based on order profiles, SKU and movement data, shipment data and interdependencies of all current processes. The design study should outline all current order fulfillment operations and detail recommended improvements with specific technologies and software. A properly prepared design study provides business management with information necessary to make operational improvements. Components of a Successful Distribution Center Design Study Successful distribution center design studies for improved order fulfillment processes must include detailed analysis of current:
All of these components are meticulously analyzed with recommendations provided. Storage technology including shelf storage, carton flow and pallet flow should be matched to SKU movement for the shortest picking path. This is one of the most common areas for improvement to optimize continuous order flow. Successful design studies will identify areas for process improvement which eliminate bottlenecks and waste touches, while including recommendations for the right technologies. Numina Group Offers Experienced Distribution Center Design Studies Numina Group is a leading warehouse design and automation company offering decades of experience, skilled engineers and exceptional customer support. We provide clients with the tools to drastically improve efficiency, accuracy and profitability. Our warehouse automation solutions include real-time warehouse control software which easily integrates with existing WMS and ERP systems. Our clients realize an increase in accuracy to 99.99% with implementation of voice picking systems. Voice picking technology provides hands-free scanning, with easily understood voice direction guiding the operator through the most optimized path. Print and apply labeling increases order throughput and accuracy while reducing wasted touches and labor expense. Numina is recognized as a leading warehouse automation company, improving operations to distribution centers across North America. We provide detailed order fulfillment studies with clearly defined recommendations, return on investment in improve profitability. Contact us today to speak with an engineer about optimizing your order fulfillment distribution center for maximum productivity gains with quick ROI. Continuous order flow in shipping and receiving order fulfillment operations provides many benefits when uniting processes. Shipping and receiving software which combines processes in real time increases order fulfillment efficiency and profitability. Order fulfillment operations which function on disconnected, standalone operations continually struggle to fulfill same-day order shipments.
Order fulfillment operations which utilize real-time shipping and receiving software are able to adapt to inventory shortages or other potential bottlenecks. Combining processes for continuous order flow is critical for distribution centers to meet the increasing demand of same day shipping with B2B and Internet order requirements. Real-time warehouse management software provides a quick return on investment with significant improvements in efficiency and order fulfillment accuracy. The Many Benefits of Continuous Order Flow Implementing continuous order flow by combining processes with real time order fulfillment software provides many benefits, including:
Higher efficiency equates to improved profitability, although these many other benefits help companies to achieve sustainability for all shareholders while poised for growth. Working with an experienced warehouse automation company will provide the right technology and software to deliver maximum benefits. Numina Group Provides Continuous Order Flow with Automation Numina Group is recognized as a leading warehouse automation company, helping order fulfillment operations to achieve maximum efficiency and profitability. We offer order flow analysis to identify bottlenecks, define the most advantageous technologies and design continuous order flow solutions. Our warehouse control system utilizes advanced technologies to combine shipping and receiving processes with real time control, customized to your process. Real-Time Distribution warehouse control software easily integrates with any warehouse management system or ERP system. Powerful software drives automated technologies such as Print and Apply Labeling and Voice Picking Software for continuous order flow solutions. Numina Group is recognized as a leading expert in warehouse automation with our superior Tier One Warehouse Control and Execution System, RDS™. Real-Time Distribution Software combined with advanced technologies deliver significant cost savings with maximum profitability. Contact us today to speak with an expert warehouse automation engineer. Order fulfillment and distribution center applications rely upon streamlined order flow for efficient and profitable operations. Increasing efficiency, accuracy and throughput provides valuable improvements to distribution centers which equate to increased profitability. In-line scanning of cartons passing through final audit into shipping areas improves accuracy while eliminating the need for manual labor to validate quality inspections.
Numina Group offers proven automated warehouse solutions with powerful warehouse software and advanced technologies which streamline order fulfillment for maximum efficiency. We provide Tier One Warehouse Execution and Control Systems which deliver real time control of distribution center processes. Our patented laser triangulation measurement technology automatically scans cartons to capture the accurate dimensions. This measurement technology is also referred to as the “cuber” and is popular in many distribution centers worldwide. Numina’s inline scanning, Scan-Weigh-Dimension technology eliminates human errors while improving accuracy and throughput. Inline Scan-Weigh-Dimension Automated Technology This patented technology utilizes 3D camera sensors which consistently provide accurate measurements. The patented high resolution camera technology captures carton images and can store them for customer service and quality control. Numina’s warehouse execution system, Real Time Distribution, RDS™, incorporates inline scanning with automated Scan-Weigh-Dimension technology to improve accuracy in shipping while eliminating manual final inspections. Automated verification of weight and dimension improves accuracy while drastically reducing labor expenses. Inline scanning combined with automated conveyor systems provide real time control with quality exceptions, automatically diverting cartons to hold areas. Automatic sorting to the proper shipping area and quality control hold areas reduce shipping errors which eliminates costly freight charges. Inline scanning improves accuracy and reduces shipping errors which result in increased customer satisfaction. Combining additional automated technologies such as automated printing and application of labels and voice picking technology increases productivity and profitability. Numina provides detailed process analysis to determine the most advantageous automated warehouse technologies for your application. Numina is a leading provider of automated warehouse solutions, providing proven solutions which improve throughput, accuracy and profit. We develop customized automated solutions based on a detailed warehouse design and layout for maximum throughput. Contact us to learn more about our real time warehouse control system and advanced technologies such as inline scanning. Improving order fulfillment profitability takes a collaborative approach with a combination of several key components. Distribution center personnel working closing with skilled warehouse automation companies with experience in warehouse design, technologies and automation provide the greatest value. Warehouse automation companies which provide one-stop, comprehensive design and implementation services deliver the highest return on investment.
Comprehensive services which provide the following key components to order fulfillment operations improvement include: Distribution Center Road Map – a DC roap map includes a thorough analysis of order and SKU shipment data, drilled down from annual and monthly requirements to weekly and even daily shipment data. This detailed analysis allows for cost calculations per shipment and order type. This exercise requires team input and provides a greater understanding of order movement and the effects on profitability. Analysis of SKU Slotting – analyzing order SKU velocity with cube size requirements drives the requirements for the SKU slotting plan and distribution center footprint. Lean SKU slotting processes in pick areas drastically increase order efficiency and accuracy while reducing labor replenishment requirements. Proper design based on SKU slotting utilizes capacity for reduced congestion and elimination of bottlenecks in your process. Capacity Utilization – facility sizing analysis for maximum capacity utilization may allow for future growth without the need to relocate, saving time and money while improving efficiencies. Skilled warehouse design companies evaluate all available space with innovative solutions which include multi-level picking with vertical storage for maximum utilization. Automated Technologies – incorporating warehouse automation technologies based on utilization studies, SKU slotting and the DC roadmap provide the right automated solution for maximum productivity. Designing warehouse automation customized to specific order fulfillment requirements allows for versatility across all order types. Investing in reliable, proven warehouse automation software is key to driving advanced technologies with accuracy and efficiency. Lean Operations – all of these components combine to provide the leanest order fulfillment operations available, eliminating wasted touches and non-value added material movements. Streamlining picking and packing operations with automated technologies such as voice picking systems and automated label printing and applying drastically improves throughput and accuracy. Numina Group offers comprehensive warehouse automation solutions to be your one-stop automated solutions partner. We offer in-depth experience warehouse design, capacity utilization, advanced technologies and real time warehouse control software. Our clients realize significant improvement in productivity and profitability with quick return on investment. Numina Group is a leading warehouse automation company, providing Tier One Warehouse Execution and Control (WES-WCS) systems to distribution centers. We provide in-depth knowledge to define the process, design the best automated system and implement optimized warehouse technologies. Contact us to speak with an engineer about our high-performance warehouse execution and control system. It takes a collaborative approach to improve order fulfillment processes of warehouse and distribution centers. The operations team of the distribution center must work together with an experienced warehouse automation company to develop the customized solution designed around specific order profile requirements. Together, order fulfillment operations are improved with increased efficiency and accuracy for drastic cost reductions and maximum return on investment.
The top three components required to improve order fulfillment operations include:
Value stream mapping design studies are required to understand the current order fulfillment process and to identify issues which affect performance such as bottlenecks in the order flow and wasted touches. Collaboration with the distribution center provides an understanding of order fulfillment requirements and current processes. Advanced warehouse automation technologies integrate with your current warehouse management systems to improve process accuracy and efficiency. Defining the best technologies for your process is determined from evaluating current order SKU data and growth calculations. Warehouse automation software is the final step in bringing the right technologies to drive the order fulfillment process with accelerated performance. Powerful, reliable software is the one component that cannot be compromised, as the driving force which integrates all required components. Numina Group Offers Warehouse Design, Technologies and Software Numina Group is your one stop for warehouse automation solutions, with experience in defining, designing and implementing automated technologies which deliver superior performance. We collaborate on value stream mapping practices to understand your processes and requirements, providing a warehouse design which improves performance. Our clients typically realize:
Numina’s experienced design team combined with advanced technologies and powerful warehouse control software deliver maximum return on investment, typically within 12 to 18 months. Our Warehouse Execution and Control System (WES-WCS), Real-Time Distribution, RDS™ integrates with existing ERP or WMS systems to improve order fulfillment operations with real time control. Eliminate wasted touches and bottlenecks in pick, pack and ship functions with advanced technologies such as Print and Apply Automated Labeling, Voice Picking Systems and many other advanced automated technologies. Numina Group is an industry leading warehouse automation company with experience and in-depth knowledge of designing order fulfillment operations. We define, design and implement automated technologies for real time warehouse control. Contact us to speak with an engineer about improving your distribution center processes for maximum profitability. Third party logistics (3PL) and e-commerce distribution companies continue to experience an increase in demand forcing them to develop leaner operations. Automated warehouse systems provide the solution for these companies to meet order fulfillment requirements while poised for growth. Warehouse automation provides many valuable benefits to these operations which include:
Numina Group Delivers Automated Warehouse Solutions The Numina Group delivers automated warehouse solutions which improve throughput, accuracy and profitability. Our print and apply labeling systems automates the printing and insertion of packing sheet information and application of shipping labels. This greatly improves accuracy and throughput while reducing labor expenses. Numina’s print and apply labeling offers several options for the automatic application of documents and labels. Numina’s warehouse execution and control system includes automated print and apply solutions with the application of:
We offer automated solutions which eliminate wasted touches and bottlenecks in your system, with experienced warehouse design driving chosen automated technologies. Our warehouse control system delivers automated solutions in real time while integrating with any WMS or ERP system. Real-Time Distribution, RDS™, is powerful warehouse software consisting of a family of flexible and scalable modules, designed to grow with your business. Numina Group is a leader in warehouse control and automation with high performance voice picking systems and many other automated technologies to improve productivity. Our clients typically see a full return on investment within 12 to 18 months. Contact us today to learn more about our robust warehouse control system with print and apply labeling technology. Voice directed picking is proven to increase order fulfillment efficiency and accuracy in warehouses and distribution centers. Numina Group is a leading provider of voice picking systems utilized in applications across North America which require a high level of performance and automation. We help companies realize maximum throughput and profitability with advanced automated warehouse technologies.
Numina’s Voice Picking System manages the beginning stages of the order from the initial pick zone, integrating voice commands to direct operators to pick to cartons or split-case orders with a two-level picking module. Voice commands drive responses with hands free barcode scanning for pick and pack validation. Zone routing logic is integrated with automated conveyor systems to enhance the efficient movement of cartons throughout the required pick zones. Voice picking systems coupled with zone routing logic is proven to increase efficiency and eliminate human error, improving accuracy to 99.99%. Voice commands direct the operator to pick the correct box size and affix a barcode label, scanning the barcode directs the operator to the next pick location. Once the picks are complete for that zone, voice commands direct the operator to place the carton on an automated conveyor system. With zone routing, companies enjoy a streamlined and efficient picking process as the cartons only stop at locations required to complete the order without human directed decision making. Voice Picking with Warehouse Control Systems Numina’s Real-Time Distribution, RDS™, is powerful and robust warehouse control software which includes a family of pre-developed modules designed to grow with your business. Our voice picking technology includes a labor management module for labor tracking and reporting. Combine with additional technologies such as automated Print and Apply Labeling, PAL™, to further automate your order fulfillment process for maximum profitability. Numina provides warehouse process analysis and design with recommended automated technologies to meet your productivity and return on investment, ROI, goals. Our warehouse control system is proven to increase throughput and reduce expenses. Contact us today to learn more about our voice picking system with zone routing technology. |
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