It is highly likely that you spend a significant amount of time trying to come up with ways in which you can boost worker productivity without taxing the worker or the company’s capital expenditures. Many organizations are now using wireless scanning devices, in partnership with a warehouse management system (WMS) to bring real‐time computing and increased productivity to their operations. Industrial bar code scanning devices in particular are ideally designed to accommodate longer shifts, inexperienced users and durability in a harsh environment.
Whether your business is experiencing accelerated growth or in need of a workflow refresh, you can benefit from automating your operations. Simply stated, the reduction of manual processes in a warehouse environment leads to improved productivity and profitability. These improvements are a direct result of the changes in the way workflow is managed. For example:
- Reduced picker “travel”
- Improved level of customer service
- Reduced safety stock
- One-time, accurate data entry
Other Improvements Resulting from Warehouse Automation
Reduced errors: Automated processes greatly reduce the opportunity for human error. The likelihood of incorrect or duplicated orders, shipping errors, and placement of inventory in wrong stock locations are drastically reduced when the process is automated using bar code data collection solutions.
Increased worker productivity: Bottlenecks and errors are virtually eliminated when data collection processes are automated. This makes tasks easier to perform because workers are spending less time trying to solve the problem preventing them from performing their task. They are also spending less time (and money) correcting errors that they’d typically make when using a manual process.
Increased customer satisfaction: When errors are reduced, workers are happy and customers are even happier. If automated scanning devices are used to pack and ship product out the door, workers can be alerted when an incorrect item is packed or an order is trying to be shipped to a location designated for another order. Using a bar code labeling system to prepare and ship orders requires a “perfect match” every time to ensure correct, on-time delivery.
Lower total cost of ownership: A variety of warehouse automation solutions are available today, so there’s bound to be a solution that will meet your feature and budget requirements. Companies implementing warehouse automation solutions can expect productivity increases in the first year that result in a return on investment (ROI) in as little as 6 months. The actual ROI will depend on the size and scope of your solution and how it’s used.
Need help calculating your ROI on a solution that will change the flow of business for you? At L-Tron, we understand your business and we have access to world-class products and solutions that fit your business model and your budget. Contact us today to find out more. You may also request a complimentary ROI Analysis!