In the rapidly-paced and ever-evolving industry of logistics and supply management, efficiency is key, and warehouses must constantly seek innovative ways to improve processes in order to reduce costs and enhance productivity.
This need for speed has led to significant advances in picking and Goods-to-Person systems (G2P) have revolutionized traditional picking methods. G2P—a method of automated order fulfillment where items are retrieved and delivered directly to the picker—streamlines the picking process by minimizing travel time and maximizing throughput, offering an elegant solution to order fulfillment.
Let’s delve into the five types of Goods-to-Person systems and understand how they benefit warehouse operations.
- Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS)
Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS) are the backbone of Goods-to-Person systems. Combining storage racks, shelves, and robotic technology, AS/RS use robotic shuttles or cranes to retrieve items directly from designated storage locations and deliver them to a picking station, eliminating the need for manual picking, causing accuracy to increase and labor costs to drop. Additionally, AS/RS are highly scalable and can handle a wide range of SKUs efficiently.
- Vertical Lift Modules (VLM)
Many warehouses do not take advantage of their vertical space for storing items—Vertical Lift Modules (VLM) maximize vertical capacity by storing items in tall, narrow units. Through automation, trays and bins are retrieved from this vertical storage and brought to the operator at their workstation. VLMS are ideal for warehouses with limited floor space, as they maximize storage capacity while minimizing footprint. By consolidating inventory vertically, VLMs not only reduce picking times, they increase storage density.
- Horizontal Carousels
By employing an oval track with revolving bins, Horizontal Carousels rotate to bring the desired items to the operator while other bins are simultaneously pre-positioned for the next pick. Eliminating wasted walk and search time, Horizontal Carousels are particularly effective for warehouses with high SKU variability and fast-moving inventory since they improve order accuracy and speed by transporting items directly to the picker quickly with little-to-no intervention from humans.
- Vertical Carousels
An alternative to Horizontal Carousels, Vertical Carousels utilize vertical space (and less floor space) by storing items on rotating shelves that move up and down in response to incoming orders. Since items are presented to operators ergonomically, Vertical Carousels are a huge bonus when it comes to worker safety. Well suited for small parts storage and order fulfillment of high-value items, they enhance inventory control by providing secure storage and easy access to items while optimizing floor space.
- Goods-to-Person Robots
Goods-to-Person Robots represent the latest evolution in warehouse automation. Fully automated, these mobile robots navigate the floor precisely and efficiently to retrieve items and deliver them right to the picking station. Equipped with advanced sensors and dedicated software, these robots are highly flexible and when integrated with existing warehouse systems, can adapt to dynamic environments and work collaboratively with human operators with minimal disruption to current processes.
Benefits of Goods-to-Person Systems
Regardless of the specific G2P system you choose to implement in your warehouse, all G2P systems produce a competitive advantage by benefiting your workers, customers, and bottom line, including:
Increased Accuracy and Efficiency
By bringing items directly to the picker, G2P systems optimize warehouse processes and reduce errors that can arise from manual picking, leading to higher order accuracy and throughput, resulting in a massive increase in productivity and everyone’s favorite—customer satisfaction.
Enhanced Ergonomics and Worker Safety
It’s no secret that warehouse workers have a difficult job; whether it’s poorly designed workspaces, toppling items, loose pallets, or long periods of time either standing or kneeling, injuries to employees are still rampant and of paramount concern to owners. By eliminating the need for repetitive movement, reaching, and risky scenarios, Goods-to-Person systems create a safer and more ergonomic working environment for warehouse personnel.
Scalability and Cost Savings
Whether your warehouse is massive or on the smaller side, Goods-to-Person systems are scalable and adaptable to evolving business needs, allowing warehouses to efficiently handle fluctuating demand and SKU variability. And by reducing labor costs, minimizing storage space, and optimizing inventory management, Goods-to-Person systems deliver significant cost savings.
Conclusion
Every company in the warehousing and supply chain game wants efficiency, accuracy, reduced costs, customer satisfaction, and a safer environment. By adding automation and robotics to the lineup, G2P systems have and will continue to revolutionize the warehousing business. Technological advancements in order fulfillment are not slowing down and Goods-to-Person systems will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future of warehousing and distribution.