Essay --

1.0 INTRODUCTION Over the year’s warehouse technology has evolved from using manually operated equipment to automated equipment to store and pick inventory. In every warehouse facility the goal is to improve efficiency in both the storing and picking of goods. With today’s innovative technology this goal could be accomplished with ease. Every warehouse has its own special needs according to the type of goods that’s received and stored. [11] With today’s technology warehouses are using a variety of state of the art equipment that allows for the efficient storage and retrieval of goods. [5,8] This paper will discuss different types of equipment that has enabled the warehouse in becoming more efficient by identifying the most significant processes in a warehouse. 2.0 WAREHOUSE PROCESS 2.1 RECEIVING PROCESS The receiving process is the first step in a warehouse process. This may seem boring if the concept is still perceived as a clerk standing with a clip board and manually counting each piece of material as it comes in the door. Today’s technology used in the process of receiving, storing and shipping goods through bar code scanning of each pallet of goods as it enters the warehouse. [1,8] Another method used in the receiving process is a system known as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). [1,6] With this method the there is no need for a receiving clerk’s presents when goods arrive. This process allows the entire pallet contents scanned as it passes through the door via the RFID chip secured to the pallet. 2.2 ORGANIZING The second step is organizing the goods for storage. Make sure all items get sorted according to their specific needs for such activities as repackaging or relocating to pallets, in containers. [2,9] Receiving... ...ew warehouse technology companies might consider the following suggestions. [8] Companies should start by evaluating their processes and procedures to make certain they can accomplish the following. [7,8,11] †¢ Don’t forget about the incoming products ï‚ § Concentrate on put-away and increasing refill accuracy †¢ Improve picking accuracy and reduce labor costs by implementing ï‚ § Pick-by-light or pick-by-voice †¢ Large pick quantity processes should strongly consider ï‚ § Package sorting contributes to reduced labor costs ï‚ § On-time and complete shipments. †¢ Companies with the task of implementing new automated systems should consider the following: [7,9] ï‚ § Consider hiring experts to manage the complexities of integrating multiple forms of technology ï‚ § Take control of their warehouse systems via the use of a single warehouse system ï‚ § Use proven best in class practices