In an automated warehouse system, rules apply to everything and everything has a rule. Everything has a place and everything is assumed to be in it’s place. When material is expected to move, if the conditions are not met, there will be a fault and the material may not move.
In conventional systems, humans learn to recognize situations, resolve issues and to keep moving forward in spite of obstacles. What may be going unnoticed is the gap between how the host and WMS are built and what is really happening. This is true of the physical inventory, material handling and order fulfillment activity. I view this as a virtual iceberg. We all can see what is above the water level, but we have no idea of how big the issues are beneath the surface.
By focusing on the correct supply chain metrics, KPIs, and analyzing systems and processes, you can identify opportunities that will provide immediate benefits as well as prepare your organization for the additional requirements that will accompany technology.
Now is the time for an assessment of your performance and process metrics!
Need a hand? I’m always happy to share my thoughts and recommendations, based on my decades of being in your shoes. Feel free to reach out – b.whitmore@dlninc.com.