order picking handling l
Mitch Rosenberg, vp of marketing and product management,Kiva Systems, looks at how order picking can be revolutionised using mobile-robotics.
Robotic revolution C
onsumer behaviour is putting more strain than ever before on operations at the distribution centre (DC). Direct-to-consumer
orders must be able to meet the rigorous demands of overnight delivery and guaranteed product availability. Both Web stores and brick and mortar stores must also offer vast merchandise variety because stock-outs translate to lost customers.
In fact, half of consumers in a recent survey said they would avoid a retailer for one or more visits after attempting to purchase something that was out-of- stock*. Inside the DC, the material handling operation is challenged more than ever before. For retailers to succeed, they tackle these new challenges that manual processes and even traditional automation can no longer meet.
Manual processes are slow and difficult to scale quickly to increases in volume while meeting same day or next day shipping requests. Warehouses that use conveyors or carousel systems have miles of metal and rubber equipment bolted down in winding structures. These systems require complicated installations, are inflexible to
modifications in product shape and size, and are vulnerable to single points-of- failure.
Further, reconfiguring a conveyor system to introduce a new function such as returns or to move different shaped merchandise requires a significant disruption to operations.
Mobile-robotics changes the game Using a fleet of mobile robotic drive units, moveable shelves, work stations and sophisticated control software, Kiva Systems is changing the game with a complete order fulfilment solution that
automates the pick, pack and ship processes. Kiva is different from traditional automation such as carousels and conveyor because it’s completely flexible, can handle products of all shapes and sizes, is quick to implement and easy to use.
The Kiva solution goes beyond traditional warehouse automation solving real-world order picking challenges, because: • Kiva is two to four times more productive than other pick, pack and ship automation approaches;
• Light directed picking, put-away and order consolidation combined with barcode scanning and multiple methods for confirming quantity ensure that inventory and orders are 99.99% accurate;
• Kiva does not require batching and waving of orders, so any order can be processed in as little as 15 minutes;
• Unlike traditional bolted down automation, operators can implement the solution they need to handle current volumes, then add additional capacity quickly and easily if they need it later. With Kiva, you pay as you grow.
Rapid deployment is another distinct benefit of mobile-robotics. In the old way of doing things, changes to the DC meant at least a year of designing before deployment could even start. As business models evolve, materials handling operations must to be able to change with them in order to remain competitive. Fast system
deployment can be the difference between a ‘first-to-
* Cross Channel Brand Interaction 2010 Consumer Preference Survey, Sterling Commerce, an IBM Company
www.PressOnShD.com October 2011 ShD 49
market’ and a ‘me-too’ product. With mobile-robotics, a complete warehouse transformation is possible in a matter weeks, not months, because of its flexibility and portability.
Another challenge that managers face today is how to run a cost-effective operation that easily scales up and down to accommodate seasonal processing - without sacrificing speed, accuracy and customer service. Because of its portability, Kiva is able to offer a rental programme that no other material handling provider can. The programme is specifically designed for businesses with high peak or seasonal demand such as retailers, internet retailers and other specialty industries.
Business-to-business and direct-to- consumer sales require an attention to detail in the distribution centre that most traditional automation cannot provide. Mobile-robotics is ideally suited to replace manual operations and traditional automation because of its many benefits and is embraced as a competitive advantage by some the world’s leading brands including GAP, Timberland, Staples, Gilt Groupe, Crate & Barrel and Toys ‘R’ Us.
Kiva offers competitive advantage with a revolutionary order fulfilment solution businesses need to succeed. ●
www.kivasystems.com
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