T
he concept of buffering in the warehouse, also known as staging, consists of temporarily storing orders that have been or are being prepared for dispatch, usually in a designated area of the warehouse. This is an
However, traditional buffering processes have limitations that prevent a warehouse environment from reaching its full potential. warehouse robotic systems.
THE DOWNSIDES TO OLD-SCHOOL BUFFERING
In many traditional warehouses, staging areas are poorly optimised, often consisting of simple wait to be dispatched. These rely heavily on human input to be managed effectively and are not often properly integrated with automation systems. This leads to a disconnect which can increase errors and the chances of non- optimised truck loading, which adversely affect
By taking steps to combine buffering with the overall picking, packing and dispatch process, companies can further transform their operations for the better.
SAVING FLOOR SPACE
space in the warehouse, which makes truly
Fortunately, advances in robotic automation systems now enable warehouse operators storage racks. This frees up space for additional storage and helps companies make better use of their facilities.
INCREASED FLEXIBILITY IN ORDER PREPARATION
This integrated approach to buffering brings whether they have not yet been started, are in the process of being prepared, or have been completed, are stored in the same system. This separates dispatch performance from picking performance, meaning that order preparation does not depend on dispatch time. This system makes life easier for human operators, as it makes the picking and packing
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WHY INTEGRATED BUFFERING IS CRUCIAL
By Samuel Tevenaz, Product Manager at Exotec
process fully transparent: the operator prepares an order according to what the system brings to them at the order picking station, with the system then taking care of removing the order when it is ready to be dispatched.
This approach saves priceless time for human staff and the wider business, which will pay dividends in the long term.
ORDER PREPARATION DIRECTLY IN SHIPPING PACKAGING
Unlike traditional systems that use their own containers (therefore requiring products in an order to be manually transferred to their shipping packaging), systems with integrated buffering enable orders to be prepared directly is complete, an order can simply be dispatched directly or held in staging until it is ready to go. operations and saving money in the long run.
ELIMINATING COMMON ERRORS By integrating buffering into warehouse
JUNE 2025 |
automation systems, companies can virtually eliminate errors related to manual handling. This way, human operators are empowered to better manage the picking, packing and dispatch process. This increases overall reliability, leading to more productive employees, greater customer satisfaction and a reduction in costs associated with errors and returns.
A GREAT LEAP FORWARD FOR INTRALOGISTICS
tuned to deliver even better results for warehouse operators. Integrated buffering represents a major innovation in pursuit of this goal: it optimises space, reduces operational gains overall.
Exotec
www.exotec.com
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