igh-throughput is the name of the game at this facility, which fills thousands of orders daily for retail stores. Incoming goods arrive on pallets, or in overseas containers, which are broken down and stacked onto pallets. A WMS maintains tight control over operations. Each pallet receives a barcoded identifying license plate, and is automatically assigned a random storage location in the pallet storage area, consisting of six-high single and double deep pallet racks. Replenishment pallets feed both the two-level case pick module, as well as the put area, where product is batch-picked to fill high-volume orders. Completed orders travel in totes to the packaging area. Some totes are first routed through a value-added area, where price tags or gift wrap are added. Cartons then travel by conveyor to a sortation area, where they are diverted to the appropriate shipping lane for delivery.

• Use of an ASN (Advanced Shipping Notice), which gives advance information about incoming orders, allows substantial preplanning for processes and personnel

• The WMS automatically assigns each SKU a random location based on “best” assignment criteria, including merge opportunities, order allocations, travel paths, and velocity

• Intermixing of double-deep and single-deep pallet racks within the same storage/staging area promotes higher storage utilization when stock activity levels vary

• High-productivity, two-level case pick module with dynamic and scheduled replenishment automatically generated and assigned to available personnel can be expanded to three levels if volumes increase

• Establishment of forward pick areas for high-speed, high-demand picking, fulfilling multiple orders simultaneously from a single location

• WMS automatically assigns orders to most appropriate pick areas using a variety of criteria, taking into account UOM configuration, inventory levels, travel paths, and “close proximity” of personnel and equipment

• WMS integrates requirement for VAS into the pick process and routes picked accordingly

• In order to optimize productivity, eliminate bottlenecks, and level out work volumes for operators, WMS evaluates workflow on the fly

Facility Layout

Search the Web for more on "materials handling retail distribution center" or simply enter a new topic in the search field. brought to you by