Ten Software Options to Consider for your DC (Part II)

The Distribution Factor

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A Look Ahead to Next Month

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IN THIS ISSUE:

DC Software Choices This month's feature article is the second part of a story started last month. Last month, I covered five simpler options. This month I will cover five more, including some of the more complex software choices. These systems are very powerful, but they come with higher deployment risks. Part II - (continued from last month) This story will provide an overview of a variety of software systems that can be used in your Distribution Center. Software systems vary from very simple systems that can be made fully functional in a day, to systems that require very careful planning, and can take a year or more to get working. Software can provide tremendous benefits to an operation, but as an operations manager, you need to select a solution that is manageable, and that your staff and your company's departmental resources can readily support. Don't hesitate to get extra help if you think your staff will be stretched too thin. To help you get insight into the relative complexities I have included a simple risk ranking system (Negligible, Low, Medium, High, and Watch Out!).

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Voice directed order selection is rapidly becoming an industry standard in distribution centers, and is regularly replacing bar code scanner terminals. Voice got off to a slow start in warehousing in the mid to late 90's, and was first deployed in grocery operations, where order selectors needed both of their hands free to pick and place full cases of products. Since then, applications have been written to do every type of picking, including small item and single piece picking. Voice can even compete effectively with sophisticated conveyor systems when applied to smaller orders. The appeal of voice is that pickers find it easy to learn and easy to use. There is nothing more natural than having a conversation - we do it every day.

Click Picture to Play Above: A voice headset worn by an order selector Photo Courtesy: Vocollect

Video Courtesy: Vocollect Requires Flash Clicking the graphic to the left will open a new window and play your video.

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How does your facility compare to other distribution facilities in the area? Is it an "Employee Friendly" place? Why should you care? The answer is that an employee friendly facility will generally have a happier and more motivated workforce, and you will have the opportunity to retain better employees than neighboring "unfriendly" facilities. A friendly facility isn't just a benefit for your workers - it will result in better performance and higher accuracy as well. Here are some things you should consider to make your facility a better place:

A Friendly Facility Helps you to Retain Better Associates A bright cafeteria or break area can really distinquish your facility Let your associates show some pride in their workplace

1. Bright Warm Cafeteria or Break Area - Make the cafeteria a bright and warm place, a place where your associates are happy to go for their breaks and lunch. Consider adding a TV, Internet access, and an employee information center.
   
   
2. Skylights - If you are in a warm sunny climate, consider putting skylights in your facility. Natural lighting really brightens up a facility in the day, and skylights can be strategically placed to bring light to areas or aisles that can use it. You can also save on energy costs.
   
   
3. Lighting - An alternative to skylights, and a necessity in freezing or cloudy climates, you can always add more strategic lighting. Bright lighting helps reduce fatigue, reduce errors, and improve productivity.
   
   
4. Outside Patio - If you are in a warmer climate, you can supplement the cafeteria with an pleasant outdoor area.
   
   
5. Easy to Understand Signage - Could a stranger figure out what is going on in your facility in a few minutes by simply looking around? Consider adding signage that identifies functional work and storage area, and that make it easy for a new employee to find their way around.
   
   
6. Weight Room / Treadmill / Basketball - If you have a large staff, consider adding a weight room and or treadmill, or even a basketball court that staff can use during break or after shift.
   
   
7. Easy to Read Locations - Replace or update your faded and torn location labels with some that are easy to read. Also consider changing your location scheme so that it is easy to understand (for example, alternating numbers and letters).
   
   
8. Help New Associates to Learn Their Job Quickly - Make it easy for new associates to learn the ropes. Provide hands-on training and make sure that there is someone to ask questions to. Have documentation that is easy to understand and easy to access.
   
   
9. Tell People How they are Doing - Put up an information board or electronic display that tells you people how they are doing. Update it regularly and thank those folks who are doing a good job. The same information can be displayed on a bulletin board.
   
   
10. Let your Staff Make the DC More Colorful - Give your staff a chance to spruce up the facility with some color. Perhaps have a contest for a theme. Put up some photos, or a banner. In Rochester, NY, I saw a DC where they put up a beach themed environment by painting blue pastels and some seascape images.
    
    

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