Automation priorities

Automating packing and despatch is often a top priority, particularly in fashion and e commerce where the need for fast accurate fulfilment makes them natural candidates for investment in automation. However, it’s important not to overlook the impact of improving picking. Improvements can reduce the costs of the picking function but also significantly amplify the efficiency of packing and despatch.

Picking should always be considered as a key part of automation plans, whether it’s a first project or a future phase. However, focusing on picking at an early stage in the automation journey means that packing and despatch can operate at full potential, creating a smoother, more integrated supply chain. 

Automation is just one part of a picking strategy and understanding elements such as product velocity, zoning and pick route optimisation can also help streamline the process.

Picking automation technology such as pick-to-light, voice-picking systems, barcode scanning and wearables add another layer in improving productivity and reducing errors. For fashion retailers, where SKU diversity and order variability are common, this precision is core in maintaining customer satisfaction and minimising returns. 

When picking processes are optimised, packers spend less time checking and correcting orders, allowing for faster throughput and reduced labour costs. Automating the transfer of information from picking to packing ensures that the right products, quantities, and shipping details are consistently correct, enabling packers to focus solely on packaging and presentation. By optimising both the physical picking process and the flow of information, retailers can fully capitalise on their packing automation investments.

Breathe Technologies are experts in warehouse automation as well as connecting physical and digital systems into a cohesive and efficient workflow that improves productivity, reduces error rates and supports accurate inventory management. 

Orquestr8 Pick Optimisation software from Breathe Technologies enhances the efficiency of order picking by analysing warehouse layout, item locations, and the order list to determine the most efficient order allocation and route for picking goods.

For more information, visit www.breathetech.co.uk 

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