How Does Technology Innovation Improve And Reduce Non-Value Travel Time In Warehouses?

Abstract

Warehouse is the backbone of the supply chain in which having an efficient warehouse process result in a better operational implementation. Therefore, order picking is a fundamental element to satisfy customers request which is the main operation in the warehouse. This has been the focus of this research. However, improving this factor has a fundamental role to the supply chain operation. Form this respect the application of lean warehousing is a process enhancement in which applying this philosophy to the warehouse operation has been found to be a significant player in warehouse. However, to have an efficient order picking operation there are critical factors that impacted order picking operation. The findings of this research suggest that optimal routing policy; ABC vertical storage assignment and batch picking are by far significant process implementation to the warehouse. However, this research has investigated a number of technologies to improve order picking operation. Therefore, the findings of this research support implementing semi-automation technology to improve order picking operation as to have an efficient and flexible order picking operation. Therefore, there are a number of factors that could improve warehouse efficiency by implementing technology. First, a reliable warehouse management system WMS is a process enabler in which improves order picking productivity and manifest in better integration of the warehouse. Second, utilising voice picking technology and put to light technology have been found to improve order picking operation. Finally, the application of driverless forklift has been found an efficient application, in which improves operational productivity and reduces cost of the operation.