Warehouse and Distribution Automation Handbook
Increase the efficiency of your warehouse and distribution operations-and improve your bottom line with automation technology Today's consumers demand products and services that are on time and that cost less, making automated distribution centers more crucial to order fulfillment than ever before. Will your warehouse be able to keep up? In clear, easy-to-understand language, this practical reference explains how automation can help you achieve an efficient, responsive, cost-competitive warehouse operation. You'll learn how to reap the benefits of automation-including on-time delivery, traceable and real-time audit trails, and accurate inventory control-while lowering operating costs. The Warehouse and Distribution Automation Handbook serves as a step-by-step guide for engineers, managers, and operations personnel through the entire automation implementation process, including: Identifying system requirements and creating request for proposal bid specifications; Evaluating automation software packages and choosing the right one to meet your specific needs; applying the latest technologies, such as radio frequency and voice recognition terminals, bar codes, and scanning devices, to your operations; Justifying the costs involved in comparison to the benefits and savings achieved; Designing or modifying a system to streamline warehouse operations, including receiving, quality control, returns, put-away, order processing, picking, shipping, and more; Developing project plans, implementation, and test plans; Creating training programs and system documentation; Effective material handling solutions-conveyor/sortation equipment, carousels, pick-to-light systems, pallet racking, forklift trucks, and more; Follow-up, evaluation, and problem resolution activities. You'll also learn where the industry is headed in the foreseeable future and the automation concepts your warehouse operations and want to implement automated systems for increased efficiency and profits, this reference is a must-read.