QC Software

No one tries to reduce productivity if they are concerned about containing costs. However, when distribution managers fail to implement best practices, lower productivity is the net result.

As business requirements change, upgrading the material handling system in the warehouse is necessary to optimize warehouse efficiency. This may involve software changes, equipment changes, or both.

Nothing moves if the wrong product is sitting in the distribution center. Orders cannot be shipped, workers are idle and at some point customers take their business elsewhere.

Best-in-class distributors have realized the importance of a lean and agile warehouse. Many are relying on the Warehouse Control System as an essential component of an optimized operation.

“May you live in interesting times” is an old Chinese curse. For distributors, surviving and hopefully thriving in this “interesting” global marketplace means changing how business is done.

Without automation, how many orders would be a distribution center ship each day? Given the complexity of the supply chain, a manual operation ships less at a much higher cost when compared to an automated one.

While capital equipment and real estate are the two highest expenses in the warehouse, direct labor direct labor ranks number three. Consequently, anything that makes labor more efficient is a concern to managers.

Downtime is the 800 pound gorilla in the warehouse. With insufficient resources, inadequate planning, or equipment failure, orders may not be shipped on time. Considering the high cost of labor, even short delays or disruptions can be expensive.

The Tier-1 Warehouse Control System’s auditing application is designed to optimize productivity and order accuracy.

Efficient order fulfillment requires effective replenishment. When inventory levels fall too low, incomplete orders are re-routed or sent to an audit station for manual intervention. In some cases, the line stops while more inventory is transferred.