Developing an effective parcel sortation system involves taking careful consideration of a variety of factors. Understanding the types, shapes and sizes of the packages to be sorted, the limits of the technology, the method of identifying and scanning every package, as well as the types of software rules that are needed in order to accomplish the goal. Gathering all these details is essential to good material handling practices, and missing any one of these details could introduce costly mistakes.
Mason Companies, Inc. Consolidates Multiple Growing Fulfillment Operations Under One Roof
Mason Companies, Inc.
With the high degree of variation in products, Mason has added new automation to accommodate each stage in their growth, over many years. StreamTech began working with Mason in 2007, and has provided many different systems for the company throughout the years, in different buildings. Mason has now consolidated the others under a new, much larger distribution and fulfillment center where all their fulfillment lines - for each brand - can sit under one roof. Today, Mason’s 425,000 square feet “MFC” (Mason Fulfillment Center) 425,000 square foot building fulfills between 25k to 60k items per day.
Navigate The Peaks And Valleys Of Seasonal Demand
Seasonal demand affects numerous industries, presenting both opportunities and challenges for businesses. During peak seasons, ecommerce fulfillment companies experience a surge in sales volume and order processing. With the increasing popularity of online shopping, these periods of peak demand are becoming more frequent and intense. Preparing for peak seasons is critical for ecommerce fulfillment companies to maintain customer satisfaction. If handled effectively, peak seasons are a great opportunity for growth.
Use Warehouse Automation to Reduce Shipping Errors And Associated Costs
As consumers continue to increase their online shopping habits, some going so far as to prefer it to retail shopping, it’s becoming more important than ever to have efficient shipping processes in place. Unfortunately, manual shipping processes lead to common shipping errors and increased costs due to human errors.
Reduce Warehouse Labor Costs With These 4 Business Strategies
In today’s competitive environment, it’s important to evaluate operating costs and find new and innovative ways to optimize operating expenses without sacrificing productivity. Some of the leading expenses for warehouses include the cost of manual labor, consumables/packaging, and carrier shipping charges. Of these three, manual labor is the leading ROI driver for operators who are considering automation equipment.
What Is A Material Handling Systems Integrator, And Why Should I Use One?
Designing a successful material handling system requires the integration of a wide range of specialized technologies, from a number of different manufacturers. Scales, dimensioners, scanners, conveyors, control panels, photo-eyes, printer applicators, diverters, lights, alarms, sensors, robots, vertical lift modules, case erectors, baggers, tapers, palletizers, document inserters, and software – all these technologies have to work together in concert to create a successful fulfillment automation system. Each of these technologies is developed by companies that are highly specialized in each of their own areas of expertise, to develop the best products in their category. There is no manufacturer who makes every device necessary for your warehouse, and none that will connect them all.
See How Experienced 3PL Uses Automation To Scale Fulfillment Services For High-Growth Brands
DCL Logistics
One of the needs of many eCommerce brands is the ability for their logistics provider to adapt to quickly changing order volume. During promotions, a new product launch, sales, or peak demand—such as the holiday season, when shopping is at an all time high—daily order volume can double or triple what is seen during the typical off-season day. Having a 3PL with the tools to adapt to this very normal part of eCommerce business is key. Quality fulfillment (products sent out accurately and on-time) is directly correlated to high customer satisfaction. So when an experienced 3PL like DCL Logistics looks for ways to keep their customers happy, they look to their automation tools to help them scale up, or down, with only a moment’s notice.
Why Is Automated Scanning So Important When Designing Fulfillment?
Inducting packages requires the placement of a scanner along a side of the conveyor where the LPN will be located - typically to read the LPN on one side of the package. Consistent placement and alignment go a long way toward successful automation, saving you cost on unnecessary scanning equipment. Consistent LPN placement will reduce the number of scanners or cameras necessary to read a label.
What Is Warehouse Control Software (WCS), And Why Is It Critical To Get Right?
The ability to incorporate equipment from a variety of different manufacturers, and drive it in a concert that is timed perfectly to meet your daily business requirements, while connecting to your software order database, hardware inputs and outputs is a task that is uniquely suited to a Warehouse Control Software (WCS).
Package Inspection System
In fulfillment automation, the integrity of the box is critical to the success of the automation, particularly with regard to: dimensioning, labeling, conveyance and sortation. We look for ways to add value to both our existing customers as well as new ones, and our controls and software engineers regularly explore new technology to solve problems. Poor box integrity causes a variety of problems for the rest of the fulfillment automation process, so we have invested in research and technologies that can allow us to catch problems early.