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Home » Steps to Optimizing Order Fulfillment

Steps to Optimizing Order Fulfillment

June 3, 2013
SupplyChainBrain

The first step in optimizing order fulfillment is "understanding the velocity of all the SKUs you're going to be picking," says Baker. They should be ranked in an "A-D" sequence, with appropriate measures for each.

It's essential to classify inventory so that distribution-center designers can determine the best configuration of shelving and equipment for the items in question. Among the characteristics to be identified is the method of picking - whether by pallet, case or item. In the process, DCs can be arranged to minimize fatigue and unnecessary travel within the facility by pickers.

Baker says companies are being forced to become more sophisticated in their inventory-classification methods. They are driven by the growth of electronic commerce and a need for the constant switching out of seasonal merchandise.

The biggest oversight in order fulfillment today is accuracy, Baker says. "Most organizations are not at 100 percent." On the contrary, a typical company might waste $6,000 a day shipping the wrong items or parts.

Integrating discrete business systems is another big challenge for DC managers. Order-processing software must meld with the enterprise resource planning system and material-handling application, which can automatically receive a pick list in a smoothly running operation.

Pick-to-light is among the major enabling technologies gaining popularity in modern-day DCs. Baker cautions, however, against becoming "dazzled" by new systems. Operators must ensure that they are a good fit for a given facility, based on its volume and layout.

To view video in its entirety, click here


Keywords: supply chain, supply chain management, WMS, warehouse management systems, inventory management, inventory control, logistics systems, logistics management, retail supply chain

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Inventory Planning/ Optimization Technology Order Fulfillment Warehouse Management Systems Consumer Packaged Goods Retail
KEYWORDS Brian Baker consumer packaged goods EDI Communication (XML/EDI) inventory control Inventory Management Inventory Planning/ Optimization Kardex Remstar logistics management logistics systems order fulfillment Retail retail supply chain RFID & Barcode supply chain Supply Chain Management supply chain management: order fulfillment & p.o. mgmt. Technology Warehouse Management Systems WMS
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