Comprehensive Warehouse Processes: From Receiving to Shipping
Receiving
Unloading goods from suppliers and verifying the delivery.
Example: A truck arrives with pallets of laptops and electronic components. The warehouse staff scans the delivery and checks the items against the order invoice to ensure everything matches.
Solutions: Dock Scheduling Softwares, RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) Readers, WMS (Warehouse Management System), Handheld Scanners, Conveyor Systems, etc…
Quality Control (QC)
Inspecting goods for defects or compliance with standards.
Example: After receiving the goods, the QC team (randomly) inspects pallets to ensure they meet quality and safety standards, separating any defective pallets, boxes or products for further review.
Solutions: QC Stations, AI-Powered Inspection tools, Barcode scanners, Handheld Tablets for Inspectors, Cameras with Machine Vision, etc…
Decanting
Breaking down large shipments into smaller units for easier handling and storage.
Example: If need be, pallets or large boxes containing multiple laptop batteries and chargers are decanted into smaller bins so they can be more easily accessed and stored in the picking area.
Solutions: Decanting Stations, WMS, Barcode Scanners, Bins and Totes, Shelving Units, etc…
Put-Away
Moving received and decanted goods to their designated storage locations.
Example: The bins of decanted laptop components are sorted on specific shelves in the electronics section of the warehouse, ensuring easy retrieval when needed. The use of Put-Away Rules are necessary to ensure the most optimal routes.
Solutions: WMS, Barcode/RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) Scanners, AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robots), AS/RS (Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems), Slotting Optimization Software, etc…
Storing
Placing goods into designated storage areas.
Example: High-value electronics like tablets and headphones are stored in secure, temperature-controlled racks for preservation and security.
Solutions: AS/RS (Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems), VLM (Vertical lift modules), High-Density Shelving, WMS, Rack, etc…
Inventory Control
Monitoring and managing stock levels to ensure accuracy.
Example: The warehouse system tracks the exact quantity of tablets and accessories in real-time, preventing stockouts or overstock situations.
Solutions: RFID tags, Cycle Counting Systems, WMS, Barcode Scanners, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) Systems, etc…
Tracking and Reporting
Monitoring goods and generating reports on stock levels and warehouse performance.
Example: A dashboard displays real-time data on the number of laptops and their location in the warehouse, helping the team make informed inventory decisions.
Solutions: WMS, RFID, Digital Twin, etc…
Picking
Retrieving goods to fulfill an order.
Example: Workers receive an order for a set of tablets, laptop chargers and headphones. Worker will then pick the items accordingly from the respective storage locations.
Solutions: Pick-to-light Systems, Voice-Picking Systems, Handheld Scanners, WMS, Mobile Carts with Integrated Technology, AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robots), GTP (Goods to Person Systems), etc…