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Scanning and Packing - Myth or Reality? PDF Print E-mail
Written by Scott Koegler   
Monday, 15 September 2008

I've spoken with a few of you regarding automation of a wide variety of tasks that are generally considered to be part of the normal sequence of doing business. One such process is the so-called, pick/pack/ship function.
While it's certainly standard fare for any business selling tangible goods, it's also one of those areas that can be time consuming, error prone, and deadline sensitive. Have you found a better way to handle this process?

Here's the process as it's been described to me:
  • Receive a purchase order
  • Enter the PO into the order entry system
  • Print a picking ticket with bar code
  • Pick the product
  • Pack the products in a box
  • Record the products in a labeling system
  • Print the UPC-128 label
  • Ship the box
  • Record the shipment and products in some system
  • Create the ASN

Obviously, many companies have some or all of those discrete steps automated in some way, and some companies have the entire sequence automated and integrated. But, from what I hear, those that have automated processes, tend to be the larger organizations that couldn't operate without a systematized and automated approach. Smaller organizations that are able to handle their shipments using more manual processes, may be less motivated to automate.

To check the state of automation, I called Nancy Brehmer, OEM Manager with InsiteSoftware Solutions, a developer of applications that address exactly this kind of process. I asked Nancy to identify the sticking points in this process.

Nancy said that it may be difficult to identify exact time or cost savings that automation might deliver, particularly because every situation is different, and companies implement varied applications to accomplish different levels of integration. But, according to Brehmer, "There are some common problem areas that we know automation can help to eliminate."

Those include:
  • Creation of the picking ticket from the purchase order
  • Elimination of transposition errors from manual keying
  • Automatic creation of the UCC-128 label at the point of packing
  • Automatic generation of the ASN based on scanning the items
  • Better workflow in the warehouse

These benefits are achieved by integrating the inbound EDI data with the ERP system, and with the shipping function, in a sequence I've heard described as the "Scan and Pack" process. The trick here is to connect the bar code scanner used to pick orders, with the shipping and EDI processes that collect the product and shipment information on their way out the warehouse doors.

While this sounds like a great solution to a manual problem, I'm wondering how realistic it is to find a set of software that delivers on the promise. If you've implemented something like this, or know of one, let me know.

Comments
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tpgjoe - Pick Pack Ship Registered | 2008-09-16 12:37:18
We have provided many companies, even smaller ones, with a complete Pick/Pack solution with all the necessary EDI documents.

The order data comes from the client's Order Processing System, and we produce Complete Order Compliance using barcode scanning, Packing List, Bill-Of-Lading, UCC128 Labels, EDI Advance Ship Notice, and reports detailing past shipments. The system can also be used for standard pack shipping where the UCC128 Label can be used to facilitate the warehouse picking process. More information at www.PeerlessData.com
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