1 February 2016, Brisbane.
Eurofast have selected Navigator WMS with
Vocollect Voice to optimise
processes in their new Silverwater distribution centre.
Eurofast is an industry leader when it comes to mechanical and electrical pipe and cable support solutions.
Eurofast services the HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical and Fire Service Trade, with a “One Stop Shop” Solution. From lengths of strut, to rod, and marking paint, Eurofast
offers a fast order turnaround service.
The Solution
Eurofast installed Navigator WMS, and modules for scan-receiving, replenishment, put away as well as Navigator's voice-directed batch picking application - all tightly
integrated with their
Netsuite ERP system.
Receiving
The system allows workers to use a mobile scanner to receive stock against purchase orders. Each item is scanned and matched against the purchase order to show the
expected quantity, and the number of items received so
far. The solution allows the receiver to print branded stock item labels from a portable (belt mounted) label printer as goods are unpacked.
Put Away
Eurofast have labelled each of their Crown "Wave Pick" machines with a 'pallet' license plate number barcode. Navigator keeps track of stock placed on the tray
of each wave machine, allowing the driver to be directed from bin to bin to put stock away using Navigator's
directed putaway process.
Order Picking
Eurofast replaced paper pickslips with Navigator's voice-directed batch picking system, enabling each picker to work on up to 4 smaller orders at the same time.
The system speaks the next bin location to the picker as they walk/drive, and waits until the picker correctly speaks the location's "check digit" to tell the picker
how many items to pick. This process saves precious seconds at each pick line - removing the need to stop and read from a piece of paper, or to write down the
quantity picked.
Batch Picking - Explained
In batch picking, Navigator assigns one high priority order to the picker, then continues assigning other orders which require stock from the area in which
the picker is working. Rules define the maximum number of items which may be picked at a time in terms of cubic metres, number of orders and number of lines.
Navigator produces a 'pick marker' label for each order on a portable label printer, which is placed on the order's carton. The pick marker contains a letter from A to Z, which
identifies each order, as well as a random 'check digit' which is read by the picker to prove stock is being placed in the correct carton.
As the batch is picked, workers are directed around the warehouse in bin location order. Pickers
hear the next location to visit over
their headset and confirm they have found the correct item by speaking a 'check digit' number on the racking. Once the item is verified, the system
tells the picker how many items to pick - and waits for the picker to confirm how many pieces were taken. Finally, the system tells the picker which order needs
the stock by speaking the carton identifier (a letter from A to Z), and waiting for the picker to speak the check number off the relevant 'pick marker' label.
Replenishment
The replenishment function directs workers to fill bin locations in priority sequence. Bins with insufficient stock to fill orders are targeted first, while
bins below their minimum level are processed once all other tasks are completed. The system drives stock rotation, with workers directed to take stock
from the oldest lot numbered pallets first. The replenisher scans the item and the picking location to confirm stock is always placed in the correct bin.
Cycle Counting
Navigator's directed cycle count strategy allows the system generates count tasks for products based on a set of rules.
Staff members are directed from bin to bin in order to verify that inventory
records match with physical stock. If a discrepancy is noted, these are esclated to a supervisor who can investigate the issue further.
Netsuite Interface
Navigator communicates with Netsuite as soon as sales orders are picked in order to save 'Fulfilment' transactions. Similarly, when stock is received against
a purchase order or transfer order an 'Item Receipt' transaction is saved in Netsuite.