Aberdeen Analyzes Pick Methods in Warehouse Operations Performance
August 12, 2009 // Published as a news service by IHS
Aberdeen Group released a study analyzing processes and technologies, including automation and pick methods, contributing to improved warehouse operations performance.
Warehouse Operations: Increase Responsiveness through Automation used three metrics to gauge performance:
- Order pick accuracy.
- Inventory accuracy.
- Percentage of on-time and complete shipments.
Aberdeen found that 46% of companies it determined were top performers were more likely to utilize advanced pick methodologies including batch, zone and cluster picking.
External factors like transportation delays that impact end-to-end measures (such as perfect order percentage) were mitigated in Aberdeen's research to focus on internal activities within the warehouse or distribution center.
"The focus of this report is on factors for justifying investment on automation projects," said Nari Viswanathan, vice president and principal analyst for Aberdeen Group.
Source: Aberdeen Group.