Order Fulfillment Pre-Packing for Bulky Item Picking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing order processing and fulfillment systems face inefficiencies in handling bulky items, leading to increased handling time, storage space requirements, and potential product damage, as they often lack optimized methods for pre-packing and segregating items by size and weight.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that pre-packs bulky items into separate containers, using segregated storage facilities and automated retrieval systems, with a processor determining which items to pre-pack based on incoming data, to improve handling efficiency and reduce storage needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If bulky items are handled using conventional order processing systems without pre-packing, then items can be stored in general storage areas, but handling time increases and pick productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-packing bulky items into containers before they are needed for order fulfillment. The processor identifies incoming bulky items and automatically packs them into appropriate containers, which are then stored in segregated storage facilities. This advance preparation eliminates the need for manual handling and sorting during the picking process, thereby increasing pick productivity and reducing handling time.
2Reliability
If bulky items are stored in general storage areas without segregation, then storage facility space can be used efficiently, but product damage increases and handling efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies segmentation by creating segregated storage facilities specifically designated for pre-packed bulky items, separate from general storage areas. This segmentation ensures that bulky items are stored in a controlled environment with appropriate handling procedures, reducing the risk of product damage. The segregated storage also streamlines the retrieval process, improving handling efficiency by eliminating the need to search through general storage areas.
3Productivity
If automated retrieval systems are implemented for pre-packed bulky items, then pick productivity increases, but device complexity and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by using automated retrieval systems that autonomously fetch pre-packed bulky item containers from segregated storage facilities and deliver them to picking stations. The processor automatically manages the identification, packing, and storage of bulky items, eliminating the need for manual intervention. This automation increases pick productivity while the system manages its own operational complexity through integrated control mechanisms.
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2
AI summary
Systems 100, methods 200, and machine-executable coded instruction sets for the fully- and/or partly automated handling of goods. In particular, the disclosure provides improvements in the handling of goods in fulfillment of orders for items of mixed sizes, weights, and other dimensions.