How to Implement a Goods-to-Person System

a blue AMR Autonomous Mobile Robot with a cardboard box

Automate Your Order Preparation and Delivery

Have you ever wondered how to make your warehouse more efficient? A goods-to-person system might be the solution you’re looking for. Also known as GTP, this system changes the way orders are prepared and delivered. 

Instead of workers moving around the warehouse to pick items, the goods come directly to them at the pick station. This approach saves time, reduces errors, and boosts productivity.

In a goods-to-person system, automated machines collect and deliver items that need to be packed. Your staff doesn’t have to walk around the warehouse searching for products. The entire picking process is handled by technology, making it faster and more accurate.

Choosing PEC for Your GTP Implementation Project

So, how do you set up a goods-to-person system in your warehouse? You need experts who understand both the industry and your specific business needs. That’s where we come in.

At Process Equipment & Controls (PEC), we specialize in providing automated and robotic solutions tailored to your operations. We integrate these goods-to-person solutions into your unique business model to help you achieve increased efficiency and increased productivity. Contact us today for a consultation, and let’s get started on improving your warehouse.

Enhancing Warehouse Efficiency with GTP

Many businesses are searching for new ways to automate their packing and picking operations to boost efficiency and productivity. One popular option is goods-to-person automation, which uses technology to move inventory around a warehouse or distribution center.

This type of automation can streamline order fulfillment by reducing the need for manual labor. It also helps reduce errors and improve safety by removing the need for workers to climb racks or lift heavy items. As a result, goods-to-person automation is a great way to improve efficiency in your packing and picking operations. Let’s look at some key benefits:

1

Reducing Human Movement

When you use a goods-to-person system, your workers no longer have to walk around the warehouse to pick items. Instead, the items come directly to them. Even if your staff is highly trained, moving around to find and pick items is time-consuming and inefficient.

Automated solutions in the goods-to-person pick process deliver items to where they are needed, much more efficiently. This reduces costs and improves relationships with partners across the entire supply chain. Safety also gets a big boost. With less movement around the warehouse, there’s less chance of accidents or damage to property.

2

Eliminating Errors and Do-Overs

Mistakes in the supply and distribution industry can be costly. If an order is picked incorrectly, it can harm your reputation and require you to fulfill the order again. This leads to wasted time and increased costs for your business.

With a system that relies on people, even with tools like pick-to-light, human error can’t be completely removed. Switching to an automated system means these repetitive tasks are handled more reliably. This increase in efficiency during order picking can save organizations a lot of money by preventing the need to redo orders.

3

Accelerating and Streamlining the Whole Process

At its core, GTP is simply faster than other models for order picking and goods delivery. Warehouse management teams aim to speed up the process without sacrificing accuracy and reliability. GTP makes this goal achievable.

The GTP system is controlled by warehouse management software—a tool designed to help business owners monitor how their teams are performing on the floor. This centralized software allows warehouse teams to analyze and improve their operating methods, offering even more potential for enhancement. With traditional person-to-goods models, ongoing improvement and scaling are more challenging.

autonomous picking robot

Different Types of Goods-to-Person Technologies

Before you can implement GTP technologies in your business, you need to decide which type of technology to use. The two main types of goods-to-person technologies are autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS).

1

Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)

warehouse on its own. It finds the items to be picked and brings them to the packing location. In this way, AMRs work like a human team member would, but with greater efficiency and safety.

AMRs have sophisticated sensors built into them. These sensors are controlled by centralized software that gathers and interprets data as the AMR moves around. The robot learns more about warehouse operations through machine learning processes. Further control and data management are achieved through a warehouse management solution.

Types of AMR:

  • Different AMRs serve different roles:
  • Some stack crates and handle actions at the picking stations.
  • Others have high capacity to follow complex routes.
  • Some can be deployed quickly and efficiently for specific tasks.

2

Eliminating errors and do-overs

environments. Unlike AMRs that move around the warehouse, AS/RSs are built into the warehouse itself. Items are stored within the AS/RS and are retrieved and delivered by the system.

For example, an item might be stored in Section A of the AS/RS. When needed, the system’s control triggers the delivery mechanism in Section A, releasing the item onto a conveyor belt or another piece of equipment to transport it to the picking location.

Types of AS/RS

There are various types of AS/RS available:

  • Shuttle systems: Offer higher capacity and are ready for future scaling.
  • Carousel-based AS/RS: These deliver items ready for packing continuously and optimize space use.
  • Vertical lift modules: Useful when floor space is limited, as they use vertical space efficiently.

Benefits of Goods-to-Person Systems

Implementing a goods-to-person system offers numerous benefits:

  • Increased Efficiency: Automation speeds up the picking process, leading to faster order fulfillment.
  • Reduced Labor Costs: Less manual labor is needed, which can lower your labor costs.
  • Improved Accuracy: Automation reduces errors, ensuring more accurate orders.
  • Enhanced Safety: Less movement around the warehouse means fewer accidents.
  • Better Use of Space: Technologies like AS/RSs optimize space, especially in high-density storage areas.
  • Increased Productivity: Your team can focus on more valuable tasks, leading to increased productivity.
  • Return on Investment (ROI): The efficiency gains and cost savings can lead to a significant ROI over time.

How to Implement a Goods-to-Person System

Implementing a goods-to-person system involves several steps:

  1. Assess Your Needs: Understand your current warehouse operations and identify areas for improvement.
  2. Choose the Right Technology: Decide between AMRs, AS/RSs, or a combination based on your needs.
  3. Plan the Layout: Design your warehouse layout to accommodate the new system.
  4. Integrate Software Solutions: Implement warehouse management software to control and monitor the system.
  5. Train Your Staff: Ensure your team knows how to work with the new technology.
  6. Monitor and Optimize: Continuously monitor the system’s performance and make adjustments as needed.

At PEC, we can guide you through each of these steps to ensure a smooth transition to a goods-to-person system.

large scale Automated Picking Solutions - conveyors

Why Choose PEC for Your GTP Implementation

Process Equipment & Controls has extensive experience in implementing goods-to-person solutions. Here’s why you should choose us:

  • Expertise: Our team knows the industry and understands the specific needs of your business.
  • Customized Solutions: We tailor our services to fit your unique operations.
  • Integration: We seamlessly integrate new technologies into your existing systems.
  • Support: We provide ongoing support to ensure your system continues to perform at its best.

By partnering with us, you can achieve significant improvements in your warehouse operations.

Real-World Impact of Goods-to-Person Systems

Many businesses have seen remarkable benefits from implementing goods-to-person systems:

  • Reduced Labor Costs: Automation reduces the need for manual labor, lowering costs.
  • Faster Order Fulfillment: Orders are processed and shipped more quickly, improving customer satisfaction.
  • Higher Accuracy: Automated systems ensure that the right items are picked every time.
  • Improved Safety: With less manual handling, workplace injuries decrease.
  • Better Space Utilization: Technologies like AS/RSs maximize warehouse space.

These benefits contribute to a better bottom line and give businesses a competitive edge.

Common Questions About Goods-to-Person Systems

Q: Will implementing a GTP system disrupt my current operations?

A: With careful planning and expert guidance from PEC, the transition can be smooth with minimal disruption.

Q: Is the investment in GTP technology worth it?

A: Yes, the long-term savings in labor costs, increased efficiency, and improved accuracy often result in a strong return on investment (ROI).

Q: Can GTP systems be customized for my specific needs?

A: Absolutely. GTP systems are flexible and can be tailored to fit the unique requirements of your warehouse.

Reach Out Today and Discover More About the Benefits of a Goods-to-Person System

Are you ready to elevate your warehouse operations? Implementing a high-performing goods-to-person system can revolutionize the way you handle order fulfillment by reducing the need for manual processes and improving the speed at which you retrieve items. At PEC, we specialize in helping businesses like yours transition to advanced picking systems that streamline workflows and enhance overall productivity.

Our team will work closely with you to identify and implement solutions that reduce costs, increase accuracy, and minimize the time needed for picking items. Whether you’re looking to scale up or simply refine your operations, our goods-to-person systems are designed to adapt to your unique business needs.

Contact us today to explore how PEC’s tailored solutions can transform your warehouse into a more efficient, high-performing environment. Together, we’ll drive your operations forward, reducing manual work and optimizing every step of your order fulfillment process.