IT optimises cross docking
February 1st 2010 Find items quickly on a busy warehouse floor using Locate-it.The software forms part
of the Houndit suite from Skillweb and is compatible with PCs and PDAs.
Cross-docking offers companies a means to react effectively
to fast moving supply chains and keep handling overheads
to a minimum.While the concept may seem simple,
requiring reduced put-away, storage and picking, the express
nature of the operation creates its own set of challenges and
demands, with speed and efficiency key.
Dynamic location solutions can streamline cross docking
operations by increasing product
traceability, reducing labour
requirements and improving the speed of
availability. Companies can utilise a range
of tracking, real-time location systems
and RFID to make the most of their
warehousing.
Houndit, a suite of technology
solutions to give control and visibility to
the movement of people and goods, has
launched Locate-it that allows operatives
to quickly find items wherever they are on the warehouse floor
using ruggedised handheld computers or PDAs. The system is
ideally suited to fast moving cross docking operations where
traditional warehousing is not viable or where storage space is
tight requiring dynamic location of items to allow flexible storage.
Locate-it utilises an innovative combination of item tracking
technology and a real-time location system, enabling fast and
efficient unloading and quick and accurate location of key items,
ensuring vehicles depart on time with the maximum load. The
solution incorporates barcode scanning with the ultra wide band
real time location system making it possible to fill a pallet, cage,
stillage or tote with items and cost effectively track them.
Many warehouse operators may have previously considered
active RFID tagging solutions but been put
off by high infrastructure cost, complex
wiring requirements and poor location
accuracy. Locate-it is said to offer a costeffective
solution which can cover an area
of up to 100 x 100 metres simply by
installing four sensors requiring only a
single Ethernet connection each. The
system is accurate to within 15cms.
Product locations can be communicated
in real-time over Wifi to a mobile computer
allowing the operator to find the goods quickly and efficiently
without referring to potentially inaccurate shipping or unloading
lists. This added level of visibility provided by Locate-it can
optimise just-in-time operations serving high volume fulfilment
operations and pallet networks,
for example. More articles from Skillweb Ltd: | 
