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Increasing Accuracy for Our Motion Facility
Identifying Room for System Improvements
Our Motion distribution centers are always looking to enhance facility operations. Recently, our team conducted a comprehensive automation audit for our distribution center in Birmingham, AL, to identify areas for system improvement. During this audit, we discovered opportunities to upgrade our distribution center’s scanners and barcode readers.
At the time of the audit, our distribution center’s scanners were operating with the help of manual intervention, as employees moved totes to the correct processing channels. Our distribution center was also utilizing handheld barcode readers. Employees would manually scan corresponding totes with a handheld scanner, taking time that could be better spent on other tasks.
Figure 1: New tote scan stations by Motion Automation Intelligence scan barcodes at multiple angles, increasing accuracy ratings by nearly 30%.
Enhancing Our Distribution Center’s Operations
To improve our distribution center’s scanning processes, products available through our Motion Automation Intelligence business were installed. Several advanced dimension, weight, and scan systems (DWS systems) were integrated. A "hands-free” barcode scanning system was installed to automate barcode scanning processes, and tote scanners were upgraded with tote scan stations. These stations incorporate state-of-the-art technology, scanning totes from multiple angles to increase accuracy rates.
Now that our distribution center possesses these technological updates, we have increased accuracy rates to 99.5%. Automation has significantly elevated the facility’s operational capabilities, enhancing both output and efficiency while minimizing downtime. Removing the need for tote scanner intervention and handheld barcode readers has continued to open a wealth of opportunities for distribution center team members. By eliminating these time-consuming tasks via automation, employees can spend more time focused on high-level projects and even take on larger roles in our distribution center.
Figure 2: With upgrades implemented by Motion Automation Intelligence, our distribution center employees can spend more time focused on high-level tasks.
"Many of our team members embraced these changes as an opportunity for growth and development,” said Maritza Alarcon, Distribution Center Manager for AL09. “Numerous team members ventured into managerial roles, and we were thrilled to promote many distribution center employees to coordinator and supervisor positions. This allowed them to shoulder greater responsibilities and play a pivotal role in our facility's continued success. It's been inspiring to see our team adapt and thrive, showcasing the positive impact of automation on our workforce development and operational excellence."
Contact Motion Automation Intelligence
Our team is ready to bring the future of technology to your facility. Contact us today and see how we can utilize the power of intelligence to improve your distribution center’s operations.
