Reduce errors, optimize inventory control
Optimization of order picking
Raben Group offers comprehensive logistic services to companies of various scale of operations in many European countries. Raben Group's headquarters is located in Poland, and has representation in 15 European countries. As the company is constantly developing and improving its processes in order to provide even better customer service, it decided to implement the RAVAS Pick by Weight solution in order to reduce picking errors and thus complaint costs, and to optimize inventory control, which reduces the inventory time.
Retrofit warehouse trucks
Raben has decided to upgrade 7 electric warehouse trucks and equip them with the RAVAS double scales. This means that 2 separate scales have been integrated into one order picker with a 2400 mm fork length and that the weighing data are being integrated into the WMS. The main advantage of double scales is the ability to control the picking of two orders in one flow. Based on the weight of each product, the operator checks for the product to be on the correct pallet. The mobile weighing system, built into the forks of the order picking truck, allows operators to verify each picked order line in real time. Picking errors are detected and corrected immediately.
Accuracy
Thanks to the patented Flexbolt technology, RAVAS provides a unique and highly accurate mobile weighing solution with an error tolerance of 0.1%. Flexbolt are patented shock absorbers installed in the strain gauges to prevent overstressing for excellent weighing accuracy and repeatability. The weight of the load can be read to an accuracy of 100 grams.
Data communication to WMS
Raben uses wireless WLAN data communication and a full API protocol to provide access to accurate data in the WMS system in real time, quickly and efficiently. In combination with the RAVAS Data Manager software tool, the communication with the RAVAS scales on the order pick trucks is enabled in a modern and easy way. Magdalena Futyma, Sales Executive at RAVAS in Poland, explains: "Thanks to RAVAS Data Manager, we have enabled Raben to manage, configure and operate the scales on their trucks online. Two picking orders can be processed simultaneously. Each scale sends the weighing data to the WMS via WLAN and the RAVAS Data Manager to check that the correct number of pieces, based on their weight, has been added per pallet."
Checking the correctness of order picking
Łukasz Elminowski-Wenda, Contract Logistics Manager of the Raben Logistics Polska Region, says: “Thanks to the modifications in the existing Raben WMS system, we have enabled all data communication through RAVAS Data Manager. Of course, all RAVAS mobile scales operate in a warehouse environment. With each new order, there is direct communication with RAVAS scales during the process. The system compares the weight in a database with the actual weight on the forks and informs the order picker whether the order picking is correct or not."
Pick by Weight at Raben Poland
Results
Since the implementation of Pick by Weight, Raben has been monitoring the parameters to measure the benefits in terms of saving time, minimizing picking errors and increasing efficiency. And the first results are very positive. The main benefit Raben has obtained thanks to Pick by Weight is optimization over time. “Compared to the situation before the implementation, our pickers no longer have to count the goods. This saves us time and improves picking efficiency. In addition, we omitted the final inspection of our process. We are satisfied with the quality of the mobile weighing systems and the RAVAS Pick by Weight solution in general. We systematically expand the fleet with new projects each year", summarizes Łukasz Elminowski-Wenda.
About the application
Order picking
In order picking performance comes down to two things: speed and accuracy. Errors mean a burden on the organisation, because they cost time, money and goodwill. Weighing on order picking trucks helps preventing picking errors. If an error is signaled, the order picker can react immediately and correct the error where the cost is lowest: at the picking slot. If the integrated scale is used in its counting mode, the order picker can also read on the display how many articles in the order line he has picked. This will raise his handling speed and reduce the opportunity for counting errors.
