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 Group upgraded seven electric warehouse trucks by equipping them with RAVAS double scales. So, two separate scales are integrated into one order picker with a 2400mm fork length, and the weighing data is shared with the Warehouse Management System (WMS). Among the advantages of double scales is the ability to control picking two orders in one flow. 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%. RAVAS's patented flexbolts absorb the constant shock of load-bearing for excellent weighing accuracy and repeatability. As a result, the weight of the load can be read to an accuracy of 100 grams.
Data communication to WMS
Raben Group uses wireless WLAN data communication and a complete API protocol to quickly and efficiently access accurate data in the WMS system. Combined with the RAVAS Data Manager software tool, communication with the RAVAS scales on the order-picking trucks is seamless. 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 Group 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
Monitoring the parameters to measure the benefits of saving time, minimizing picking errors, and increasing efficiency. Initial results are very positive. Thanks to Pick by Weight, the main benefit Raben has obtained is optimization. "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 speed and accuracy. Errors burden the organization because they cost time, money, and goodwill. Weighing on order picking trucks helps prevent 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 read the display to determine the number of items in the order line he has picked. This improves handling speed and reduces the opportunity for counting errors.
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