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With the WMS efficiently directing worker movement
throughout the warehouse, the employee doesn't have
to spend all day searching through jumbled inventory to
find what they're looking for – something this can be
physically (and mentally) draining.
Lastly, let's not forget the traditional physical inventory
approach of shutting down operations, counting
inventory, auditing counts and then recounting inventory
is often highly disruptive to warehouse operations, and
can be a contributor to worker fatigue – especially if the
physical inventory takes place over the weekend or after
hours. With a WMS, the manager or warehouse worker
can launch a cycle count job from a handheld scanner.
The user then counts the items in a bin location, enters
the quantities into the scanner, and is notified of any
discrepancies. Verifying item locations and quantities in
real time and during normal business hours can ease the
inventory process for workers and reduce workplace-
induced fatigue.
A PROBLEM THAT'S NOT GOING AWAY
Recommending the most efficient organization of the
warehouse, directing worker movement, and
streamlining inventories by verifying item locations and
quantities in real time. These are just a few of the ways
that a WMS can help play a role in combating worker
fatigue. With demand for warehouse workers growing
faster than labor supply, employees are likely picking up
extra shifts to meet customer demand. In a report last
September, CBRE projected demand for creating another
452,000 warehouse and distribution center workers in the
U.S. through the end of 2019. In other words, fatigue is
likely to become an even bigger issue in your warehouse.
I always enjoy hearing from distributors to better
understand the unique challenges they're facing in their
operations. Is worker fatigue an issue you're currently
facing? If so, what steps are you taking to address the
issue in your workplace? Have you applied any innovative
approaches using a WMS in your warehouse to combat
worker fatigue? Please feel free to send me your
thoughts on this topic.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Eric Allais, President and CEO of Washington-based
PathGuide Technologies, Inc., has over 30 years of
experience in marketing, product management and
sector analysis in the automated data collection industry,
including warehouse management practices in wholesale
distribution. Contact him at eric@pathguide.com.
ABOUT PATHGUIDE TECHNOLOGIES
PathGuide Technologies, Inc., a privately held company
founded in 1989, is a leading provider of warehouse
management solutions for industrial and retail
distributors across North America. PathGuide's software
and services help suppliers increase productivity and
order accuracy, improve customer service and lower
labor costs, ultimately driving greater profitability. Click
here to learn how distributors of all sizes can benefit
from improved warehouse management.
USING A WMS TO COMBAT
WORKER FATIGUE
