In today’s fast-paced and highly competitive business landscape, efficient order picking is crucial for meeting customer demands and ensuring timely delivery. Traditional order picking methods often involve time-consuming and error-prone manual processes, leading to inefficiencies and customer dissatisfaction. However, with the advent of innovative technologies, such as Goods-to-Person (GTP) systems, warehouses can now streamline their order picking operations, significantly improving productivity, accuracy, and overall warehouse performance.

Author Name:Tiffany Lee – Marketing Analyst at FreightAmigo

Want to compare the best Express, Air Freight, Sea Freight, Rail Freight & Trucking rates so as to have better control on cost? 

What is Goods-to-Person (GTP) system?

Goods-to-Person (GTP) systems are cutting-edge solutions that automate the process of order picking by bringing the items directly to the order picker. Instead of order pickers navigating through the warehouse to locate and retrieve items, GTP systems use advanced robotics and conveyors to transport storage containers or totes containing the items to a designated workstation. This approach minimizes travel time, reduces errors, and optimizes the order picking process.

Benefits of GTP Systems

Implementing GTP systems in warehouses offers numerous benefits, including:

  1. Enhanced Order Picking Performance

GTP systems significantly boost order picking performance by minimizing travel time and optimizing the sequence of item retrieval. With items conveniently brought to the order picker, they can focus solely on picking and packing, resulting in faster and more efficient operations. Studies have shown that GTP systems can process up to 500 picks per hour, a dramatic improvement compared to traditional order picking methods.

  1. Increased Delivery Reliability

By eliminating manual processes and reducing human errors, GTP systems enhance delivery reliability. The integration of technologies like Pick to Light modules, monitors, barcode scanners, and weight checks ensures accurate item selection and placement, reducing the chances of incorrect orders or missing items. This leads to higher customer satisfaction and repeat business.

  1. Error-Free Order Fulfillment

GTP systems minimize errors in the order fulfillment process. LED strips and indicators guide the order picker to the correct pick compartment, displaying the required quantity of items to be moved. Additionally, monitors provide detailed picking instructions, ensuring that the operator follows the correct order. The ergonomic design of the workstation, with automatically tilted storage bins, further reduces the risk of errors and improves the overall efficiency of the picking process.

How Does GTP Work?

The GTP system operates in a simple yet highly effective manner. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process:

  1. Storage Bin Conveyor: Items are stored in totes or storage containers, which are transported via a conveyor system to a central location.
  2. Order Picker Workstation: The storage bin is brought to a workstation equipped with advanced technology and ergonomic design.
  3. Pick to Light: LED strips and indicators illuminate the specific pick compartment in the storage container, guiding the order picker to the correct location.
  4. Item Picking: The operator follows the illuminated indicators and picks the required quantity of items from the designated compartment.
  5. Order Carton Placement: Once the items are picked, the system instructs the operator via light bars in which order carton to place the items.
  6. Confirmation and Additional Information: The order picker confirms the action by pressing the illuminated button on the picklight. Additional information about the picking instruction can be displayed on a monitor, ensuring clarity and accuracy.
  7. Order Carton Verification: After each picking instruction, the system checks whether the order carton is complete. A weight check can also be performed to validate the accuracy of the picked items.
  8. Automated Processes: Completed order cartons are automatically removed, allowing the operator to start working on the next picking instruction. The storage bins are also automatically tilted to provide an ergonomic picking position for the operator.

Integration with FreightAmigo: Optimizing Logistics Operations

To further enhance warehouse management, supply chain visibility, and last-mile delivery, GTP systems can seamlessly integrate with FreightAmigo, a leading logistics solution provider. By collaborating with FreightAmigo, businesses can unlock a range of benefits and optimize their entire logistics operations.

Warehouse Management and Inventory Optimization

FreightAmigo’s expertise in warehouse management complements GTP systems by providing valuable insights on inventory management and storage optimization. By leveraging FreightAmigo’s advanced software, businesses can gain real-time visibility into their inventory levels, track stock movement, and identify opportunities for improved efficiency. This integration ensures that items are stored in the most optimal locations within the warehouse, reducing unnecessary travel time and streamlining the order picking process.

Supply Chain Visibility and Monitoring

Integration with FreightAmigo enables real-time tracking and monitoring of goods throughout the supply chain. By leveraging FreightAmigo’s advanced tracking technologies, businesses can gain visibility into the movement of items from the moment they enter the warehouse to their final delivery. This level of transparency allows for better control over inventory, improved demand forecasting, and enhanced customer service.

Last-Mile Delivery Efficiency

FreightAmigo’s collaboration with GTP systems extends to last-mile delivery, ensuring the efficient and accurate delivery of goods to the end customer. By leveraging FreightAmigo’s last-mile delivery capabilities, businesses can optimize route planning, track deliveries in real-time, and provide customers with accurate delivery updates. This integration streamlines the entire delivery process, reducing delays, minimizing errors, and enhancing the overall customer experience.

Conclusion

In the ever-evolving world of logistics and supply chain management, staying ahead of the competition requires innovative solutions that optimize operations and improve efficiency. Goods-to-Person (GTP) systems revolutionize the order picking process by bringing items directly to the order picker, reducing travel time, and minimizing errors. Integrating GTP systems with FreightAmigo’s comprehensive logistics solutions takes warehouse management, supply chain visibility, and last-mile delivery to the next level. Together, these technologies offer scalable and flexible logistics solutions, enhancing overall operational performance and customer satisfaction. Embrace the power of GTP systems and FreightAmigo to transform your warehouse operations and unlock new levels of success in the dynamic world of logistics.

There are different options for cargo transportation. If you want to choose the most convenient and suitable solution, it is best to have the full support of logistics experts! If you are planning to ship goods overseas, please go to the FreightAmigo page for inquiries. 

Kenneth Poon