Chain Reaction Cycles initially commissioned Dematic to supply a voice picking and packing system after seeing a demonstration at Logistics Link North – however the project subsequently developed into something much more.
After identifying issues with CRC’s ERP system, Dematic suggested using its own warehouse management system, which could be tailored to suit the company’s particular requirements.
While working with CRC during the development of the WMS, Dematic discovered that improvements could be made by feeding orders to the packing area on an automated conveyor system.
Packing cartons will be erected automatically and fed to packers while conveyors transport picked orders from the zones directly to the packers, reducing walking distances.
CRC has now gone live with phase one of the project which involves the voice pick system, including 35 Vocollect Talkman terminals and the packing and dispatch system. Phase two will see the full WMS being deployed, including stock management and the replenishment modules. This phase will be completed by the end of the year after the packing conveyors have been installed.
Dematic’s scheme will provide CRC with real-time management information, with full visibility of all items and order status. It will also deliver an overall picking efficiency improvement of up to 50 per cent.
