Strategies_Spring2024

COMPANY NEWS

Smart Warehouse Upgrades Blish-Mize Invests In Warehouse Technology T he Blish-Mize warehouse is ZEBRA ET40

ZEBRA TC53

The new Android-based systems will use Wi-Fi and Bluetooth networks to provide real-time information and results. These updates will help maximize efficiency by eliminating some manual processes and generating automatic audits and reports. They will also make the job safer and easier for the warehouse teams through the use of hands-free technology. “Blish-Mize is investing in new technologies to maximize our operation and better serve our customers,” says Brady Clark, vice president of operations. “We have a high commitment to our customers to try to be as accurate as possible, and these changes will allow us to get closer to that 100% efficiency mark.” The IT department, led by David Griffin, has been working since the third quarter of 2023 on testing, programming and coding to ensure the new technology will integrate with the existing warehouse management system. Clark says a soft launch is expected in February, with full use of the technology across all departments by the end of the first quarter. The warehouse updates are grouped into three phases. updating its technology and processes through the use of Zebra scanners and voice-picking technology to enhance the speed and accuracy of order receiving, inventory replenishment and picking.

Phase 1: Receiving The receiving department will use Zebra ET40 tablets to scan product to a pick or reserve location for real-time inventory of all SKUs in the warehouse. The Benefits • Allows the receiving team to verify purchase orders match product quantities received. Any discrepancies will generate a report. • Allows the receiving team to move inventory in the building quickly, so if a location cannot house the inventory received, it can be moved to a reserve location. • Provides real-time inventory location

with a Zebra TC53, a handheld device that can be mounted on their wrist or on equipment for hands-free use with a Bluetooth finger scanner or headset. The Benefits • Provides hands-free picking for better mobility, safety and efficiency. • Supports customer satisfaction by ensuring better product and quantity accuracy. Phase 3: Inventory The inventory team will use ET40 tablets to generate cycle counts throughout the warehouse to help identify inventory discrepancies or issues. triggering a cycle count if an item is not picked due to a lack of inventory in the location, which will allow the team to identify where the inventory was misplaced or what caused the issue. • Generates cycle count tasks for items stocked in a different location to ensure product counts are correct and available for customer orders. The Benefits • Ensures inventory accuracy by

visibility instead of using paper tickets and increases the speed inventory can be retrieved.

Phase 2: Picking The warehouse will transition to a

Wavelink Speakeasy voice-picking system, which will give commands to pickers— providing the location and position to pick from and verifying the product quantity. Pickers will also be outfitted

38 Spring 2024 • Hardlines Strategies