Embodied in Jennifer, the brains, orchestration engine and voice of the software, the solution dramatically reduces travel in picking operations by optimizing assignments of work and by defining optimal pick sequences or pick paths through an industry-first process we introduced in 2017.
Utilizing multiple Lucas algorithms and a digital map of the DC, Lucas Dynamic Work Optimization:
- Reduces travel 30-70%
- Reduces labor needed up to 50%
- Reduces picking hours by 50%
- Increases productivity by up to 122%
More than two dozen DCs are using this technology today. Many have doubled productivity in piece picking, while others have seen double-digit productivity gains in case picking. This software approach to travel reduction does not require any new automation systems or changes to warehouse layouts or storage systems. And the same technology can be used to automate robots and people, working together through intelligent work orchestration.
AI to Reduce Labor Costs and Warehouse Travel
For example, while Jennifer orchestrates and optimizes within picking zones, a DC can add robots for conveyance between pick zones or other staging locations. This can further reduce worker travel to and from fixed drop off or induction points. Jennifer can be used to optimize the travel of robots for full pallet moves.
On-floor travel time is widely acknowledged as the critical driver in lowering labor costs, and retaining workers in the distribution center. According to Lucas Systems Voice of the Warehouse Worker Insights, workers spend more than a third (38%) of their day walking to different places between tasks and assignments.
Lucas Systems Dynamic Work Optimization solution attacks this travel problem uniquely, using AI that improves picking productivity, reduces travel and optimizes labor with innovative intelligent task allocation and machine learning based analytics for order batching, prioritization, and travel path optimization.
Lucas System customer Southwire is one of the leading manufacturers of wire and cable used in the transmission and distribution of electricity as well as a major supplier of electrical products, components and tools sold through retail chains like Home Depot, Amazon, Ace Hardware, and Menards.
To optimize DC operations across this broad range of products and customers, Southwire implemented the Lucas Dynamic Work Optimization solution to supplement their warehouse management system and were able to gain a 30-50% increase in ecommerce productivity, 90% reduction in training time and 2x increase in lines per hour.
