Picking and order fulfillment
According to my statistics, picking and order fulfillment consume
54 percent of the cost in the average healthcare distribution center.
Below are some best practices to control cost in this area.
Profiling/slotting (ABC zoning)
It goes by various names but, regardless of the moniker, profiling
is a prerequisite to efficient fulfillment operations. Best-in-class
distribution centers ensure that high-velocity SKUs are placed in
convenient, easy-to-reach areas to minimize pick times.
Automation/systems
There is a great deal of technology available to assist the
order-picking process including technologies like pick-to-light
and voice-picking. The key is to select the appropriate level of
automation and systems to accurately and efficiently fill orders.
Many of these systems must interface with bar codes and bar
code standards (GS1 standards) especially in the medical device
supply chain. This enhances visibility across the many handoffs in
the end-to-end supply chain.