It is a matter of improving productivity and volume throughput and at the
same time ensuring the product is protected properly. When the assemblers
are given their store assignments to pick, they are expected to
work accurately as well as quickly. It is very important for the operation
that the assembler selects the right product for the right store.
This is a fundamental discipline, given the fast pace at which they are
operating. On many occasions, corrugated packaging did not stand up
to the challenge, and it soon became evident that the second-generation
plastic tray was the right solution. The challenge for corrugated
was too great. This was demonstrated during a visit in 1997 to a
composite distribution centre by an international group of cardboard
packaging experts, who could see for themselves that the secondgeneration
plastic tray performed well compared to corrugated boxes.