How innovative devices provide a hands-free, faster picking solution that improves accuracy and ergonomics of work
The automotive industry is constantly looking for new innovations and efficiency-enhancing innovations. In order to improve order creation and product picking work in warehouses, some suppliers have already implemented hand-held back scanners in their warehouses, which allow products to be scanned quickly and accurately hands-free.
Order picking in the automotive industry
Order picking plays a central role in the production of vehicles in the automotive industry. It is the targeted process of assembling parts and components that are required for the assembly of a vehicle. Precise and well-organized order picking ensures that the right parts are available at the right place in the production line at the right time. This is crucial to ensure smooth and efficient production and to avoid delays or errors in assembly.
One of the centerpieces of a car is the engine. To ensure that it is in the right place at the right time to be installed in the vehicle, a lot has to happen and the work has to be precise and careful:
- Determining requirements and planning: the first step is to determine which parts are needed for assembly
- Parts supply and logistics: required parts are stored in large warehouses, extremely well organized and grouped
- Components must be delivered to the production site at exactly the right time. This minimizes stock levels and saves costs
- Picking process: larger components such as body parts or engines are provided in larger containers or on pallets
Pick-by-light: A system in which lights on shelves or containers indicate which component is to be removed. This simplifies the process and reduces errors.
Pick-by-voice: Here, a voice system gives instructions to the picker to collect the right parts in the right order.
- After picking, the parts are often loaded into specialized trolleys, crates or conveyor belts and transported to the assembly lines.
- The picked parts then arrive at the assembly line, where they are installed by production workers or automated systems. Efficient management of picking is crucial to avoid delays and production stops that could be caused by missing or incorrect parts.
Even the most modern companies in the automotive industry often face challenges that make work inefficient and error-prone. When it comes to manual order recognition, automotive manufacturers face these well-known challenges in particular:
- Slow picking times: Barcodes have to be scanned manually on each item individually. This leads to slow picking and delays in fulfilling customer orders
- Increased error rates: Manual scanning is prone to human error, which can lead to the wrong products being picked up. As a result, customer orders are shipped incorrectly, leading to dissatisfaction
- Ergonomics: Depending on the product, a lot of scanning with handheld scanners can lead to strain on the hands and wrists. Putting down and picking up the scanners involves additional walking, which puts additional strain on employees
Modern back-of-hand scanners not only offer an effective solution to these challenges, but also optimize the entire picking process by making it more digital, error-free and efficient. They enable seamless and accurate capture of components, reducing errors and increasing productivity. Below is an overview of the key benefits that hand-held back scanners offer in automotive order picking:
- Increased efficiency: faster processing of orders due to the elimination of handheld scanners and the continuous recording of data. Customer orders can be fulfilled more quickly, resulting in greater customer satisfaction
- Precision and error prevention: Reduction of human error through automatic data capture, immediate intuitive feedback and direct integration into the system.
- Ergonomics and comfort: Reduced physical strain on employees as scanning is carried out without a handheld device.
- Flexibility and mobility: More freedom of movement and the ability to perform other tasks at the same time – hands are free during the scanning process
The use of back-of-hand scanners has the potential to significantly increase efficiency in order creation and product picking in the automotive industry. The technology ensures more precise, faster and more ergonomic work. Future developments will continue to drive automation and smart technologies and further optimize logistics processes. Companies that implement these innovations now can look forward to an increasingly competitive and future-proof position.
Curious about the use of backhand scanners in your warehouse? Find out here about our powerful Rockscan W100 barcode scanner and the matching, innovative accessories. Request your free test device today!
