Dynamic Work Optimization Uses AI to Help You Create the Most Efficient Pick Path in the Warehouse
Lucas Systems has enhanced its software to help warehouses make quicker and more effective decisions for order batching & prioritization, warehouse worker travel, and slotting.
With new algorithms and digital twin mapping of the warehouse, Lucas Systems' next-generation Dynamic Work Optimization (DWO) delivers more effective warehouse performance by considering order priority, SKU clustering, proximity, and warehouse layout.
The enhanced software promises a reduction (up to 50%) in the number of steps workers take inside the warehouse by optimizing pick paths in a way that considers the least amount of travel time required. Pick path recommendations now factor in the effect of forklifts and cherry pickers.
Lucas uses order, inventory, and location information from WMS, other systems, and Jennifer—the brain, voice, and orchestration engine of the Lucas system—to apply real-time optimization algorithms and warehouse-picking strategies to create optimal work assignments. Jennifer then uses a virtual model of your facility to define an optimal pick sequence or travel path.
Jennifer prioritizes all available work assignments based on rules that you can configure and adjust throughout the day or week. Rules can be based on ship dates, routes, carriers, order types, and more.
Rather than following a first-in-first-out batching method, Jennifer uses mathematical models to create optimized batches of pick lines and assigns them to pickers on-demand, as they request work. In contrast to typical WMS batching rules, the Lucas models weigh a variety of factors, including:
- Order priority
- Product locations
- Product dimensions
- Starting and ending points
- Potential travel path
- User permissions
After batches are created, multiple algorithms are applied to determine an optimized path for the user to take through the warehouse to complete their work. The algorithms consider aisle directions (one-way aisles, for example), base item designations, and other factors to determine the most efficient pick path.
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 also be used to optimize the travel of robots for full pallet moves, both for inbound and outbound operations. As a bonus for DCs processing higher volumes of e-commerce orders, the solution supports continuous order streaming or so-called waveless order release.
Lucas Systems, Inc.
Wexford, PA
(724) 940-7140
[email protected]
lucasware.com
