With the rise of e-commerce and customers’ expectations for faster delivery, warehouses are under more pressure than ever to find ways to accelerate order fulfillment. One innovative solution that improves warehouse operations is goods-to-person (G2P) robotic automation. But what is G2P automation? And is it right for your business?
What is Goods-to-Person Automation?
G2P automation is a type of warehouse automation that uses robots or other automated devices to retrieve items from storage and bring them to a workstation for packing and shipping, instead of the employee walking long distances and retrieving items. This can be done with various types of machinery, including robots, conveyors, and shuttles.
3 Common Types of G2P Systems
Shelf G2P systems use autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) or other automated vehicles to retrieve and deliver goods via shelves to a human picker at a workstation. The picker selects items from the shelf to put together each order. This allows for warehouse employees and robots to work together in a “cobot” environment, allowing for an efficient and cost-effective solution for picking orders.
Bin G2P automation is type of G2P system that uses robots or other automated devices to move inventory bins to a workstation where a human worker picks the items to fulfill orders. Bin G2P systems are ideal for storing, picking, and packing smaller and lighter goods, since they aren’t as large as other storage containers.
Pallet G2P systems use AMRs, pallet conveyors, or other automated technologies to automate the storage, retrieval, and picking of pallets. These systems often integrate with automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) to retrieve pallets from storage and bring them to a human picker or robotic arm at a workstation. The human or robotic picker then selects cases of goods from the pallets to fulfill orders. These systems are ideal for warehouses or distribution centers that store and ship large quantities of goods.
G2P Systems Improve Fulfillment Speed and Accuracy
One of the top benefits of G2P automation is that it drastically increases order fulfillment speed. With manual picking methods, employees spend up to 50% of the picking process walking around the warehouse finding and retrieving items. With Prime’s automated G2P systems, you can expect to achieve over 350 picks per hour and improve warehouse productivity by up to 1,000%. These systems also greatly improve picking and order accuracy, as they are guided by sophisticated software that reduce errors by up to 99%.
G2P Systems Solve Labor Shortage Challenges
Another major benefit of G2P automation is that it solves challenges associated with labor shortages. With an automated system, owners and managers do not have to rely on a large labor force of human workers to keep the warehouse running efficiently. At the same time, these systems free up employees to focus on other important tasks such as warehouse maintenance, inventory restocking, and customer service. Imagine employing one person who oversees 10 robots as they retrieve items, instead of 10 humans who spend most of their time walking around the warehouse. The cost savings can be dramatic.
G2P Systems Are More Effective Than Manual Picking Systems
G2P automation systems are more effective than manual order picking systems, which require human pickers to find and retrieve goods from storage. They eliminate the need for picking ladders or ride-on platform carts, which saves time and money. These systems also help reduce employee injuries associated with labor-intensive tasks. With the ability to move 1,110 to 4,400 pounds in one load, Prime Robotics’ G2P robots minimize the need for forklifts, and offer efficient and versatile solutions for your unique warehouse needs.
Prime Robotics Offers Solutions for Both Greenfield and Brownfield Warehouse Businesses
Whether your company is starting from the ground up or looking to update your existing warehouse operations, Prime Robotics has a solution for you. Our clientele varies from small to enterprise-level facilities, and we understand that every business is unique. Our team of experts works with you to understand your environment and develop a system that meets your requirements.
As a proud American company, we are committed to helping our clients succeed by providing efficient and cost-effective automation solutions. We offer flexible leasing options to reduce your upfront costs and meet your budget and operational needs. Our systems are backed by robot technicians who provide active monitoring and support to troubleshoot any problems that may arise. If you’re looking to increase order fulfillment and improve your overall operations, Prime’s automated G2P systems may be the right fit for you.
Contact us today to learn how our goods-to-person systems and team of experts can help accelerate your warehouse operations.
