Summary of Innovation
Autonomous Mobile Robots, AMRs, like 6RS’ Chuck are gaining widespread adoption in automating fulfillment operations with a focus on, and very positive results for, each-picking optimization. Logistics providers may encounter constraints when exploring the implementation of AMRs based on the size of the products to be picked or conditions of the operating environment (i.e., aisle widths and height of pick location). Oftentimes, all of the SKUs of the operation are small enough to fit well onto the vendor’s AMR platform and the aisles are wide enough for AMRs to travel. Therefore, customers can migrate their entire pick operation over to AMRs with no issue. However, if some of the products are too large for the AMR platform, or stored in high bay locations out of reach of standard ladders, or there is a significant percentage of narrow/dead-end aisles, the customer needs to segregate their order pool into AMR and non-AMR compatible orders and execute the fulfillment of those orders across multiple systems, which can present some challenges.
Common challenges associated with managing the picking of orders across multiple systems include:
- Additional IT resources to implement and maintain multi-system integrations and order allocation rulesets.
- Operations management overhead to track orders across multiple systems.
- Maintaining training of associates across multiple systems, as well as maintaining the systems themselves (annual licenses, hardware maintenance, etc.).
- Constant operations management load balancing of staffing across multiple systems based on the real-time dynamics of inbound orders, which is especially critical now with ever-increasing customer delivery expectations.
The introduction of the 6RS Mobile app overcomes those hurdles associated with AMR picking. Picks incompatible with Chuck, either due to size or warehouse location, can be fulfilled with the 6RS Mobile app in conjunction with any third-party devices ranging from simple bakers racks and u-boat carts, to walkie riders, forklifts, and man-ups. The benefits to logistics providers include:
- Integration to a single picking system reduces upfront and recurring burden on IT resources. Now, all orders are waved to 6RS. The 6RS system determines optimal device(s) to fulfill orders with rules maintained in our system (i.e., product size and warehouse location rules as examples) while ensuring SLAs are met.
- Operations managers track all orders in a single management console, work with a single vendor’s customer support team, and don’t need to load balance staffing across multiple pick operations.
- A modern, intuitive, and common user experience across 6RS’ Chuck, Mobile app, and Universal Terminal means associates only need to be trained on one simple system to perform multiple fulfillment tasks, including putaway, pick, sort, and packout.
Innovation Statement
The introduction of the 6RS Mobile app dissolves one of the more common issues associated with implementing AMRs in a fulfillment operation; having to set up, maintain and manage staffing across multiple systems due to product and warehouse operating factors that are incompatible with the AMR platform. The 6RS Mobile app has a similar user interface to Chuck and can be paired with a wide range of picking devices, from carts to forklifts, allowing logistics providers to leverage the great benefits of AMRs while using a single system to fulfill all order types in all operating environments.
Applicability
Logistics providers who recognize the proven benefits of AMRs are no longer forced to setup, maintain and manage staffing for multiple picking systems due to incompatibilities with the physical AMR platform; the 6RS Mobile app enables them to take advantage of the benefits of the 6RS system to fulfill orders whose products range from a single bolt all the way up to a car bumper and beyond.
| Posted Date | 1/12/23 |
| Contact | Corey Simons |
| Contact Email | corey.simons[at]shopify.com |
| Category | Best Innovation of an Existing Product |