Cross Docking
Cross docking is a distribution method which moves inbound products directly from receiving to shipping, thus eliminating put-away and picking labor processes. This may be done to change type of conveyance, to sort material intended for different destinations, or to combine material from different origins into transport vehicles (or containers) with the same, or similar destination. Utilizing this technique significantly reduces the required storage locations and inventory. Often cross docking is used for back ordered product. If the contents of an inbound trailer are known via an ASN, the trailer can be used as a forward pick zone with cross docking. Typically, conveyable products are transported on a conveyor to either the pack stations or directly to shipping. Likewise, non-conveyable products are often moved by RF directed fork trucks.
Advantages of Cross-Docking include:
- Streamlines the supply chain from point of origin to point of sale
- Reduces handling costs, operating costs, and the storage of inventory
- Products get to the distributor and consequently to the customer faster
- Reduces, or eliminates warehousing costs
We have the capabilities and experience to implement design concepts into engineered solutions that offer you maximum throughput capacity & cube utilization.
Product Receipt & Identification
BMH can offer a range of technologies to make product reception and identification easy, accurate and fast for maximum throughput.
Our Product Receipt & Identification Services
BMH software management can provide real time inventory management. This means no more missing pallets or pallets that are misplaced.
Simulations
BMH can render your company a 3D simulation to show you exactly how our solution will increase not only your throughput, but your efficiency and speed.
Our Product Receipt & Identification Automation Technologies
Our solutions involve a number of different technologies that can offer a range of functions depending on your application and/or budget. Technologies range from handheld devices that track inventory to fully automated transport vehicles with an array of capabilities. Our software can turn your confusing paperwork dependant warehouse management program and turn it into a fast and easy smooth click of a button.
RFID Scanners
Radio frequency identification allows users to quickly identify product information as it is being received. This is useful for tracking of inventory and warehouse management. The RFID information is automatically updated as product is moving in/out of storage.
Barcode Scanners
Bar code scanners can help identify, sort, and manipulate a products placement in an automated sortation or storage system. Bar codes can interface with sorters, conveyors, and computers to process the information that you need to keep you product where you need it.
Warehouse Management System (WMS)
BMH can offer an range of software setups to fit your application needs. BMH can contour a solution specific to your companies needs, so that you get exactly that you want, and not what you don’t need.
Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV)
AGV's can serve many purposes depending on the application. They can be used to simply transport material from machine to machine or they can be used to sort and send material to different locations to be received. AGV can interface with a number of the technologies that BMH offers such as RFID, barcode scanners, and WMS.
Our Product Receipt & Identification Material Handling Equipment
Product Distribution
The primary objective in cross docking is to eliminate storage and excessive handling by operators. Benefits of cross docking include reduced inventory, increased customer responsiveness, and better control of the distribution operations. Automation of cross docking areas may include the use of conveyors, automated scanning and check weighing systems, as well as automated order routing and WMS.
Our Product Distribution Services
Technologies such as conveyors and extendable dock conveyors allow for efficient flow of product near receiving and outbound docks. Automating the process to minimize touch points not only provides for improvements in order throughput, but also improved order accuracies.
Simulations
Cross docking systems require a close connection between receiving and shipping operations. Of critical importance to this connection are robust hardware and software systems to solve problems associated with cross-docking. Simulation reduces the risks involved with cross docking systems by identifying constraints and bottlenecks and validates design of systems.
Our Product Distribution Automation Technologies
Automated technologies for use in induction in cross docking operations may include conveyor systems, in-line scanners and check weighing, print and apply labeling systems, warehouse control systems (WCS) to include automated order routing and warehouse management systems (WMS).
Automated Order Routing (AOR)
Controlling the flow of materials in an accurate manner is critical to an effective cross docking operation. Intelligent routing of products in cross-dock operations minimizes bottlenecks and improves turn times at the shipping dock.
RFID Scanners
RFID technologies are an effective technology in cross docking and may allow for whole pallet loads to be scanned with the passage of a pallet through a single scan tunnel. RFID scanners improve the flow of materials in cross docking operations and allow for fast dock turn times in full case and full pallet operations and typically reduce labor costs
Barcode Scanners
Barcode scanners scan inbound and outbound product and interface with WMS for order manifest and help to reduce picking errors by confirming the correct product for orders. They allow for the real time capture of data electronically and provide critical information such as order discrepancies, order tracking information, and product shortages.
Warehouse Management System (WMS)
Controlling the flow of information and materials is critical in cross-docking operations. A WMS accomplishes this by receiving product information via and keeping track of product movement. It supports the real-time requirements of cross-docking, receiving order details from customers and later informing them of the shipment's carrier and arrival date and time. Additionally, the WMS also tracks warehouse performance, including labor and dock utilization.
Our Product Distribution Material Handling Equipment
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