Stationery moves
December 1st 2006

An overall increase in despatch productivity of 20% has been achieved by WH Smith at its distribution centre in Dunstable following the introduction of an automated sortation system from SDI Greenstone.

WH Smith has reduced costs, increased order picking accuracy and improved efficiency. It has also eliminated many powered pallet truck movements and manual handling operations, improving health and safety.

The system links principal sections of the warehouse, including case picking, tote picking, order assembly and despatch to create an efficient environment capable of handling 3000 cartons/hour. Automation interfaces with the warehouse management system to ensure that order picking is synchronised with delivery routes and schedules.

Cases are picked direct to belt in a single handling movement, giving a 100% productivity gain and safety benefits over the former system of picking from bin locations on to pallet trucks.

There is little need for trucks to operate in the case picking area apart from replenishment. This has reduced noise and helped to eliminate a potential health and safety hazard.