Conshohocken, PA, 4/27/2009 – Glen Road Systems, Inc. (GRSI) has announced the addition of a cartonization application to its FastTrak order management system (OMS). This is the first software application designed to automatically choose an order’s packaging material using a cartonization system and proprietary dimensioning system. GRSI evaluates many different packaging solutions using sophisticated cost models that take every cost from picking to packing into account.
Problems arise in high volume warehouses where operators are forced to make important packaging decisions in a matter of seconds. Operators often choose cartons that are too large, increasing material costs, or choose cartons that are too small, requiring the operator to start over with a larger carton and decrease throughput. Using software to make these decisions dramatically increases the speed and accuracy of packaging operations. Always using the optimal packaging size reduces material consumption and is an important step towards achieving greener supply chains.
GRSI’s cartonization system either builds a database with the dimensions and weight for each SKU using a static dimensioning and weighing system, or determines them for each order after it is picked using GRSI’s DimScan™ in-motion dimensioning and weighing system. Additional information for each SKU (ex. fragility) and order (ex. gift wrapping) that influences packaging is also collected and stored. FastTrak uses this information to recommend the best packaging type from options including cartons, bags, flats, envelopes, and cohesive cold seal. FastTrak determines the size of the material (carton size, bag size, etc.), chooses the type and amount of void fill or product protection if necessary, and routes the order the appropriate pack station.
The software instantly makes important packaging decisions and tells the operator which material to use. This is the first in a class of “Decision Automation” that promises to take efficiency to new heights. Spatial insight and business rules allow FastTrak to make consistent and highly accurate decisions.
For more information, including an informational brochure, visit GRSI online at http://www.grsinc.com/ or email [email protected].
