Digitalization of order picking at Swissbit

More precise processes thanks to digital support

Manual processes were a constant challenge at Swissbit: Products had to be counted correctly, packaging specifications precisely adhered to and every movement neatly documented. Even the smallest errors could result in delays or missing quantities. To make these processes more efficient and error-free, Swissbit opted for a digital transformation with barcode-supported processes, visual assistance from GRAIDWARE® and direct SAP integration.
 

Objective of the project

As part of the process optimization, Swissbit pursued the goal of digitizing analogue processes and making order picking more efficient.

Important requirements were:

• Avoidance of gripping and counting errors through digital app support
• Automated data exchange between the app and the ERP system (SAP) via barcodes
• Visualization of picking information such as quantity, product, form factor and packaging
• Ensuring the correct delivery quantities
• Digital verification of filling with the correct products
• Automatic transfer of current goods quantities and completion notifications to SAP
   

Digitized picking process

The new digital process includes a user-guided check of filling with the correct products. The essential steps are:

1. entry of the picking order

• The order information is scanned and extracted from the printed SAP order using barcodes or DataMatrix codes.
• The assembly order specifies whether single-batch or mixed-batch packaging is required.
• Based on this information, the products to be picked, including packing instructions, are clearly displayed.

2. digital support and visualization

• A specially developed web application is used to optimize order picking. This is integrated as a plugin in the GRAIDWARE® Center, the software's central user interface.
• It offers a comprehensive visualization aid for the storage units in order to precisely map the specific packing instructions for different products. The trays in which the products are stored are available in a wide range of variants. Differences exist both in the number of compartments and in the height of the trays, which in turn determines the maximum possible stacking heights for different product types.
• The packaging (storage units) can be managed in the GRAIDWARE® Center. Packaging can be added, edited or deleted.
• Our GRAIDWARE® software recognizes the appropriate packing instructions based on the article number.
• Stacks that have already been scanned are highlighted in color: dark green for closed trays, light green for open trays and yellow for partially filled trays.
• A top view of the tray shows exactly which spaces are occupied and which remain free.
• This digital guidance avoids manual counting errors and significantly reduces picking errors.

 3. scanning of the storage unit and completion of picking

• A storage unit consists of several trays and is provided with a barcode containing the article number and batch.
•  When picking, the storage unit is scanned and GRAIDWARE® checks whether the correct product has been picked for the order.
• Once the order is completed, the employee scans the storage unit again to list the completed orders.
• These orders are then automatically transferred to SAP and registered as completed.
   

Conclusion: Successful process optimization

By digitally transforming the picking processes, Swissbit was able to achieve a significant increase in efficiency and accuracy. The error-prone manual counting process has been replaced by an intuitive and visually supported solution. Integration with SAP ensures smooth data exchange and up-to-date inventory management at all times. The entire software solution runs on-premise at Swissbit and ensures that all orders are compiled accurately and delivered to the recipients without delays. Swissbit has thus taken a decisive step towards digitalized and future-proof logistics processes.