GENCO Canada
Optically enabled RTLS is the most accurate indoor tracking, guidance and navigation technology available today. It is an indoor real-time locator system that utilizes an optically-based, inch-accurate indoor tracking technology. Optically enabled RTLS is capable of tracking all types of handling equipment anywhere inside the warehouse and is perfectly scalable to any size warehouse without loss of precision or the use of RF technology thereby avoiding interference from radio waves.
Five to 30 percent productivity gains/labor reduction can be gained. Productivity gains are realized by eliminating the need for the operator to reach for and use an RF device, barcode scanner or manually recording the transaction. Operator error is eliminated because data is automatically collected via the cameras.
Handling equipment utilization is one of the most difficult pieces of data to collect in a warehouse. Since the optically enabled RTLS knows where product was picked up via the pallet sensor and knows the distance traveled, it provides complete visibility for each piece of handling equipment. Once data is collected and reports are generated, GENCO Supply Chain Solutions can analyze the information and optimize equipment utilization to help drive out waste and improve productivity.
Instant data means no time delays. Data can be gathered immediately and the facility can be proactive in making improvements.
The value of any technology is its ease of install in multiple facilities. Optically enabled RTLS takes approximately four weeks or less to install and configure for operation.
Using STS, featuring its Optical Position Markers and an Optical Position Sensor, facility managers can improve productivity by providing hard data, such as historical forklift utilization reports, event capture and replay, real-time forklift locations and current inventory locations. Having this capability removes some of the leading causes of inaccurate inventory; like damaged floor labels, poor inventory controls or inconsistent inventory reporting. With STS, managers can see the location and activity of each piece of handling equipment in real-time.
Sky-Trax Inc. solutions are designed to address the costs associated with low efficiency and low productivity. The Optical Label Reader (used to properly identify pallet identification for data collection) addresses this problem, including:
To demonstrate the accuracy and productivity benefits of optically enabled RTLS, GENCO Supply Chain Solutions conducted a one-month pilot test at its 328,000 sq. ft. facility in Atlanta. The pilot utilized a single Sky-Trax equipped forklift and two aisles measuring 360 and 400 feet in length. Forty eight overhead markers were positioned in the shorter aisle and 50 were positioned in the longer aisle, all at eight-foot intervals. During the pilot more than 600 pallets were put away with 100 percent location accuracy recorded.
A separate controlled 30-minute time trial, where travel was confined to one aisle, netted a 300 percent productivity improvement. After review of the pilot results, GENCO Supply Chain Solutions is projecting a 30 percent daily productivity improvement based on time studies using Sky-Trax throughout the entire facility.
