The workstation should be first on your list as you rework any of your materials handling processes, says James M. Apple, director of The Progress Group, Inc. In fact, good workstation design should not only create a safe job, but also one which requires less time to perform, Apple told attendees at the Georgia Tech Material Handling Short Course.

He offered these tips: 1) Design an efficient workstation, then design the system to serve it. 2) Follow layout principles that avoid 180 degree turns, limit walking to two steps, and plan for container changes. 3) Use equipment that helps workstation handling such as conveyors and transfers, lift tables, and adjustable height work surfaces. 4) Rely on system support that provides replenishment before stocking out, performs intelligent batching, and plans for negative picking.

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