Lucas introduces dynamic work optimization software

At a Monday afternoon press conference, Lucas Systems (Booth 4547) announced a work optimization software tool, which the company says maximizes pick density and minimizes travel in picking and other tasks.

Dynamic Work Optimization can reduce travel up to 50% compared to warehouse management system (WMS) directed batch picking, explained Ron Kubera, executive VP and chief marketing officer with Lucas. The software uses advanced modeling techniques to quickly devise “smart batches” in way that many WMS cannot, he adds. “We want to improve the pick density” of batch while considering pick paths,” he said.

If a condition unexpectedly arises that disrupts a pick path, like a blocked aisle or an out of stock at a bin, the software is quick enough to quickly figure out an alternate but still efficient path, said Kubera.

The software is a component of Lucas Engage, the Lucas work execution software. It was recently installed as part of a Lucas Mobile Work Execution system delivered this year to a leading equipment parts distribution company. In an initial test, the customer reported that Dynamic Work Optimization reduced travel more than 20%. In a complete test spanning thousands of multi-line orders, Dynamic Work Optimization reduced total travel time by 48%.

In other news, Jeff Slevin, Lucas Systems’ chief operating officer, says Lucas continues to certify more Android devices including smart phones and tablets to work with its Lucas Move mobile applications, which now support radio frequency identification (RFID) and near field communication (NFC). He said Android devices offer many capabilities, processing power and a user interface familiar with the changing workforce, all at a low price point, so distribution center operators want more Android choices for voice applications.

Well more than 1,000 users, across multiple end user customers of Lucas, are using Android devices today for voice applications in DCs, Slevin said, with strong uptake expected this year. “Android is everywhere, including in the DC,” he said.

Modex 2016 is scheduled to be held April 4-7, 2016 in Atlanta’s Georgia World Conference Center. The tradeshow will showcase the latest manufacturing, distribution and supply chain solutions in the material handling and logistics industry. Modern’s complete Modex coverage.