Tech Notes

Gain material handling industry insight and knowledge with VARGO® Tech Notes, created by the industry’s top experts. Please contact us with any questions regarding our tech notes or other resources.

  • Process Optimization of a Sorter-Based Operation

    Process Optimization of a Sorter-Based Operation

    This paper describes how adaptive technology principles can be used to increase customer satisfaction, increase processing capacity and lower labor costs in a sorter-based operation.

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  • Gather and Pack Operations

    Gather and Pack Operations

    A gather and pack or a gather and kit operation is a two-step process used to improve efficiency in operations that have low velocity (low activity) product spread over a wide area. This paper is an application example of such an operation.

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  • Basic Host Interface and Integration

    Basic Host Interface and Integration

    This paper describes how to add enhanced process control to an existing WMS-based order fulfillment system without modification to the WMS.

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  • Integration of Paperless Batch Picking

    Integration of Paperless Batch Picking

    The paper describes an application example of a “mixed” pick model including batch-picking operation where product is picked from different areas using different selection means. The system is integrated into an existing WMS driven paper-based fulfillment system without modification to the WMS.

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  • aperless Batch Picking

    Paperless Batch Picking

    This paper is a short application example of the conversion of a paper-based picking system retrofitted to a paperless batch picking system with SOFT™, our smart order fulfillment technology system. The retrofitted system easily interfaces with the existing host software.

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  • Dynamic Cartonization with Batch Picking

    Dynamic Cartonization with Batch Picking

    The paper describes an enhanced application example of a “mixed” pick model that provides on-the-fly dynamic cartonization of orders and synchronization of picking with truck departures.

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  • Lowest CapEx System Using Article Sorters

    Lowest CapEx System Using Article Sorters

    Application example of VARGO® Adaptive Software’s SOFT™ system supporting the delivery of product to an automated piece or individual article sorters.

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  • Low CapEx Piece-picking Options

    Designing Distribution Centers: Low CapEx Piece-picking Options

    This is the reprint of an article published in IE Solutions (February 2003) that describes a number of alternative fulfillment solutions and the economic benefits of those solutions.

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  • Designing Distribution Centers: Shifting to an Automated System

    Designing Distribution Centers: Shifting to an Automated System

    This article, a re-print of the article published in IE Solutions (August 1996), describes the process and thinking necessary to shift to automated distribution centers.

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  • The QARS Method

    Designing Distribution Centers: The QARS Method

    This article describes a piece-picking method that optimizes the handling of the residual product and the productivity benefits that can be obtained by addressing automation or optimization of only residual product. This article was originally published in IE Solutions (May 1997).

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  • Using Smart Carts for Returns Processing

    Using Smart Carts for Returns Processing

    This article presents two separate application examples of returns processing using Smart Carts. In the first application, the restocking operation product goes into a single storage zone. In the other application, there are several storage zones where re-stocked product is to be placed.

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  • Real-time Labor Balancing in a Case Picking Operation

    Real-time Labor Balancing in a Case Picking Operation

    This paper describes a wave based case pick operation application where a MANDATE IP®-based SOFT™ system is used to dynamically balance work between workers achieving the highest overall productivity and minimizing wave durations.

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  • Continuous Processing Using a Sorter

    Continuous Processing Using a Sorter

    Continuous processing alternatives to wave processing. The size of these order batches can be greatly increased through the use of a secondary sort, using devices such as a tilt-tray or Bombay sorter.

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  • Managing Sorters Continuous Double-Sort Operation

    Managing Sorters Continuous Double-Sort Operation

    Advantages of waveless operation with dynamic chute allocation in a double-sort process based on a piece sorter.

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  • Capacity, Productivity and ROI

    Capacity, Productivity and ROI

    System justification and the relationships between improved capacity and improved productivity.

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  • Products and Services

    Products and Services

    This paper is a brief overview of VAS’ products and services.

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  • SOFT System Implementation Plan

    SOFT™ System Implementation Plan

    This paper provides an introduction to the steps necessary to implement a SOFT™ based system and provides and example timeline for a project in an existing facility.

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  • System Support Options

    System Support Options

    An overview of the support options for VAS’ systems.

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  • VAS Brochure

    VAS Brochure

    Read testimonials about our experience, performance, dedication and results.

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  • Company Background, Projects and Customers

    Company Background, Projects and Customers

    Introduction to VAS, its business, background, customers and more.

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  • AWMS™ Adaptive Warehouse Management System

    AWMS™ Adaptive Warehouse Management System

    This paper is an excellent introduction to the concept and benefits of an adaptive WMS.

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  • AWMS™ Principles Applied to Order Fulfillment

    AWMS™ Principles Applied to Order Fulfillment

    An Adaptive WMS provides great operational flexibility when applied to order fulfillment of kitting operations. This paper identifies and describes some of those benefits.

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  • Why Batch Pick?

    Why Batch Pick?

    This paper gives a simplified mathematical view of the benefits of batch picking or kitting. It provides some equations that may be used to assess the possible benefits.

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  • Static, Dynamic and Virtual Batching

    Static, Dynamic and Virtual Batching

    This paper provides the definitions and describes the differences between static, dynamic and virtual batching in fulfillment processes.

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  • Managing Equipment for Article Sorter Delivery

    Managing Equipment for Article Sorter Delivery

    Describes methods and operational enhancements to increase the capacity of piece sorters beyond their mechanical capacity.

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  • What Happened? Why Mobile Carts and Modules Make Sense Today

    What Happened? Why Mobile Carts and Modules Make Sense Today

    A description of the advances in technology that have made smart carts a dominating option for piece picking fulfillment operations.

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  • Thirteen Simple Steps in Selecting a Picking Cart

    Thirteen Simple Steps in Selecting a Picking Cart

    The conditions that prevent picking carts to achieve full potential are presented as well as recommendations about how to address them.

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  • Logistical Application of Greedy Algorithms

    Logistical Application of “Greedy Algorithms”

    For over 30 years greedy algorithms have been used to solve optimization problems. This paper describes their application to logistic problems.

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  • Believing the Last Liar

    Believing the Last Liar

    Regardless of effort, inconsistencies between data and “what is” will occur. Error recovery must be considered as important as error prevention in the operation of a distribution center.

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  • Using Voice and Speech in Order Fulfillment

    Using Voice and Speech in Order Fulfillment

    Objective and Unbiased comparison of voice directed picking with RF directed picking and pick-to-light for real-time operations.

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  • AWMS™ Inventory Management

    AWMS™ Inventory Management

    Inventory management is the heart of any WMS. An AWMS provides some interesting concepts in how inventory is managed meeting the requirements of finance and operations.

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  • AWMS™ Stock Location Management

    AWMS™ Stock Location Management

    An easy-to-use inventory management system requires a flexible means for storing and retrieving stock. An AWMS provides a unique view on managing stock locations.

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  • Considerations in Evaluating a Batch Fulfillment System

    Considerations in Evaluating a Batch Fulfillment System

    Here is a checklist of factors to consider when evaluating batch kitting or fulfillment systems—along with a list of smart cart vendors.

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  • Effective Queues

    Effective Queues

    This paper describes the considerations to determine and effectively use a queue.

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  • MandateIP® Q & A

    MandateIP® Q & A

    Common questions and answers concerning Mandate and MandateIP®.

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  • MandateIP Architecture

    MandateIP® Architecture

    Introduction To The Architecture Of MandateIP®.

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  • Computing Requirements For Dynamically Optimized Systems

    Computing Requirements For Dynamically Optimized Systems

    Answering “Why are computing requirements for dynamically optimized systems different?”

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  • Introduction To MandateIP® Database Architecture

    Introduction To MandateIP® Database Architecture

    Provides a overview description of the MandateIP® database architecture.

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  • MandateIP® Reporting System Introduction

    MandateIP® Reporting System Introduction

    Describes the MandateIP® reporting system.

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  • Why MandateIP®?

    Why MandateIP®?

    The need or benefit of MandateIP® is not predicated on anything “being broken”. That is like saying a car with a manual transmission (stick) is broken because it does not shift automatically.

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  • Closed Loop Systems

    “Closed Loop” Systems

    “Closed-Loop” systems are systems where output information is “fed back” into the input to compensate for variations in the system. Closed loop systems are contrasted to “open loop” systems that do not use feedback to alter operation.

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  • Mobile Order Fulfillment Work Stations

    Mobile Order Fulfillment Work Stations

    VAS’ smart carts and order fulfillment modules features including pictures of Hawk™ and Condor™ with an example screen. This is an excellent introduction to mobile fulfillment and kitting workstations.

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  • COFE Optimization Modules for Sorter-Based Processes

    COFE® Optimization Modules for Sorter-Based Processes

    This paper presents the COFE® based solutions that VAS have successfully implemented in order to maximize the usage of system resources in a sorter-based operation. An overview of how a dynamic sorter system optimization is accomplished and the resulting benefits is provided.

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  • AWMS Basic Module Checklist

    AWMS™ Basic Module Checklist

    The following checklist provides an overview of the “basic functions” available with the MandateIP AWMS. The MandateIP AWMS provides the basic or most essential features to manage the operation of a fulfillment or distribution center.

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  • AWCS Basic Module Checklist

    AWCS Basic Module Checklist

    Basic functions available with the MandateIP AWCS. The MandateIP AWCS provides basic features to integrate and control equipment and work processes of a fulfillment or distribution center. An “Adaptive” WMC (AWCS) uses real time or dynamic optimization of the workflow. Dynamically optimized workflow adapts to the changing conditions found in fulfillment operations.

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