Did you know that virtual reality can actually enhance the efficiency of a micro-fulfillment operation?
Seems like a stretch, right? But it’s true. And it can actually have a dramatic impact.
In our last post, we shared a look at an in-store micro-fulfillment system we created for a global retail client. That post offered a detailed look at the solution, but didn’t cover the critical question of how to train the in-store workers that would operate the system.
It’s a key consideration for any automation system, but can prove to be an even bigger challenge for micro-fulfillment operations. Here’s why:
Warehouse labor generally benefits from an established training regimen and accessibility to experts in the warehouse that can efficiently bring new talent up to speed. But in-store systems don’t typically share in that luxury.
In-store workers may not have even had warehouse experience before, and trainers may be few and far between.
To compound the issue, micro-fulfillment operations rely on small production footprints to maximize operational efficiencies. Consequently, dedicating production space to worker training can mean losing significant operational efficiency every time a worker needs training.
In this example, production efficiency would drop by 50% were a worker to be trained in the goods-to-person station every time a worker needed to be trained. And given increasing labor turnover rates, the need for continuously training new workers would seriously compromise the efficiency of the entire micro-fulfillment operation.
So how can you offer hands-on training without compromising the production environment?
Two words: Virtual reality.
The MSI Automate team created a complete virtual reality (VR) Module for this client that immerses the viewer in an exact replica virtual environment of the micro-fulfillment goods-to person station that allows trainees to get virtual hands-on training for every step of the order fulfillment processes of induction, replenishment, picking, packing, and cycle counts that they will perform in the GTP environment.
This way, in-store employees can learn the micro-fulfillment production processes anywhere they can find an open space the size of the GTP station. They can learn at their own pace. And they can repeat the training as many times as it takes them to feel comfortable with the various procedures.
It’s the ultimate step in maximizing efficiency in the micro-fulfillment environment.
If you’re considering micro-fulfillment solutions for your company, let us know what you want to accomplish, and we’ll show you how you can.
Walter High is VP Marketing at MSI Automate, where he has worked since 2012.