Cross Docking & Returns

 

Streamline and automate your cross docking and returns operations

Returns and cross docking logistics add complexity to your facility’s operational flow that can quickly increase costs and labor demands, as well as make inventory management a challenge. With the right automation, Bastian Solutions’ experts can add efficiency to your returns process and increase throughput with streamlined cross docking.

Using solutions that are scalable, like goods to person and palletizing systems, gives you faster and easier high-volume product and case handling. This can operate in conjunction with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) to give you visibility to outbound inventory movement and improve cross docking functions.

Similarly, we work with you to simplify and streamline your reverse logistics so you can quickly assess resale, restocking, and short-term storage. Our data-backed approach helps to design solutions that resolve your pain points – reduce waste, make better use of your workforce, reduce facility vehicle traffic, eliminate interference with order fulfillment – and ultimately make your returns process a less-complicated operation that results in happy customers.

Ready to find your own solution?

cross docking conveyor in a warehouse

Challenges

Returns and cross docking functions add unique challenges to your regular fulfillment operations:

  • Product tracking and inventory control
  • Efficiency fluctuations
  • Restocking of returned items
  • General interference with fulfillment Inventory tracking
  • Appropriately rerouting products (SKUs)
  • Facility inbound and outbound traffic bottlenecks, which can create safety concerns
  • Limited returns and cross docking workspace
 

Considerations

As you work to identify opportunities for improvement or begin to explore various automated systems, consider your:

  • Rate of returns and restocking
  • Timing and duration of seasonal peaks
  • Location footprint and layout options
  • Current technologies
  • Inventory control supporting software
  • Product volume and facility flow for cross docking
 


Essential Technologies


Raymond-center-controlled-rider-warehouse-AGV

AGVs / AMRs

Efficiently transport products and materials with a cost-effective solution that scales.

robotic palletizing with fanuc arm

Palletizing

Streamline and automate pallet building and depalletizing operations.

goods to person order fulfillment workstation

Goods to Person

Establish accurate, ergonomic picking processes with automated order fulfillment and storage.

Vanderlande cross belt sorter crossorter

Sortation

Increase throughput with sortation systems designed for a wide range of product sizes and weights.


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