Technology and Automation
At the heart of ProLog is technology. From its inception in 1996, ProLog has utilized automated picking technology to deliver the fulfillment quality and service expected by its clients. Since that time, ProLog has remained a technology leader in outsourced services, developing its own feature-rich, integrated software. Written utilizing .Net technology and web services, ProLog’s technology platform is both contemporary and flexible. ProLog employs several in-house Information Technology (IT) professionals for the on-going development and maintenance of a wide range of warehousing and fulfillment applications.
The internally developed ProWares operating system is used throughout the operation for receiving product deliveries, capturing and dispatching client orders, picking and checking orders, manifesting shipments, facilitating product replenishment, and guiding all automated warehouse equipment.
Inefficient paper-based picking is not to be found in the ProLog warehouse (except at the final step when a client-customized packing list is printed for each order). Instead, ProLog deploys wireless radio frequency (RF) hand-held computers to guide all distribution center operations. From receiving products to picking orders, all instructions are passed to Warehouse Associates via their RF hand-helds. Every warehousing step is thoroughly documented and journaled in the ProWares system through the use of bar code scanners incorporated into the RF hand-helds. All outbound orders receive 100% inspection by scanning every product barcode in each shipment prior to final packing and shipping.
In addition to RF hand-helds, ProLog also deploys several automated material handling carousels in the picking process. These automated carousels store client products, and when directed by the ProWares system, spin to the appropriate location to “present” the product to be picked to the Warehouse Associate. Coupled with the carousels is a pick-and-put-to-light technology that digitally displays to the operator which item to pick, how many to pick, and where to place the item. Each Associate working within a pod of carousels can pick up to 16 orders simultaneously with extreme accuracy and efficiency.
Although highly streamlined, the ProWares system supports a broad array of customized client requirements, such as:
- Serial and lot number tracking
- Kitting and work-order management
- Multiple units of measure and configurations within the same product type
- Tracking by product family and group
- Shipping carrier and level of service designations
- Multiple warehouse inventory and order management
- Back order, short-ship and cross-ship decision rules
- Unique client-based packing lists.