ASAP Automation Outfits Purdue University with a State of the Art Supply Chain Management Laboratory
By Chris Bratten, Sales Consultant

Hands-On Experience

For many students, there is no better learning experience than that which gets them physically involved in what they are studying. The hands-on involvement can help bridge the gap between supply chain strategies and best-practices and their actual implementation. The Supply Chain Management Technology (SCMT) Laboratory at Purdue University helps fulfill this unique niche by focusing on the physical simulation for several activities within industrial and warehousing supply chains.

The lab currently gives students access to ERP software, RFID hardware, Bar-coding solutions and now ASAP’s Acculight™ and PictureView™ picking technology. The picking hardware is installed onto a 4-shelf rack with each shelf supporting four locations. The top and bottom shelves are controlled by Acculight™ Pick-to-Light hardware, with each device controlling the location above it. The two shelves in the middle are controlled by four PictureView™ devices with each controlling locations above and below the device. Using the Exacta® Synchronize™ software suite, students create orders to be picked, print order barcodes to identify the orders, then process the orders from the shelving unit as indicated by the devices.

Cross-Course Advantage

The SCMT Lab plays host to several different classes throughout the school year. The Distribution Management and Inventory Control with Supply Chain Management applied research area is based around the following courses:

  • Industrial Supply Chain Management
  • Industrial Sales and Sales Management
  • Financial Transactions in Distribution
  • Global Transportation and Logistics Management
  • Global Supply Chain Management

This system helps students understand the advantages of automating the picking process over paper-based picking from both a picking accuracy and speed standpoint. When analyzing the financial side of warehouse operations, students see the cost savings and ROI systems like these can deliver. From a global perspective, the SCMT Lab helps students see how different parts of the supply chain can take advantage of technology like Pick-to-Light, RFID and ERP/WMS software to increase capacity, productivity and reduce cost.

Industry Partnership

Purdue University has historically placed a strong emphasis on the relationship between the students and sponsor companies that help provide the tools to further enhance the students’ education. These partnerships help provide access to students, faculty, alumni and research programs while providing an opportunity to directly support these efforts and ensure their longevity. ASAP and BMH are working directly with the Industrial Technology Department to help provide a long-term plan to increase student exposure to cutting-edge technologies in the supply chain management landscape. The addition of the Acculight™ and PictureView™ system is another step in making sure the students have the tools and experience they need to prepare for a productive and successful career.

ASAP Automation and Bastian Material Handling understand the importance of a quality education to prepare students for a successful career in industry and look forward to expanding this partnership though the implementation of other cutting-edge material handling and picking automation technologies.

More Information

Exacta® Acculight™ Pick To Light
Exacta® PictureView™ Pick To Display
Purdue Supply Chain Management Technology Lab