Structured Process

Outbound Logistics

The structured process that we will focus on for Amazon is outbound logistics. Within this process, the information system “FCWeb Menu” is used to gather information about packages and how they move throughout the warehouse. Packages first enter the warehouse from the inbound department and are scanned individually into FCWeb Menu to inform the information system. They are then assigned specific departments in which they must travel to via the main warehouse belt to participate in processes such as sorting and packing. Each package is updated throughout their time in the warehouse and ultimately assigned a trailer that they travel to for the final step in the warehouse. The outbound team consists of three main positions: TDR (trailer, docking, and releasing), Sweeper, and Ship Clerk. The TDR employee is responsible for opening and closing the trucks and doing the physical work of filling trucks with the assigned packages. The sweeper walks around with a mobile cart with a laptop, hand scanner, and printer. They are responsible for scanning the packages entering the trucks and also scanning the leftover packages that do not fit in the trucks once they are filled. This helps inform the warehouse which packages are leaving and which packages still remain in the warehouse after each truck departs. Finally, the Ship Clerk is in charge of communicating with the drivers to inform when each truck is ready for departure from the warehouse. 

Flowchart of Amazon Outbound Logistics:

Figure 1: Fulfillment Warehouse Layout

This figure represents the warehouse and the main belt that transports packages around from department to department and finally into the trucks for departure. 

Information System: 

FCWeb Menu is the main information system utilized in Amazon warehouses for outbound logistics. The application provides speed, accuracy, and data management for each package that enters the warehouse and travels through each department. FCWeb Menu is loaded onto computers throughout the warehouse with a compatible hand scanner to ensure accessibility for managers and employees that need to constantly update information. Once scanned into the information system, the data is updated in real-time to provide communication within the entire warehouse and inform when they are ready for delivery. 

Problems with the Information System

Since the information system is run by employees and not automated, there is room for human error. The main problem that derives from this information system is shrinkage because of information mis-inputs or a lack of tracking by the employee in charge of the given department. Also, given that employees have a scanning rate, many employees will scan more items that are physically present into the system to increase their rate. This misinforms the application about the products that are present in the warehouse and hurts the outbound process because the departing truck will not have the right number of items present.