Most beverage operations run into the same friction points as volume and SKU count increase. Wave planning becomes harder as multi-truck loading increases. Pick paths become inefficient, with associates revisiting the same locations repeatedly.
The mix of full case and bottle picking adds complexity and increases mis-picks and short picks. Visibility gaps make it difficult for supervisors to see wave status, pick line performance, or where congestion is building. At the dock, a single mis-load can create costly downstream issues, especially when routes are sequenced and stops must be loaded in reverse order.
To bring order to this chaos, CHC has integrated Block One's Warehouse Execution System (WES) for multiple client beverage operations to much success.
Explore the functionality, features, and benefits a WES platform can achieve with our guide below.
The brain behind it all
The Block One WES manages the complete case order flow beginning at wave creation, through pick modules, merges, sortation, and truck loading. It ties all these modules together within a data orchestration layer, using real-time order and equipment information to decide which cases and pallets move where, cycle times, speed, and exceptions.
The WES is used in tandem with a WMS to provide real-time order fulfillment metrics, while managing the logic behind slotting inventory, categorizing orders into manageable waves. This creates a continuous workflow that operates based on the most efficient wave algorithm the WES decides.
Functionality
Once the cases are placed onto the conveyor system the WES uses a vision system to either read barcode labels or recognize the graphics to automatically release the product from each pick line at the merge towards the sorter, and finally the to the correct truck.
For example, if the warehouse is loading 3 trucks at a time, Wave 1 could include the picks for 2 liquor stores on each of those 3 trucks, so an associate would be directed to a particular product (i.e. cases of vodka) and would pick those cases of vodka those 6 stores ordered, then move to another pick location for the next item needed for those 6 stores. This reduces the number of times the associate needs to walk to that pick location.
The Block One WES organizes the picks so the trucks are loaded in reverse stop order meaning the first product loaded onto the truck goes all the way into the nose of the trailer, as that will be the last product delivered.
Transform operational data into simple, actionable visibility.
This screen allows supervisors to define and manage truck routes, door assignments, and delivery sequencing. This is where reverse stop logic is configured so the system understands exactly how product must flow to each trailer. Adjustments can be made in real time, which is critical in beverage environments where routes may change daily based on store demand.
Instead of manually communicating changes to multiple departments, updates in the WES instantly cascade to picking, sortation, and loading.
The Pick Rules interface governs how waves are constructed and how tasks are sequenced. This is where the system determines and displays the priority, location, route, the method, product type, its location, and amount to be picked, among other order data.
Order Reporting & Analytics Dashboard
The Dashboard Reports view aggregates performance data from Block One's WES into measurable KPIs. The dashboard can track wave completion metrics, picking efficiency, total number of units and pallets vs. what has been processed, recirculation captures, and much more.
Beverage distributors deal with complex picking, high-SKU inventory, multi-truck loading, and strict delivery sequencing.
A WES solves these challenges by automatically organizing orders into optimized waves, directing pick tasks to reduce travel, and sequencing cases to the correct truck, cutting processing time and effort down substantially.
By coordinating picking, conveyor flow, and truck loading in real time, the Block One WES improves picking efficiency, increases load accuracy, and provides clear visibility into wave progress across the operation.
A WES turns your complex beverage process into a structured, highly efficient workflow that scales with growing order volume and SKU counts.
Can a WES drastically optimize your beverage distribution process?
CHC has significant experience in engineering successful automation systems for wine, spirits, and beer wholesalers and distributors.
If you are considering implementing a WES for your beverage operation, send CHC a message and our team will start the process on transforming
your system idea into reality.