Better Workstations, Better Workflow
Workstations are not just pieces of furniture — well designed ergonomic stations are vital for the success of any busy warehouse.
NPSG Australia Site Lead Jack Carter says an effectively designed workstation can have a massive impact on productivity in a warehouse situation.
He says some of NPSG’s biggest clients including the world’s largest e-commerce retailer have specific teams dedicated to improving and adapting workstations in their warehouses and he says attention to detail is crucial. “Even the concept of having left and right handed tables is considered,” he says.
“Having the most used printers or scanners on the right hand side is considered because that is the preferred side for 90% of workers to use and that increases the speed of packing parcels,” explains Jack.
Photo: Leadership Station
Photo: Rebin Station
Photo: Pack Station
Photo: Receive Station
He highlights the concept of the golden station. “Golden station is the first prototype that we design based on the drawings that we are given, where we place everything how we think will best suit ergonomics and efficiency of the workers and packing.”
Jack goes on to explain that NPSG Australia does a golden station for each different type of workstation and the client then signs off on each of them before they are used.
“If anything is to change we change it on the golden station before we do anything else,” he adds.
He says when teams get workstation design right, there are immediate benefits.
“Workers have improved efficiency and less movement making their life easy. Everything is within arms reach, everything that is used most often is on the right hand side.”
Jack says some of the bigger warehouses will even have one station for left handers out of every 20, to further help efficiency.
In contemporary commercial warehouses the setup of workstations is more than just about organisation - it's crucial for health and safety.
Ergonomic workstations are designed to fit the job and the person doing it. This approach helps reduce the strain on the body and lowers the chance of injuries. In environments like fulfilment and delivery centres, where tasks are often repetitive and physically demanding, ergonomic workstations can be a game-changer.
Jack says there are clear concerns if a workstation is not set up correctly.
“Not only does it decrease productivity and efficiency, it can actually affect the workers' health. If workers are constantly twisting in an uncomfortable manner, it can cause musculoskeletal injuries so setting up stations correctly is critical.”
Photo: Cubiscan Workstation
Photo: Workstation