What characterized the initial phase of automated order picking systems roughly a century ago?
Answer
Mechanical ingenuity focused on efficiency gains within the four walls of a warehouse
The initial phase marking a significant milestone in G2P thinking, occurring approximately a century ago, was not characterized by sophisticated intelligent robots. Instead, this period relied on mechanical ingenuity aimed at achieving efficiency gains solely within the physical confines of the warehouse structure. The focus was on simple mechanization to reduce the largest productivity drain—non-value-added travel—often achieved through fixed tools like early conveyors that brought materials to a stationary worker.

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