Computerized Immediate Feedback Increases Product Recall Efficiency Due to Interlocking Contingencies in Food Manufacturing

Food manufacturing companies are challenged with tracking their products so that the company will be able to remove that product from circulation quickly and effectively in the event of a product recall. The accuracy of a recall is dependent upon the accuracy of a product selected for order fulfillment, with the correct product going to the correct store. An integrated solution using wireless handheld computers was programmed to provide immediate visual and audio feedback to the order selectors, in order to prevent errors in order selection. For each case selected, vital information was archived to databases in real-time, which in turn, allowed the company’s safety manager to perform quick and accurate product recall tracking in mock recall drills and state inspections. Results were discussed in terms of the expanding the role of the Organizational Behavior Management professional who addresses operational and ethical issues associated with technologies for better consumer safety.     

The Impact of Wireless Technology on Order Selection Audits at an Auto Parts Distribution Center

Audits of store order pallets or totes performed by auditors at five distribution centers (two experimental and three comparison distribution centers) were used to check for picking accuracy prior to being loaded onto a truck for store delivery. Replacing the paper audits with wireless handheld computers that included immediate auditory and visual feedback was instrumental in increasing the number of audits by nearly 89% without incurring overtime hours for the auditors. Increasing the number of audits meant that more orders were checked for accuracy within an 8-hr shift. The errors and inefficiencies noted with paper audits were eliminated immediately at implementation. The role of the organizational behavior management (OBM) practitioner in designing work procedure changes using technical solutions to accelerate key operational processes was examined.     

The Effects of Computerized Visual Feedback Using Flashing Lights on Order Selection in Large Industrial Settings: Productivity,Accuracy, and Cost Justifications

This report from the field concerns a pilot study that used computerized visual feedback in the form of flashing lights to inform order selectors in an auto parts distribution center to fulfill store orders. Compared to paper pick lists, order selection performance and accuracy reliably increased when the delivery method was the flashing lights. The role of the organizational behavior management participant in industrial settings in designing interventions that increase accuracy and productivity was examined. More than just the intervention, the cost justification was part of the decision-making process about whether to continue with the intervention.     

Immediate Feedback on Accuracy and Performance: The Effects of Wireless Technology on Food Safety Tracking at a Distribution Center

The effects of wireless ring scanners, which provided immediate auditory and visual feedback, were evaluated to increase the performance and accuracy of order selectors at a meat distribution center. The scanners not only increased performance and accuracy compared to paper pick sheets, but were also instrumental in immediate and accurate data capture and tracking in compliance with the Public Health Security Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act (BTA) of 2002. The intervention, which required minimal training, successfully accelerated key operational processes and compliance with food safety mandates. The implications for Organizational Behavior Management practitioners are discussed.