A high-volume warehouse has over 100 order pickers. The company requires supervisors to track staff productivity to ensure that employees “make rate” or pack a minimum number of boxes per hour. The system in use automatically tracks each staff member’s productivity by recording the time each box is finished packing when the staff member scans the barcode on the box. The system automatically generates warnings that are routed to the employee when productivity falls below a set threshold as well as termination suggestions. The bottom 5% of employees are automatically placed on a training plan. Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that the warnings and terminations are accurate and appropriate action is taken such as reprimands, additional training, or termination activities. The company has highlighted its high productivity and efficiency as a key differentiator in company success. The company has communicated its strict standards more widely. “Associates must be detailed and efficient in processing each order.” To ensure that efficiency continues, the company has developed “a proprietary productivity metric.” The company says those goals are set objectively, and that they’re based on metrics like customer demand and location.
Do you believe this automated productivity tracking system is overall positive or negative? Clearly state and explain your opinion. Back up your opinion with evidence.
