GAMIFICATION OF WAREHOUSING ACTIVITIES: EXPLORING PERSPECTIVES OF WAREHOUSE MANAGERS IN THE UK

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore perspectives of warehouse managers’ on gamification of warehousing activities such as receiving, put-away, order picking, and shipping. This study explores potential benefits and obstacles of gamification in warehousing context. Research Approach A largely qualitative study which involves in depth interviews with eight warehouse managers from the United Kingdom. The interview protocol is a refined replication of methodology to gain insights from practitioners found in Lummus et al. (2001). Findings and Originality Gamification is applicable in the warehousing context with potential benefits such as improved worker engagement, increased morale and productivity, enforced competition, increased accuracy, and skills development. However there are also limitations, for instance limited resources, game tolerance with time, intense planning required, ethical implications, and ensuring fairness for all players should be considered before the implementation. Research Impact Although this study is limited to perspectives of UK warehousing managers the selected sample operates in the varied range of market sectors thus enabling the authors to generate a breadth of perspectives. Practical Impact A profile of perspectives of UK warehouse managers in relation to gamification of warehousing activities is presented.