How can something be random on purpose? Well, Amazon, the world’s largest online retailer, stores its goods in a chaotic disorder. But only at first glance, because there’s order behind the apparent disarray. It’s called chaotic storage. […]
Intuitively, most people would store similar goods together, virtually sorting them according to predefined characteristics. This would place all books in one section of the warehouse and all toys in another section.
But that’s not necessary in a chaotic storage system. The products only need to share the most basic requirements with regard to storage (i.e. temperature, humidity). Further characteristics don’t have to be considered. In a chaotic warehouse, all kinds of different articles may lie directly next to each other, such as books, toys, sport equipment, electronics, DVDs, jewellery and digital cameras. […]
The term “chaotic storage” is by the way only justified from a human point of view, but is not at all correct from the standpoint of a computer. For a warehouse management software, a chaotic storage system is nothing more than a sequence of calculations and database operations.
Amazon – leading the way through chaos | SSI SCHÄFER BlogSSI SCHÄFER Blog (via new-aesthetic)
Key quote
“The amount of training required by new employees is also remarkably lower when using chaotic storage. It is not necessary for them to memorise the entire warehouse layout or even single storage locations. This will allow you to replace staff more easily or hire seasonal workers during peak times.”
Or to put it another way – Amazon’s warehousing system actively prevents workers becoming experts or skilled even on the entirely enfeebled terms warehouse work might allow – they are parts of the computer process, albeit parts with legs.
Amazon has a lot to answer for in terms of contracts, conditions, pay etc – but also it seems to me that even conservative commentators on work would agree that part of the virtue of work is the opportunity to become better at a job, and learn while you’re doing it.
(via tomewing)
Virtue of work is a Calvinist idea. Does it fit in a Ludic Age? In a Hypercomplex Age?