Picking in a warehouse is the process through which products are selected and prepared for delivery to customers or shipment to other locations. This is an essential process for improving the efficiency of the supply chain and warehouse logistics operations.
Pickers, the employees responsible for this operation, also play an important role, as supply chain performance depends on their efficiency, particularly in the context of consumers’ growing expectations for shorter delivery times. The increasing use of technology and robotics, as well as investments in such solutions, are contributing more and more to picking operations.
What does warehouse picking involve and what is the role of an order picker?
The first stage in a picker’s activity in a warehouse is identifying the orders. The employee receives a list of the orders that need to be prepared for shipment.
In the next stage, the picker identifies the location of the products in the warehouse, where the efficiency of the management systems and the physical organization of the racks are particularly important.
Once the products have been identified, the orders are prepared for shipment, which includes labeling, packaging and preparing the necessary documentation.
The picker must be attentive and precise throughout the picking process in order to select the correct products and ensure that there are no errors regarding their quantity or quality.
Any discrepancies or problems identified during the picking process must also be reported to the responsible department so that they can be resolved before the orders are shipped and delays in the delivery process can be avoided.
Picking methods in a warehouse
Warehouse picking methods have undergone significant changes with technological advancements and the widespread adoption of robotics. There is now a wide range of picking methods, and choosing a particular method depends on the nature of the products stored, the size of the warehouse, the volume of orders and other factors specific to each warehouse.
Below are the most commonly used picking methods.
Manual picking is the traditional picking method, in which pickers use order lists or mobile devices to identify and manually select products from stock, from shelves or containers. This type of picking is suitable for small warehouses or those with low order volumes.
Batch picking is a method in which pickers select products for multiple orders simultaneously, collecting them into separate batches or containers. This approach reduces the picker’s travel time and increases picking efficiency, as employees no longer need to return multiple times to the same rack to select products for different orders.
Wave picking involves processing orders in batches or “waves”, with all orders grouped according to criteria such as warehouse area or product type. Pickers are assigned to different areas of the warehouse and are responsible only for selecting products from the respective batch. This can also increase efficiency and reduce employee travel time.
Voice picking allows pickers to receive instructions through a portable device with voice recognition. The voice-guidance system directs pickers to the correct product location and provides instructions regarding the quantity and products to be selected. This method can be highly efficient and can reduce human error.
Another method, which requires significant investment in technology and infrastructure, is automated picking. In such cases, robots or automated material-handling systems are responsible for collecting and preparing orders. This type of picking can be extremely fast and accurate.
Choosing the most appropriate picking method depends on the specific characteristics of the warehouse’s operations and objectives.
How can warehouse picking be automated?
Warehouse picking can be automated through the implementation of various technologies, robots and specialized systems.
One approach is to implement a warehouse management system (WMS) as the first step in automating the picking process. A WMS can manage inventory, monitor the warehouse/facility and product availability, and generate efficient routes for pickers or robots.
The use of robots specialized in picking activities can also automate the process of selecting products from inventory. These robots can be programmed to navigate the warehouse, locate and retrieve products and prepare them for delivery.
At the same time, implementing an automated sorting system can accelerate the picking process by automatically directing products to the appropriate packing or shipping areas.
Barcode or RFID scanning technology can be used to reduce human errors and increase picking efficiency. Pickers or robots can use portable devices to scan products and verify their identity and quantity.
Robots or automated equipment can be assisted in moving around the warehouse and quickly identifying the products requested in orders through the implementation of automated guidance and navigation systems.
The use of voice- or light-guided systems can facilitate the picking process for employees or robots by providing clear instructions directed toward the correct product location and quantity.
Implementing technologies, robots and automated systems can significantly increase the efficiency of delivery operations while reducing human errors and optimizing costs in the picking process within a warehouse/industrial facility. However, the success of warehouse picking automation depends on accurately identifying and assessing the needs and objectives that companies are pursuing through their logistics operations.
