Order picking systems – How the order picking process works
Why is order picking important?
Order picking is crucial because it is a step in completing customer orders. Order delivery times may vary depending on how quickly and efficiently orders are picked, which may have an impact on customer satisfaction. Therefore, it’s crucial to streamline this process in order to quickly and accurately fulfill customer orders.
What is order picking?
Picking up supplies from a warehouse to fulfill customer orders is known as order picking. This process is an important part of order fulfillment. People called order pickers are in charge of locating items in the warehouse and adding them to customers’ orders. Speed and accuracy are essential for efficient order picking because delivering orders on time and with the correct items can increase customer satisfaction.
Types of order picking systems
To implement the order picking system that is most effective for your company, you can pick from a variety of options. Some common types of systems are:
Single order picking
Single order picking is a popular system. Order pickers concentrate on completing one customer order at a time in this system. Often, they travel throughout the warehouse repeatedly to gather items. This method is typically best suited for smaller businesses or warehouses because it can be a little time-consuming. Because of the high level of accuracy that can be achieved by concentrating on one order at a time, this system is widely used by businesses.
Batch order picking
In a system known as batch order picking, also known as multi-order picking, pickers fill several orders simultaneously by assembling one kind of item at a time. Businesses that receive numerous orders for the same item will benefit the most from this system. Since pickers only need to make one trip to the location where a particular item is kept, the batch order picking system is popular because it saves time.
Cluster order picking
Cluster order picking, another system that enables pickers to complete multiple orders simultaneously, is similar to batch order picking. Pickers can collect multiple items from various locations simultaneously in this system. This system can reduce the distance pickers have to travel inside a warehouse.
Wave order picking
Wave order picking divides a warehouse into zones. To save time, pickers all work simultaneously within their respective zones. This can make wave order picking a fantastic option for companies looking to speed up their order picking procedure. For businesses where each order typically contains a variety of different items, this system is especially helpful.
Pick and pass
By dividing a warehouse into zones, the pick and pass system works. Each picker concentrates on their own zone and collects objects from within it. They put things in a container and move them to the following area.
Zone order picking
Zone order picking utilizes warehouse zones, just like the pick and pass system. Often, businesses use a combination of these two methods. Although the zone order picking system is similar to the pick and pass system, passing a container around is not necessary. This system can help keep the warehouse organized, making it especially helpful for companies that receive a lot of orders.
Sorting system
Conveyor belts and other automated technology are used in the sorting system. Pickers load items onto a conveyer belt in this system, and subsequent pickers remove the items from the belt and arrange them according to orders. With the help of this highly effective system, businesses can automate some steps in the order picking procedure.
Pick to box system
The pick to box system also uses a conveyer belt. A picker places a box on a conveyer belt in this system. Pickers continue to add items to the box as it moves between zones, until the order is complete. Additionally, this system can assist businesses in managing high order volumes and avoiding warehouse congestion caused by pickers moving around.
Picker to part system
Another well-liked option for companies looking to improve the effectiveness of their order picking process is the picker to part system. In this system, warehouses construct a material handling area where inventory is frequently transported using forklifts. Additionally, the system has a picking area where order pickers gather goods to complete customer orders.
Part to picker system
The picker to part system and the part to picker system are similar. It also makes use of a storage area and a material handling area. Picking bays are another component of the part-picker system, where the items for orders are kept. As items are delivered from the material handling area, the order pickers work in the picking bays.
Tips for choosing an order picking system
The best system for your company may depend on a number of variables. Here are some tips for choosing a system:
Consider the size of your warehouse and inventory
Which picking system is most appropriate will depend on the size of your warehouse and inventory. For instance, to maintain accuracy in a small warehouse, you might think about using the single order picking system. The zone order picking system, which can help pickers manage lots of orders and items, is an option if you have a lot of inventory.
Think about your number of pickers
The number of order pickers employed by your company may also have an impact on the kind of system you select. For instance, you might select the zone order picking method if you have several pickers. This would enable you to zone-off your warehouse and manage a large number of orders.
Analyze your data
To assist you in selecting a system, you can also examine the sales data for your company. It can be useful to know how many orders your company receives on average as well as how many items are typically included in each order. This can assist you in selecting a system that can handle the volume and size of orders placed by your company.
Consider combining multiple systems
You can also consider using a combination of systems. Think about your company’s requirements and the components of various systems that can satisfy them. For instance, you could combine the pick and pass and zone picking strategies because they frequently complement one another well.
Explore automation options
Businesses often automate portions of their order picking process. This can further streamline the procedure and accelerate and accurately complete orders. Consider using robots or conveyor belts to automate your order picking system.
FAQ
What is order picking method?
When the items listed in an order are retrieved from their respective warehouses, this is known as order picking. It’s the first step in completing a customer’s order, so it must go perfectly for the subsequent stages—order packing, shipping, and post-sale activity—to proceed without a hitch.
Is order picking hard?
The lifting and prolonged standing can be the most difficult aspects of the job. Given that it is physically demanding, it will be advantageous if you are physically fit.
Why order picking is important in warehouse?
Finding the best warehouse order picking system is crucial because it can improve your picking operations’ efficiency and accuracy, which will increase customer satisfaction.
What is order picking and assembly?
The procedure includes a storage area, a picking area, and a material handling system—which may be forklift-based or more specialized, like gravity flow racks—used to replenish the picking locations from the storage area. The supplies needed to complete customer orders will be kept in the storage area.
