Logistics picking is a crucial stage in the order-picking process. Poor organization can quickly lead to errors, delivery delays and, consequently, customer dissatisfaction. But don’t panic! We’re here to help you improve your logistics picking methods.
Warehouse management is a key element in a company’s success. Picking is one of the most critical processes in warehouse management, as it is directly linked to customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. Properly optimized, the logistics picking process can reduce costs, improve delivery times and enhance the quality of the customer experience.
In this article, we’ll explore 5 techniques for improving the logistics picking process in the warehouse. We’ll discuss different picking methods, automation tools, inventory management strategies, suitable equipment and the use of data to improve the logistics picking or slotting process. By following these tips, you’ll be able to improve the efficiency of your warehouse and guarantee the satisfaction of your customers.
What is picking in logsitics?
Picking in logistics refers to a crucial element in the warehouse management process, mainly used to optimize order preparation prior to dispatch.
In this context, picking is the method by which operators (or order pickers) remove the items specified in an order from the company’s stock. There are different picking methods, such as picking by zone or picking by item, and the choice of method often depends on the nature of the products and the organization of the warehouse. The method is adapted according to the difference between logistics and supply chain.
The main aim is to optimize stock management and the time needed to prepare each order, which is crucial to the company’s profitability and efficiency.
In an integrated logistics system, order-picking accuracy is paramount, which is why advanced management tools and systems are often put in place to minimize errors. These systems enable operators to quickly locate products in the warehouse, ensuring more efficient and accurate order picking.
Optimal organization of storage areas and rigorous stock management improve workflow and reduce operating costs, ensuring that the right items are dispatched on time and in good condition.
Warehouse picking methods
Picking methods in logistics are varied, each adapted to specific types of operation.
There’s zone picking, where operators are assigned to specific zones and only pick items in their allocated area.
Order picking, on the other hand, involves each operator picking all the items in a specific order. Secondly, batch picking groups several orders into a single batch, enabling picking operators to collect several items in a single round.
Finally, item-by-item picking, where items are picked one by one, is particularly suited to small orders. Each method has its own advantages, and is chosen according to the nature of the products, order volume and warehouse organization.
Logistics picking modes
- Picking slip: the most basic logistical picking method is based on a picking slip. The products to be picked are listed on a paper or digital document which is given to the picker. This method is simple and inexpensive, but it is prone to errors and does not provide effective traceability.
- Pick to Light: order-picking method using indicator lights to guide warehouse operators in picking the products required for each order. This enables efficient tour and shelf planning, as well as fast, accurate picking. This minimizes picking errors and optimizes processing time. However, infrastructure installation can be costly.
- Pick and Print: this picking mode uses a PDA to prepare single-product orders (several orders made up of a single product). The picker receives instructions on the PDA, which indicates the products to be picked. This mode is fast and enables efficient traceability, but is less suited to multi-product orders.
- Picking PDA: this picking mode is similar to the previous one, but enables secure picking compatible with all picking modes. The PDA is configured to suit the needs of each warehouse, making it versatile. However, it can be costly to set up.
- Preparation sessions: this preparation mode involves grouping the products to be collected into sessions according to predefined criteria such as location or product size. Preparers work on a single session at a time, enabling better concentration and reducing errors. However, this can increase preparation time.
- Breakdown beehive: this picking mode is used for the collection of several multi-product orders (several products for the same customer). Products are collected in a collection cart, which may result in a mix of different products. The products are then sorted by splitting. This mode is efficient for multi-product orders, but can be time-consuming.
- Mobile beehive: The “mobile beehive” picking method is a logistics picking technique that uses mobile picking carts to pick orders in real time. Mobile picking carts are equipped with a laptop computer and a barcode scanner, enabling operators to move around the warehouse to pick the items required for each order.
The mobile beehive order-picking method reduces operator travel time and optimizes resource utilization. It can also handle high order volumes and peak demand. However, this method can be less flexible in terms of order processing, as operators have to follow a precise route through the warehouse to pick the items required for each order.
- BtoB preparation: this mode is used for orders destined for companies. BtoB preparation requires special attention, due to the large quantities of products to be collected and the need to meet delivery deadlines. This mode requires rigorous planning and good coordination between different departments.
- Event-driven orders: The process of preparing event-driven orders begins with the creation of a single-reference session, which groups together all orders linked to a particular event. The transport and logistics picking labels are then printed and affixed to the corresponding parcels.
Packages are then prepared according to the orders registered in the session, ensuring that each package contains the products ordered by the customer. Finally, each parcel is labelled with the delivery address and all the information required to ensure successful delivery.
This process optimizes order picking for events by grouping all orders related to a given event in a single session, thus avoiding picking errors and facilitating event logistics management.
Warehouse organization to optimize logistics picking
Making the most of different types of storage areas
The first point concerns the different types of storage areas.
Static storage is an area where products are stored on shelves or pallets that don’t move. This is the most common type of storage.
The dynamic storage area, on the other hand, is an area where products are stored on conveyors or mobile racks that can be moved to facilitate product access. This type of storage is particularly useful for fast-moving products or products that need to be processed quickly.
Finally, the order picking area is dedicated to preparing orders. It is generally located close to the storage area, to facilitate access to products and minimize operator movements.
By using static, dynamic and order-picking storage areas appropriately, it is possible to maximize the efficiency of the logistical picking process by reducing operator movements and facilitating access to products.
Minimize operator travel
Minimizing operator movements is a key factor in optimizing logistics picking in the warehouse. The aim is to facilitate pickers’ work and ensure that orders are dispatched quickly.
To achieve this, the organization of products in the warehouse is crucial. The most popular products should be placed close to the order-picking area, to reduce the number of unnecessary round trips.
It is also possible to use the ABC classification method according to the value and importance of the items for the company. A items account for 20% of inventory, but are the most popular and therefore have the highest turnover / B items account for 30% of inventory, have an average turnover and are replaced less frequently than A items / C items account for 50% of inventory and are the items with the lowest turnover).
In addition, to reduce the number of unnecessary trips, it’s important to use intelligent picking techniques. These techniques enable pickers to pick products in a logical order, minimizing the number of round trips and the number of steps required to collect all the products.
Use WMS management tools such as Shippingbo
A SAAS e-commerce W MS (Wrahouse Management System) like Shippingbo optimizes the logistics picking process by providing real-time visibility of inventory, tracking product movements, planning picking tasks and optimizing picking routes.
Pickers can access information on products, storage locations, orders in preparation and picking instructions on mobile terminals such as scanners or PDAs. This helps to avoid logistical picking errors and reduce order-picking times.
Use appropriate equipment
The use of the right equipment is essential to optimize the logistics picking process in the warehouse.
Forklifts, pallet trucks and other handling equipment enable operators to move products faster and more efficiently, reducing waiting and moving times. The right equipment also enables access to products stored at height or in hard-to-reach areas, facilitating the picking process.
Scanners and PDAs enable operators to track orders in real time and enter data directly onto mobile terminals, thus avoiding data entry and paper errors. They also reduce processing times and enable warehouse performance to be monitored.
Using data to improve logistics picking
Using data to improve the logistics picking process is essential for optimizing warehouse performance and reducing costs. Key performance indicators (KPIs) such as order accuracy rate, picking time, processing time and storage space utilization rate can help warehouse managers identify areas for improvement and make informed decisions to optimize the picking process.
Analysis tools such as SBO Analytics enable warehouse data to be analyzed to identify trends, bottlenecks and opportunities for improvement. Data can be used to optimize picking routes, product storage locations, operator training and picking task planning.
By using data to improve the logistics picking process, warehouse managers can improve order accuracy, reduce picking times, cut labor costs and improve customer satisfaction.
Warehouse picking optimization with Shippingbo
In short, optimizing the logistics picking process in the warehouse is a key factor in ensuring customer satisfaction, quality of experience and competitiveness. In this article, we’ve outlined 5 techniques for improving this process: picking modes, automation tools, inventory management strategies, adapted equipment and data utilization. By following these tips, you can improve warehouse efficiency, reduce picking costs and errors, and deliver a quality customer experience.
Discover how Shippingbo can optimize your logistics picking process!
