Comprehensive service from a logistics partner involves more than just organizing domestic and international transport. It also covers issues related to packaging goods in warehouse spaces. The better optimized these processes are, the greater the chance that transport costs and the time needed to fulfill customer orders will significantly decrease. See how the process of picking goods in a warehouse should look in practice and what can be done to optimize these activities.
What is order picking?
Picking, also known as packaging, is one of the fundamental processes taking place in the warehouse space. The people responsible for picking goods from the shelves play a key role in optimizing this process.
Locating, collecting, and gathering goods from shelves in one place impacts, among other things, the time needed to ship packages as well as the costs of preparing customer orders.
The tasks associated with packaging goods from shelves are labor-intensive, and despite advances in new technologies and robotics, humans are still needed in this process. By ensuring efficient gathering of goods for orders, we can reduce the risk of mistakes in shipments, decrease logistics costs, and improve warehouse efficiency.
A good way to optimize such activities is through warehouse management systems. Modern software allows for easy relocation of goods, inventory counting, and locating items on shelves throughout the warehouse space.
Packaging and the picking zone in the warehouse
The key to achieving harmony in the process of collecting goods needed for order fulfillment is designating space for this purpose, known as the order picking zone. This is an area in the warehouse where employees focus solely on gathering goods according to placed orders.
The following processes take place in the picking zone:
- Processing goods for manual order handling
- Verifying the quantity of collected goods
- Analyzing the accuracy of SKU codes
- Packing goods into parcels
- Dispatching shipments
This ensures there is no risk that the packaged goods will be incomplete or that confusion will arise, leading to items being classified as incoming goods instead of ready for dispatch.
How to efficiently pick goods in a warehouse? Discover 3 effective methods!
Efficient goods picking in a warehouse requires the use of appropriate picking methods. In practice, there are three effective strategies that enable full optimization of the packaging process for stored goods.
The first is Pick and Pack, where an employee gathers goods according to an order list using either a paper or electronic system.
The second method is Pick by Light, where light signals indicate the locations of products to be collected.
The third option is Put by Light, where an employee places the gathered goods in a location indicated by the system, facilitating further work for others.
It’s important to tailor the picking method to the specific characteristics of the warehouse and the type of products. The right choice increases work efficiency and reduces order fulfillment time, which is key to the development of an e-commerce business and store offerings.
Types of goods picking in a warehouse – how to do it smartly?
Effective goods picking in a warehouse requires the right approach and tools to minimize errors and increase productivity. The choice of method depends on the nature of the stored goods and available resources. Here are several types of order picking that work in both small and large transshipment warehouses.
- Automatic picking: In this method, all processes are fully automated, meaning minimal employee involvement in warehouse operations. Modern devices are used to speed up work and increase picking accuracy.
- Manual picking: Here, the entire process is performed manually, without the use of advanced machines. Employees have direct access to goods, often stored on the floor or on low shelves.
- Semi-automatic picking: This solution combines elements of manual and automatic picking. Some operations are carried out by employees, while equipment like forklifts is used for support.
- Single-stage picking: The entire picking process takes place in one location where the goods are stored. This is beneficial when goods do not need to be moved between different warehouse zones.
- Multi-stage picking: In this method, picking is spread across different zones of the warehouse, allowing for faster order processing and more organized work.
- Vertical picking: Goods are collected at high levels using specialized equipment. This is an efficient method for storing goods on pallet racks.
- Horizontal picking: Products are stored low or on the floor, making them easier for employees to access. Processes are carried out with simple tools like manual pallet jacks.
Optimizing the efficiency of the order picking process in the warehouse – what does it involve?
To optimize the activities related to packaging orders and preparing goods for shipment, we can use various actions. Those that can bring real benefits to the company include:
- Using appropriately designed containers for goods. This makes it much easier to collect small goods and move gathered products from one place to another in the warehouse.
- Try to store frequently sold goods (by SKU codes) in lower shelf areas. This shortens the time it takes to collect goods for orders, thereby optimizing warehouse operational costs.
- Use professional warehouse software. This is essential for the packaging process to run smoothly. Handheld scanners connected to a computer system make it much easier to find goods in the warehouse.
It is also important to divide warehouse space into zones, for example, dedicated solely to small goods and large items. This way, you search for specific products in clearly marked zones, without wasting time looking for where a product might be located.
Order picking in the warehouse in practice – what equipment and accessories are useful in this process?
Order picking in a warehouse is a key process that requires the use of appropriate equipment and accessories to ensure efficiency and precision. In practice, it is important to use devices that facilitate quick transport of goods and accuracy in identifying them.
Useful accessories include:
- Forklifts, including picking and high-storage systems
- Warehouse scanners (manual and automatic)
- Industrial robots
- Belt and roller conveyors
- Printers and signaling devices
Thanks to modern equipment like scanners or unmanned forklifts, the time for order picking can be significantly reduced. Automation of processes, for example through industrial robots, eliminates errors and increases productivity. The practical application of the right equipment contributes to optimizing the entire supply chain – keep this in mind if you want to grow your business and reduce operational costs.