picking process
picking procedures in practice
Picking procedure refers to the different methods that can be used in picking .
Table of contents
General classification
The picking method chosen follows a picking strategy . It ultimately decides on the individually suitable and installed picking system , which in turn consists of various techniques. A general distinction is made between one-stage and two-stage picking.
- Single-stage picking: Items of a customer order are assembled in a single pass
- Two-stage picking: Customer orders are summarized. The first stage involves picking the same items from the various individual orders. In the second stage, the individual items are then assigned to the respective individual order.
picking process - overview
Pick-by-Paper: The simplest picking method is characterized by the use of only paper. All orders are printed or written down on a piece of paper and contain the information: storage location, article number and quantity. This method is adaptable and suitable for small companies with traditional warehousing (trestle storage), but requires a lot of staff and does not always provide an up-to-date overview of the material flow, since the data is only entered into the system after the picking process.
In addition to the pick-by-paper method, there is also the paperless picking method . This does not involve the use of paper - i.e. picking lists - and instead relies on other methods.
Pick-by-Scan/Pick-by-Barcode/Pick-by-MDE : MED stands for mobile data capture device and refers to the use of electronic devices during order picking that store the relevant data and show it on a display or touchscreen. The mobile handheld computers contain a 1D or 2D barcode scanner. Communication with warehouse management software takes place via WLAN. Picking errors can be avoided and time saved. In addition, the order data is forwarded directly to an ERP system, which shows the inventory in real time.
Pick-by-Voice : The picker is equipped with headphones and an integrated microphone - so he receives the instructions necessary for the picking process. This method works in combination with MDE devices. A warehouse management system is essential for this picking method.
Pick-by-Vision : Data glasses guide the picker through the individual order steps. Optical displays indicate the location and number of items. A huge advantage is that the picker has both hands free, and the error rate is also quite low. However, it takes practice to use the glasses, which also have to be suitable for industrial use. The visual strain on the picker is high.
Pick-by-Light : Displays with light signals are attached to the compartments. They guide the picker to the shelf and show the quantity to be picked. The error rate is very low and the training time is also short, but there are high installation and maintenance costs.
Pick-by-Terminal: Data is transmitted wirelessly. The necessary system is attached to an industrial truck and the information is obtained using a scanner. This method is particularly suitable for bulky and large items. The error rate is low.
Pick-by-RFID: All packaging has a rewritable transponder that has a data memory and an antenna for transmission.
Pick-by-Point: A laser on the shelf aisle shows the picker which compartment the desired item is in. The picking performance is very high, but it entails high installation and maintenance costs.
Pick-by-Robot : In this picking method, a picking robot carries out the orders. There are mobile robots as well as permanently installed robot systems. A big advantage is that processes are automated, run more efficiently and the error rate is generally very low. However, robots are not (yet) as flexible and adaptable as humans.
Which picking method for which purpose?
There is no general answer, as the use of picking methods depends on certain factors and is determined by various circumstances.
- number of items, the size of the warehouse
- Item characteristics: size, weight
- order quantity
- storage strategies
- industry
- Resources such as time, finances, number of employees
Important: The aim of all picking processes is to maximize the picking rate while minimizing the error rate.
