Picking in WMS systems

What are the stages of order picking?

• Order Receipt – The picking process begins with the receipt of an order from a customer or internal production department. The order contains a list of products that need to be assembled.
• Creating a pick list – A pick list is a document containing detailed information about the products ordered, their locations in the warehouse, quantities, and any specifications.
• Product Picking – Warehouse workers navigate the warehouse according to a picking list and collect the required products. This process can be assisted by various technologies, such as barcode scanners, warehouse management systems (WMS), and pick-to-light technologies.
• Packaging – Collected products are packaged according to order requirements. Packaging may include securing products, labeling, and preparing them for shipment.
• Etykietowanie i wysyłka – Na końcu kompletacji, przesyłka jest etykietowana odpowiednimi informacjami (adres odbiorcy, numer zamówienia, itp.) i przekazywana do działu wysyłki, gdzie jest gotowa do załadunku i transportu do klienta.
• Warehouse documentation – Each stage of completion should be properly documented to enable order tracking and resolution of any issues.

What are the order picking strategies in WMS systems?

WMS picking/picking strategies are crucial to the efficiency of picking operations. Each has its specific applications and benefits, tailored to a variety of warehouse requirements and structures. Here are three popular strategies:

Single Order Picking

This strategy involves picking each order individually. The WMS sends the warehouse worker a list of products to be picked for a single order on their mobile device, allowing for detailed customization to specific customer requirements. This is particularly useful in warehouses with low order volumes and a large product mix. However, this method can be less time-efficient for larger order volumes, as it requires multiple iterations through the same warehouse areas.

Multipicking

Multi-picking involves picking products for multiple orders simultaneously. The WMS aggregates the required products from different orders, allowing for a single visit to a specific location to pick a larger quantity. An employee moves around the warehouse with a cart or other device carrying several bins, each assigned to a different order. Products are picked in the order the system specifies, but are always placed directly into the appropriate bins assigned to specific orders. This strategy significantly increases efficiency by reducing picking time and minimizing warehouse travel. It is ideal for warehouses with a high volume of repeat products in orders.

Zone Picking

In a zone strategy, the warehouse is divided into specific areas (zones), and each warehouse worker is responsible for picking orders only within their zone. Products are then transferred between zones or directed to a consolidation area, where they are finalized for shipment. Zone picking is particularly effective in large warehouses, where dividing work into zones allows for faster order processing and reduced operational bottlenecks.

Each of these strategies can be individually tailored in the WMS system to meet the specific needs of the warehouse’s operations and logistics requirements. This allows for workflow optimization and increased overall warehouse process efficiency.