Customer satisfaction depends on mastering every stage of the order-picking process. How can you optimize this crucial phase to improve your supply chain and reduce costs? Order picking is essential to ensure fast, cost-effective deliveries. By controlling this process, you can not only satisfy your customers, but also improve your productivity and profitability. Here are five order-picking methods to boost your supply chain.
In a nutshell:
- 📦 Order picking optimization: Order picking is a crucial step accounting for 60% of warehouse operating costs. Optimized management of this phase is essential to reduce costs and improve overall efficiency.
- 🚀 Importance of speed and accuracy: In the age of e-commerce, customer expectations of fast, accurate deliveries are high. Inefficient order picking can lead to lost business.
- 🛠️ Various methods for improving the supply chain: Five main order-picking methods are presented: individual picking, group picking, zone picking, wave picking and hybrid picking. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on warehouse size and order volume.
| 🔍 Appearance | 📊 Detail |
|---|---|
| 💰 Operating cost | 60% of warehouse costs |
| 📦 Individual method | Simple, efficient picking for small warehouses |
| 🗂️ Grouped method | Time-saving, requires post-sorting |
| 📍 Zone method | Reduces travel, requires coordination |
The challenges of order picking
Order picking accounts for around 60% of operating costs in traditional warehouses, making it a crucial component of the supply chain. Optimized management of this stage is therefore essential to keep costs down and improve overall efficiency. Order picking includes not only picking, but also sorting, packing and checking before dispatch. Each stage must be perfectly orchestrated to avoid errors that could compromise customer satisfaction.
In the age of e-commerce, where expectations of speed and accuracy are high, inefficient order picking can quickly lead to the loss of customers to more efficient competitors. Well-managed order picking also reduces labor and storage costs. By optimizing operator movements, using guidance technologies and automating certain tasks, companies can achieve significant savings.
Rolls Rapide offers innovative order picker trucks, designed to improve every step of this process. These tools facilitate the transport and sorting of items, reducing errors and speeding up operations, contributing to more efficient and economical management.
Approach 1: Individual item sampling
Individual item picking is a simple and common method in small warehouses. When an operator receives an order, he moves around the warehouse to collect all the items ordered. Once the order is complete, he moves on to the next one. This method is particularly effective in small warehouses, where movement is limited. It enables direct and simple order management.
However, it becomes less efficient in large warehouses because of the time wasted travelling. This can increase operational costs and reduce productivity. Individual picking is ideal for small companies or smaller warehouses where the proximity of items minimizes travel. It's also a good option for companies with low order volumes or bulky, heavy products.
Approach 2: Collective sampling
Bulk picking is based on the principle of preparing several orders simultaneously. The operator groups together orders containing similar items, and picks the total quantities required in a single operation. This method saves time and travel. It is particularly effective for orders containing common items. However, it requires a sorting operation after picking to separate the items into different orders, which can add an extra step to the process.
Bulk picking is suitable for warehouses with medium to high order volumes, especially when certain items are frequently ordered together. Companies using this method generally benefit from order management software to optimize grouping and sorting.
Approach 3: Zonal sampling
Zonal picking involves dividing the warehouse into different zones, each managed by one or more operators. Each operator is responsible for the orders in his or her specific zone. If an order contains items from several zones, the operators work successively on this order.
This method reduces the number of operator movements and allows work to be specialized in each zone, thus increasing efficiency. However, it requires good coordination between zones, and can be complex to manage in large warehouses. Zonal picking is suited to large warehouses with a wide variety of products. It is particularly useful for companies with orders containing items from different categories or from different parts of the warehouse.
Approach 4: Wave sampling
Wave picking combines grouped and zone picking methods. Article batches are grouped according to specific criteria such as shipping priority, transport route or operator workload. Order groups are assigned to pickers according to the location of the goods, to avoid excessive aisle congestion.
Wave picking offers great flexibility and optimization of the order-picking process. It reduces travel and improves workflow management. However, it requires advanced technology and rigorous coordination to be implemented effectively. This method is ideal for large warehouses with advanced technological infrastructure and high order volumes. Companies using wave picking can better manage peak demand and urgent orders.
Approach 5: Hybrid sampling
Hybrid picking uses a combination of methods to maximize efficiency. Typically, orders are first grouped by zone. Then, in each zone, operators use group picking to prepare several orders at the same time. This method offers great flexibility and efficiency, taking advantage of the benefits of other methods while minimizing their drawbacks.
However, it requires complex planning and management, as well as sophisticated technological systems to coordinate operations. Hybrid picking is particularly well suited to large warehouses or distribution centers with a wide range of products and high order volumes. It is also suitable for companies seeking to optimize every aspect of their order-picking process.
Rolls Rapide tips to improve order picking
To maximize the efficiency of your order-picking process, it's crucial to adopt optimal organization and choose the right methods and tools. Here are a few practical tips to improve your order picking:
Adopt optimal organization
Optimal warehouse organization is essential. Sort items according to how often they are ordered, a technique known as "slotting". Items in greatest demand should be easily accessible. Make sure your order-picking areas are well defined, tidy and secure, close to storage areas and the necessary tools.
Choose the right picking method
Choosing the right picking method for your warehouse can significantly increase efficiency. Minimize movement and facilitate handling to improve speed and protect the health of your employees. The picking methods described above can be combined and adapted to your specific needs.
Choose the right guidance mode
Use guidance tools to assist your operators. Label lists, mobile digital terminals, pick by voice and pick by light are all technologies that can improve order-picking accuracy and speed. For example, pick by light uses indicator lights to indicate the location of items to be picked, thus reducing errors.
Use the right order-picking tools
Inventory management software packages can automate and connect your operations to your accounting, e-commerce and CRM systems. They enable you to manage and track goods movements, update inventory in real time, and automatically trigger replenishments. They are essential in an omnichannel distribution strategy.
Conclusion
To optimize your supply chain and ensure maximum customer satisfaction, it's crucial to master the different methods of order preparation. By adopting the right practices and using the right tools, you can reduce your operating costs, increase the speed and accuracy of your deliveries, and thus improve your company's productivity and profitability. To find out more about how these methods can be implemented in your company, contact Rolls Rapide today. We'd be delighted to help you improve your supply chain and achieve your customer satisfaction objectives.
