In the vast world of logistics, order picking is one of the most laborious and demanding processes in a warehouse. As players in this sector, our fundamental objective is to deliver the maximum number of orders quickly and economically. At the heart of these multiple operations, order picking stands out as a crucial phase, requiring substantial resources and meticulous management to ensure its efficiency. We invite you to discover what's at stake in this phase, as well as five practical tips for optimizing this process.
The challenges of order picking
The central pivot of the logistics chain, order picking involves picking and arranging items for dispatch to customers, in line with their quantity requirements. This process requires a delicate balance between accurately picking the right items in the right quantities, efficiently grouping them together and shipping them to the right destination. The crucial issue lies in the ability to ship the right product, in the right quantity, to the right address. This step, often underestimated, has a major influence on customer satisfaction when they receive their orders.
End customer satisfaction is directly linked to the quality of order preparation. Delays, errors or damaged packages can turn a positive experience into an unfavorable one. In the age of e-commerce, a dissatisfied customer can quickly turn to other brands, jeopardizing the company's reputation. What's more, poor order-picking management leads to additional costs, whether in terms of human resources or warehousing costs. It is therefore imperative toensure efficient management of this crucial stage, organized around picking, sorting and packaging.
Order picking stages
Order picking is an essential part of the supply chain, and of paramount importance. It is fundamental to controlling supply chain costs and meeting customer expectations. This operation is divided into several interdependent stages:
- Planning: First and foremost, order picking requires meticulous planning of the tasks to be accomplished. This helps to improve work efficiency and allocate resources more wisely. During this phase, load units and processes are standardized to facilitate the rest of the operation. This includes the choice of handling equipment (order picker carts, container rolls, etc.) according to the orders and products to be handled. In addition, the use of warehouse management software enables more efficient planning of tasks. These tools record the various tasks, organize them by priority and assign them to staff.
- Picking routes and picking: Picking is the stage when the various products required for a customer's order are removed. This phase demands greater precision to save time and avoid errors. It is crucial to define the picker's starting point, the picking route, the location of the products and the equipment to be used. Warehouse layout plays a key role, as easy access to products simplifies and speeds up the operation.Automation, using software to automatically route products to the operator, also represents an effective solution in this procedure.
- Checking and preparing the order: Once all the necessary products have been assembled, the operators move on to packaging. This phase begins with verification of the quantity and reference of the units collected, to avoid errors in the products delivered. The order is then packaged, involving weighing, packing and labelling. Depending on the delivery route, the order is routed to the shipping area, finalizing the operation with the printing of delivery notes or packing lists.
Optimize order picking: 5 key tips
To deliver quality service while cutting costs, it's essential to reduce the time spent on logistics order-picking processes. Here are five tips to help you do just that:
Operator training to limit unnecessary steps
Warehouse productivity largely depends on the training of order-picking operators. Avoiding redundancies and reducing errors through process pre-planning is essential. This step enables picking, packing and dispatch zones to be defined, while organizing orders by priority. Optimal inventory management, taking pallet dimensions into account, also contributes to storage and transport efficiency.
Reducing sampling distances
Reducing distances traveled by operators is a priority, and this means optimizing picking cart routes. By analyzing sales and classifying the most popular items in easily accessible shelving, unnecessary trips can be minimized. The ABC method facilitates the strategic stocking of items according to their importance, thus reducing unnecessary round trips.
Use of management software to optimize order picking
Integrating warehouse management software such as Reflex WMS is a major advantage when it comes to optimizing order picking. Analysis of key performance indicators identifies bottlenecks, while automation of certain tasks, such as document editing and inventory management, increases efficiency. WMS software also facilitates the integration of automated picking solutions, such as pick-to-voice or pick-to-light.
Evaluating different picking methods
The choice of picking method has a direct impact on order-picking efficiency. Several options exist, ranging from picking by item to picking by group. Affordable systems such as pick-to-light, pick-to-voice and put-to-light offer effective alternatives for minimizing errors and speeding up the process.
Selecting the right storage solution to optimize the picking phase
Warehouse layout plays a crucial role in order picking efficiency. Layout configuration, signage, aisle widths and zone locations all need to be carefully planned. Depending on the picking method chosen, the warehouse may require specific equipment such as hives, stacker cranes or conveyors. A well thought-out layout helps order pickers to work faster and moreefficiently.
