Types of order picking

Order picking is an important process in warehouse logistics

Let's take a look at what order picking involves and how it's organized.

What is order picking?

Order preparation, also known as picking, is the name given to the organization of picking, assembly and warehousing following a purchase order issued by a customer. In other words, the aim is to group together items stored in a warehouse, in order to dispatch them to the customer, via a purchase order issued by the customer.

Productivity depends on order preparation. In fact, order picking is closely linked to the management of product stocks, stores and warehouses. In order to optimize order picking and ensure its quality, there will be a task protocol to follow, using methods appropriate to the company and the type of product.

There are two ways of organizing order picking: picking and splitting.

• Picking: the order picker moves from one storage location to another to fill orders.
• Breakdown: customers' products are broken down by different suppliers into pallets for each customer.

The basic step-by-step process of order picking :

• Item picking in the storage area (by product, batch or zone).
• Sort items according to quantity on the purchase order (physical or computerized).
• Pack items and draw up packing slip (per parcel or per Pallet).
• Shipment of goods to the customer.

Order picking

Several methods can be used to prepare orders or pickings.

The Pick then Pack

The Pick then Pack method consists of picking up the requested goods from the order form, directly from the storage area. The items are then taken to the preparation area, where they are sorted, packed and dispatched.

Pick to Light

This method facilitates merchandise retrieval. In fact, two illuminated beacons are integrated into the shelves to indicate to the order picker that goods need to be picked, with the notion of the exact quantity to be withdrawn. This avoids picking errors and speeds up picking.

Pick and Pack

The idea is to combine several items from a single order into a single box (using a computerized system). "Take and pack".

Pick to Belt

This picking method is ideal for mass orders. In fact, it consists of assembling several cartons containing a large quantity of goods, which a conveyor can then supply to the sorting center.

What are the objectives for optimizing order picking?

The key objective in optimizing order picking is to reduce the amount of time required for order preparation:

• Optimize employee movements by adapting the warehouse, and an efficient method of zoning stocks (ABC-type referencing). This will also reduce item search times.
• Limit picking errors and stock-outs by remembering to replenish picking (automatic storage alert). 

Calling on Rolls Rapide

With over thirty years' experience in the field, Rolls Rapide offers both new and used equipment. When you call on this SME, you're guaranteed to benefit from complete support.