Order Picking

Order picking for warehouse management

Order picking describes the process of making goods available for further processing. This takes place for a fixed customer who is entitled to receive the goods on the basis of a production order in the product chain. The goods themselves are referred to as consignment in this respect. There are several procedures and possibilities for applying order picking in one's own business. These adapt accordingly to the warehouse structure at goods receipt and enable a quick reaction to the given circumstances in the warehouse.

Which picking procedures are there?

With different requirements, the procedures and approaches of picking also differ. From manual to variously automated systems, there are numerous measures to fully meet the product requirements. In this respect, there are several options for the type of provision:

• Static picking

The static picking method is also known as the man-to-goods system. This form of picking can be implemented without extensive investments. This means that the required goods are always at a fixed location, which makes it possible to process rush orders quickly. The dependency on the machine is also completely eliminated with this implementation, which ensures a high degree of flexibility even with fluctuating requirements. However, due to the static implementation of the goods, it becomes difficult to adapt on the basis of the picking location and to change the system to the current demand.

• Dynamic picking

Dynamic picking adapts much more precisely to the exact product demand. Special warehouse technology is required for the smooth implementation of this process, which involves the use of automated high-bay warehouses and the integration of circulating flow racks. Due to the direct dispatch of the goods, the travel times are completely eliminated with this method. This also reduces the susceptibility to errors and makes it possible to provide for easy removal of empty storage containers. However, in order for such a form of picking to work, high investment costs must first be made for the necessary machines.

• Pick-By picking

One of the most modern process technologies is the Pick-By picking method. This makes it possible to select the desired goods for own processing by means of both paper and mobile data capture. In this way, information on product availability can be provided quickly with the help of the checking staff in order to react to the existing demand quickly or even immediately with digital assistance. A terminal can also be a good choice for pick-by-picking in order to ensure a quick and error-free selection of the desired components with the help of a scanner.

Diverse picking systems and methods

There are several methods to choose from so that the picking process can be aligned according to the existing requirements. Through these, users can align themselves according to their own expectations and meet the demand.

• Manual or automatic

When differentiating between manual and automatic processes, there is a dependency on the scope around goods receipt. If only small groups of goods are available in the warehouse, the manual variant is usually completely sufficient. However, if the need for regular storage and subsequent forwarding is greater, the implementation of automatic systems is recommended.

• Parallel or serial

Serial picking processes are based on separate order processing of all individual components. As a rule, only one order picker is responsible for the implementation of the order, whereby the steps are processed one after the other. The parallel process, on the other hand, is much more far-reaching and enables simultaneous handling of the various tasks and structural processes during picking.

• Order- or series-oriented

If the picking process is order-oriented, the handling is always based on a fixed and once-only order. If, however, the implementation is a regular occurrence, for example for the forwarding of components, we speak of a series-oriented process. In this case, the order is directly linked to a regular time pattern.

Through process optimisation to rapid provision

As an important part of the assembly process, the picking process is of great importance in logistics. In this way, the desired processes can be simplified in order to provide larger order groups with the necessary order and to implement them more quickly in terms of time. The concrete planning of the putaway enables the picker to proceed in a structured and well thought-out manner. In conjunction with static, dynamic or Pick-By order picking systems, fast and uncomplicated delivery can therefore be ensured.