CHAPTER 6.
ORDER PICKING METHODS
Introduction
“Fast is fine but accuracy is everything” (Wyatt Earp)
CHAPTER 6. ORDER PICKING METHODS
Introduction
Certain picking methods are in use in warehouses:
. paper pick lists;
. pick by label;
. pick by voice;
. barcode scanning;
. radio frequency identification;
. pick by light/pick to light;
. put to light;
. automated picking.
CHAPTER 6. ORDER PICKING METHODS
* Paper pick list
* Pick by label
CHAPTER 6. ORDER PICKING METHODS
* Pick by voice
Operators are issued with a headset and a microphone together with a
small terminal that is attached to a belt or can be worn on the wrist.
The WMS sends messages to the computer via radio frequency (RF)
transmissions, utilizing transmitters installed throughout the warehouse,
and these messages are converted into voice commands.
The operator also uses voice to communicate back to the system.
Example:Voice pick at FAST warehouse
Pick by voice at Hammon warehouse
CHAPTER 6. ORDER PICKING METHODS
* Pick by voice
CHAPTER 6. ORDER PICKING METHODS
* Pick by voice
Benefits:
. increased accuracy; increased productivity;
. reduction in paper usage; reduction in errors through elimination of re-
keying data;
. improved safety through hands- and eyes-free operation;
. reduction in damage; real-time stock updates leading to fast and
accurate replenishment; real-time updates regarding potential shortages;
. increased operator time on the warehouse floor; reduced training
times; multilingual, accommodating a diverse workforce; easy to
integrate with other systems; potential reduction in employee turnover;
CHAPTER 6. ORDER PICKING METHODS
* Barcode scanning
. A barcode consists of a series of vertical bars of varying widths that
represent letters, numbers and other symbols. Barcodes are used to
identify products, locations in the warehouse, containers (totes, cartons,
pallets), serial and batch numbers.
. One dimensional barcodes and two-dimensional barcodes
. The main barcode standards include EAN-8, EAN-13
CHAPTER 6. ORDER PICKING METHODS
* Barcode scanning
Barcode readers come in many different forms. They can be hand held,
static, truck-mounted or wearable.
CHAPTER 6. ORDER PICKING METHODS
* Radio frequency identification
RFID is a means of uniquely identifying an item using radio waves. Data
is exchanged between tags and readers and depending on the frequency,
m
The following items are required to introduce an RFID application: .
RFID readers
. RFID tags
. middleware;
. systems upgrades;
. RF network within the warehouse
CHAPTER 6. ORDER PICKING METHODS
* Radio frequency identification
Current disadvantages of RFID include:
. reading issues when in close proximity to liquids and metal;
. dead areas in the warehouse where signals are weak;
. tags can be damaged by liquids, static discharges and magnetic surges;
and
. intermittent data capture, with the possibility of some tags not being
read
CHAPTER 6. ORDER PICKING METHODS
* Pick by light/Pick to light
. Pick to light or pick by light uses light-indicator, LED or LCD modules
mounted to shelving, flow racks, pallet racks or other storage locations.
This system tends to be used in conjunction with zone picking.
Example: Pick to light - demonstration
Pick to light
CHAPTER 6. ORDER PICKING METHODS
* Put to Light
. When the SKU has arrived at the ‘put’ station the operator scans each
item and a flashing light displays at each location indicating which
containers (relating to a particular store) require that product and how
many items are required.
. Confirmed ‘put’ results are uploaded to the system in real time to
update the WMS.
. a requirement to set up a central processing area, which can result in
the design of a new layout
Example: Put to Light system
CHAPTER 6. ORDER PICKING METHODS
* Comparision
CHAPTER 6. ORDER PICKING METHODS
* Cost of Errors
. cost of recovering the item;
. labour cost of in-handling and checking the item on its return;
. cost of picking the replacement item;
. cost of re-packing; cost of re-delivery;
. administration costs of handling credit claims, etc;
. cash flow with reference to non-payment of invoice;
. potential loss of sale for the product incorrectly despatched;
. cost of re-training staff;
. possible stock write-off if the returned product is outside an
acceptable shelf life or has been damaged in transit.
CHAPTER 6. ORDER PICKING METHODS
* Advantages and Disadvantages of Pick systems
* Deciding on type of picking system and equipment
The following factors must be taken into account:
. The return on investment and payback periods for major capital
. Ergonomic and green issues
. The long-term strategy
. High volume due to seasonal peaks
. The availability of labour