Order picking is one of the fundamental activities performed in a warehouse. The picking process consists of locating ordered goods and preparing them for shipment.
Order picking is a labor-intensive activity, and when performed manually, it can generate a large number of errors. The way in which orders are fulfilled also affects warehouse organization. In many cases, order picking is performed by a warehouse worker using, for example, a manual pallet truck or a powered order picker. Many technical and organizational solutions have been developed to facilitate the transfer of information between the warehouse dispatcher and the picker, which is intended to eliminate errors and speed up the picking process. This article presents several selected solutions, listing their advantages, disadvantages, and potential applications.
DESCRIPTION OF COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS DURING PICKING
Here are several more or less conventional methods and techniques for entering and controlling information during the picking process in “manual” systems:
■ picking lists based on order printouts and/or adhesive labels
■ scanners, portable terminals, and the use of radio communication
■ shelf displays (pick-to-light systems)
■ audio communication systems
■ RackRunner® system
Picking lists based on order printouts and/or adhesive labels
On order printouts, items to be picked are usually listed in the logical order in which the worker moves through the warehouse. The order number, item location code, item code, and the number of items to be picked are included on the list. Orders are fulfilled sequentially according to the list, and each completed pick is marked off. In this process, there is no real-time information exchange. When it turns out that a given item is not where it was supposed to be, or the stock level is lower than what is needed to complete the order, many additional steps must be taken. Furthermore, the system does not provide the ability to automatically verify the accuracy of order fulfillment.
Scanners/portable terminals
Order information is loaded into the terminal, and instructions for the operator are displayed on the device screen. Instructions appear in the optimal order in which the worker will pick the order. Upon picking, the action is confirmed, and the next instruction is displayed. In this process, it is possible to build in an internal control system. For example, only the location code of the item to be picked is displayed on the terminal screen. Upon reaching the indicated location, the worker must scan either the item label on the packaging or the location code.
The article comes from the magazine “Logistyka” 2001/1.