Order picking is one of the main functions of the technological warehouse process, and its effective implementation largely determines the efficiency of logistics processes within the enterprise, as well as effective cooperation with business partners within logistics supply chains. It has a significant impact on the functioning of internal distribution, as well as on the effectiveness, level, and culture of customer service for business partners (suppliers and recipients). Picking system solutions must take into account current market requirements regarding: timeliness (strict scheduling) of deliveries, punctuality, quality of delivered goods, compliance of shipments with orders, labeling in a way that enables their automatic identification within the warehouse and at business partners, as well as ensure the implementation of the “Just-in-Time” principle and “Lean” solutions, which condition cost optimization. Picking system solutions are diverse – from simple manual picking systems, controlled by verbal instructions or paper documents, to mechanized and automated systems, in which picking process activities are managed by computer networks and programs controlling the flow of loads, instructions, and documents.
Taking the above into account, it should be stated that there are currently no standard, proven picking system solutions that meet specific, concrete requirements, and every planned system must be an individual solution.
Goods picking processes. Essence, basic solutions and systems
Elements defining the picking process.
Picking is one of the functions of the technological warehouse process, which consists of selecting the appropriate types and quantities of assortments from storage locations (or preparation areas) and assembling them into a separate, designated whole, which will then be transferred to the warehouse dispatch zone for release to the recipient. The efficiency of picking processes is currently one of the decisive elements of every enterprise’s logistics, significantly affecting its financial results, as well as the level and quality of cooperation with partners (suppliers and recipients). Currently, business partners expect timely deliveries that comply with orders in terms of types, quantities, and quality of goods, with minimized numbers of errors and the need for complaints. The changing conditions of trade are currently moving towards a continuous increase in the number of ordered assortments while simultaneously decreasing the number of pieces in individual assortments, as well as trends of reducing shipment batches at the expense of increasing delivery frequency. The “Just-in-time” principle, which is being introduced more and more commonly among recipients, allowing them to maintain minimal warehouse stocks, and also significantly improving the organization of receipts and issues – places requirements on goods suppliers to maintain high quality standards in picking processes while maintaining cost-reduction principles that determine the competitiveness of processes and the enterprise. Developing a concept for improving the picking process must be preceded by collecting and processing output data characterizing the picking process, as well as the technological warehouse process within which the picking will be carried out.
The article comes from the magazine “Logistyka” no. 1/2006.