Order processing: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 17:50, 15 June 2023

Revision as of 13:15, 11 July 2023

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* '''Zone picking method''': each order picker is assigned to one specific zone and will only realize order picking within this zone. For instance, in an electrical retail environment, both small and large items may be required and a picker on an electric vehicle such as a powered pallet truck (PPT) or an order picker vehicle may pick large and heavy items whereas a foot picker may pick small and light ones from another part of the warehouse. The two picks are eventually collated.

* '''Batch picking method''': order pickers move to collect the products necessary for several orders at one time through the most efficient route in the warehouse.

*'''Wave picking method''': [[Wave picking]] is the combination of zone and batch picking, where batches of orders are passed from picker to picker through separate zones.{{cncitation needed|date=October 2020}}

* '''Sorting systems method''': no movement of the order picker(s), the products are brought to her or him by an automatic system ([[conveyor system]], automatic storage …...).

* '''Pick to box method''': same strategy as piece picking above, but when product is picked, it is placed directly into a mailing-ready container, removing the need for any interim repackaging for mailing / transit purposes. This method requires what is sometimes referred to as a “cartonization” step, where the warehouse management system (WMS) figures out before the pick is started how many boxes will be required (and what size) so that the picker goes out to the warehouse with the correct boxes already in hand. <ref>{{Cite web|url=http://wms.com.es/picking-carritos-de-recogida.html|title=Pick to box procedures|website=wms.com.es|access-date=2017-08-04}}</ref>

Note that these strategies are not mutually exclusive to each other. For example, wave picking can be used to batch picks, which are then handled via zone or piece picking. A warehouse may also need to support alternate picking strategies due to physical layout or product distribution; for example, if some products are only sold by pallet and require special lifting equipment, those pallet-orders might be batched or processed differently that the rest of the products which might be piece-picked — alternatively, part of a warehouse might be automated with sorting systems while another part is not.

===Piece Picking===

Piece picking, also known as broken case picking or pick/pack operations, describes systems where individual items are picked. Operations using piece picking typically have a large [[stock keeping unit]], or SKU, base in the thousands or tens of thousands of items, small quantities per pick, and short cycle times. Examples of piece pick operations include mail-order catalog companies and repair parts distributors. <ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://www.inventoryops.com/order_picking.htm | last=Piasecki | first=Dave | title=Order Picking: Methods and Equipment for Piece Pick, Case Pick, and Pallet Pick Operations | publisher= Inventory Ops Consultation | year=2012 | access-date=1 May 2015}}</ref>

===Case Picking===

Operations that use case picking tend to have less diversity in product characteristics than operations that use piece picking. There are typically fewer SKUs and higher picks per SKU. <ref name=":0" />

===Pallet Picking===

Full-pallet picking, or unit-load picking, uses much simpler systematic methods than piece picking or case picking. However, there are many choices in storage equipment, storage configurations and types of lift trucks. <ref name=":0" />

==Sorting ==