Send Out Shipments Efficiently: What to Know About 3 Picking Methods
The supply chain depends on efficiency and organization, which is why
it’s important for fulfillment centers to make their daily operations
as streamlined as possible. Picking methods are the strategies a team
uses to retrieve items from the inventory quickly and efficiently.
Choosing the right picking method depends on a variety of factors, from
the size of a warehouse to the products being gathered.
Well-organized warehouses and efficient daily operations play a major
role in on-time deliveries and reducing product loss, so choosing the
right picking method makes all the difference. Here are three popular
picking methods and the types of fulfillment teams they can benefit.
Single Order Picking
This picking method involves retrieving orders one at a time, making it
a great option for small operations that are picking individual,
direct-to-consumer orders. Single method picking is typically ideal for
warehouses or stores with a lower volume of orders to fill and a wider
range of SKUs to track.
Since online ordering has become an
important part of countless industries, smaller warehouses, local
businesses, and other tight teams are fulfilling orders. While
efficiency can be a concern with single order picking, a hand cart
can allow team members to move multiple items at a time, boosting
safety and saving time. This picking method is easy to coordinate,
making it a great option for smaller operations.
Batch Picking
When using the batch picking method, a team member picks items for
multiple orders at the same time, which are then sorted during the
packing process. By grouping multiple orders together, batch picking
saves time by cutting down on the amount of time a team member spends
walking back and forth between the inventory and packing sections of a
warehouse.
Since this picking process requires team members to pull items for multiple orders at once, versatile hand trucks
are key. Choosing the right material handling tools depends on what
types of inventory team members are moving. A standard hand truck can
help move stackable boxes, while a platform truck is best for bulky or
heavier items. A convertible hand truck that transforms from a standard
cart to a platform truck is a great option for teams that need a
flexible solution.
Zone Picking
Zone
picking is ideal for large warehouses. It involves dividing the
warehouse into different sections and assigning a team member to gather
items from a specific zone. Since this method allows each team member to
become an expert in their specific zone and reduces travel time within
the warehouse, it’s an excellent way for large fulfillment centers to
boost efficiency.
This method can boost efficiency and accuracy
and is easy to pivot as the needs of a warehouse team change. Reliable
material handling equipment can help keep team members safe and
efficient as they pull and transport items.
With reliable
material handling tools and the right picking method, fulfillment teams
can boost their safety, efficiency, and accuracy.
About Magline
Growing
your business starts with the right tools, which is why Magliner
equipment is designed to suit the needs of any industry. As the world’s
leading manufacturer of route distribution solutions, Magline works with
companies across industries to boost safety and efficiency. Whether
your moving company needs an electric dolly or your brewery needs a hand dolly
designed to transport kegs safely, trust Magliner equipment. By
listening to the challenges of specific industries, this trusted brand
designs equipment that solves challenges and optimizes workflows. The
modular design of Magliner equipment simplifies routine maintenance and
upgrades, while high-quality materials and construction ensure these
tools are built to last. With constant innovation, patented designs, and
industry-leading safety features, Magline strives to not only meet but
exceed the needs of countless industries.
Learn why countless warehouses trust Magliner equipment at https://www.magliner.com/