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/

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