Next Chapter

x
Upgrade your business today and save up to 70% implementation costs with CTC funding support for HashMicro's ERP Get It Now!

Table of Content:

    Next Chapter:

      HomeIndustriesHash Manufacturing AutomationHow to Improve Order Picking Productivity in Your Warehouse

      How to Improve Order Picking Productivity in Your Warehouse

      Order picking is an important but overlooked process in warehouse management, whereas order fulfillment depends on this process. There are several things that slow down the order-picking process, such as inefficient strategies and inaccuracies in inventory counts.

      Order picking errors can cause delays in the process of packing goods and shipping orders, which then eventually lead to customer dissatisfaction. Therefore, use inventory management software so that the process of retrieving goods can take place quickly.

      Key Takeaways

      • Order picking is crucial, It’s a vital aspect of warehouse management, and order fulfillment relies on its efficiency.
      • Slow order picking due to inefficient strategies and inventory inaccuracies can result in delays in packing and shipping, leading to customer dissatisfaction.
      • Boosting warehouse productivity includes segregating SKUs, organizing items by demand, tracking inventory accurately, choosing efficient picking strategies, and using Warehouse Management Software (WMS).
      • Utilize software to facilitate quick retrieval of goods and streamline the picking process. HashMicro’s WMS is suggested for improving order-picking productivity and optimizing supply chain processes.

      Click Here to Get the Free Demo!

      FreeDemo

      Table of Content:

        Here are some easy ways you can implement to increase the productivity of your warehouse picking.

        Have Multiple Locations Per SKU

        Source: freepik.com

        Mixing multiple SKUs and in the same bin location is very inefficient. Studies have shown that mixing different SKUs in the same bin location can slow down the order-picking process because pickers have to search through the different SKUs to find the item to be picked.

        This can also cause errors. For example, an order picker could accidentally pick the wrong item since it is placed between several different SKUs. Therefore, having a discrete pickup location for each SKU and effective multi warehouse management is a must.

        Segment Your Order Picking by Demand Variability

        You certainly don’t want to spend much time picking your top-selling items. So, it’s important to separate them from the slow-moving ones.

        Therefore, ensure the bin location for the most popular items is close to the packaging and shipping area. In addition, you can place your slow-moving inventory a little further.

        Read the Related Article: 6 Inventory Management Hacks for Manufacturers

        Know Your Inventory on Hand Accurately

        Do not get the order picker confused due to discrepancies between the number of items recorded on your inventory system and the number of items you have. When the picker finds a difference, they will need to make inventory adjustments, which will take a lot of time.

        To avoid that scenario, you need to ensure that you can always keep track of your inventory on hand. Therefore, you need to have the best warehouse management system.

        Implement the Right Order Picking Strategy

        Source: freepik.com

        No best order-picking strategy is suitable for all companies because what is best for one company is not necessarily best for others.

        In addition, everything depends on the number of orders they have, the area and layout of their warehouses, and their company policies. Here are some common order-picking strategies used by many manufacturing companies:

        Batch Picking

        The batch-picking method requires the picker to take some items from several orders, one SKU, simultaneously.

        This method will be very helpful if you have several orders with the same SKU. When that happens, the picker only needs to make one trip to the pickup location for that particular SKU.

        Bonus tip: To ship goods to clients, you can use supply chain management software so that the order-to-delivery cycle is automatically arranged to be on time.

        download skema harga software erp
        download skema harga software erp

        Zone Picking

        This method is also called pick-and-pass picking. It requires the picker to pick up items in a specified zone. They are responsible for selecting all SKUs located in the particularized zone.

        When an order requires multiple SKUs in different zones, the items must be taken in turns from each zone. For example, when all SKUs from zone 1 have been taken, the picker can pick up items from zone 2 until they are put in the packaging area or directly put in the shipping area.

        Cluster Picking

        The picking cluster is the process of taking several items from several orders in one trip and then putting them into different containers. Usually, multi-tray trolleys are used to collect the items taken. Each order must be put in a different tray. Wave Picking

        Therefore, wave picking requires the picker to take items from one order and one SKU at a time. In this method, orders can be scheduled at certain times of the day to coordinate and optimize the picking and shipping process.

        Implement Warehouse Management Software

        To speed up the picking process, you need to ensure that you have a lean warehouse management strategy. To improve efficiency, consider using warehouse management software. HashMicro’s WMS not only helps you improve your order-picking productivity but also oversees your inventory movement and helps speed up the inventory audit process.

        This system can also be integrated with an inventory and purchasing management systems to optimize your end-to-end supply chain. Click here if you are interested in a free demo of the WMS!

        WarehouseManagement

        Chandra Natsir
        Chandra Natsir
        A content writer with a strong interest in writing and technology. Chandra is dedicated to writing useful, entertaining, and relevant information for readers, and he continues to develop content that connects and inspires them.

        Interest in getting savvy tips for improving your business efficiency?

        HashMicro Banner

        HashMicro Banner

        Try and See the Difference

        Get Started Today

        Trusted By More Than 2,000+ Entreprises

        Nadia

        Grace
        Typically replies within an hour

        Grace
        Looking for a Free Demo?

        Contact us via WhatsApp and let us know the software you are looking for.

        Claim up to 70% Company Training Committee for various HashMicro Software!
        6590858301
        ×

        Grace

        Active Now

        Grace

        Active Now