Amazon

Warehouse Picking Methods

Depending on the Fulfilment Centre you work at, could include one of the below picking methods:

Paper picking - Paper picking is an easy warehouse picking method, using printed sheets. The pickers route may be fixed, or it may be optimized. In many operations a supervisor will batch orders together manually by zones, of course although it has a low entry cost point, paper-based picking has a number of short comings compared to directed picking and mobile computing. There are a few seasonal companies whose volumes vary by a factor of 20 or more, where it could make sense not to invest in technology, however as the cost of labour rises and availability shrinks, they run the risk of not being able to get the orders out.

Another deficiency which is not always obvious until after it is gone, is the possible lack of accountability and metrics. A system – driven environment allows a company to recognize its stars and also manage to minimum production levels.

RF (Radio frequency) picking –   Picking using mobile computers is a very easy step up from paper, all warehouse movements are logged and tracked, resulting in better inventory, accuracy and providing total accountability to your labour budget, as well as what individuals are doing all day long. These warehouse picking methods enable you to get good statistical information on your employee’s productivity and accuracy and then good metrics for your overall operation. Information can be real-time via RF, or a lower cost at lower volume, or spread out operations, sometimes batch transfer with cradle synch, supports mobile handheld picking. Accuracy is guaranteed by requiring scanning at each movement, if desired. These systems have a more affordable entry point, then they did in the past, and can be implemented quickly, often with 1-2 days training or less.

Voice directed picking -  Although voice recognition has been available for a long period of time, in the past decade these warehouse picking methods have grown tremendously in order picking. The hardware cost is higher than a mobile handheld device, however unlike pick-to-light, the cost scales with the number of users, not the number of SKU’s (stock keeping units) making it overall very cost effective in certain situations. A query - response system of check digits is used to ensure accuracy. Voice picking supports multiple languages and since the operator trains the system, it supports an infinite number of operator responses. Benefits of the voice picking systems is that the operator’s hands are free, making this system the choice for full application on grocery distribution, refrigerated spaces etc.

Smart glasses for picking

Smart Pick is, essentially, augmented reality software. It runs in the Android OS and

is designed for Vuzix M100 smart glasses — like Google Glass, but optimized for industry. The M100 has larger batteries and can clip onto the safety goggles many warehouse workers already have to wear.

The glasses recognize printed codes attached to the pallet or shelf space of each item in the warehouse. As a picker looks around, the Smart Pick software overlays graphics on top of those codes in the picker’s field of view, telling her how many of each item to collect — and even where to go to find the next item in the order.