Order picking in the warehouse - a key logistics process
The modern warehouse is not only a space for storing goods, but also an area where a competitive advantage is built. Customers choose an offer not only on the basis of product quality or price, but also availability and delivery time. It is warehouse logistics that determines whether an order will arrive on time, in the right packaging and at a competitive cost.
One of the most important processes of logistics is order picking, without which it is impossible to serve the customer at the highest level. In the article, we explain how a modern WMS system and automatic identification technologies support picking and increase its efficiency.
WMS as the foundation of the picking process
A WMS (Warehouse Management System) is a tool for comprehensive management of warehouse processes – from receiving to storage to issuance. Each of these areas is governed by its own rules, is based on different mechanisms and generates specific consequences.
With a WMS, each operation is performed in a way that is not only optimized, but also ensures that the next steps are carried out correctly. For example:
The receipt of goods can be preceded by a delivery advice and realized by reading the barcode from the pallet,
In the storage process, the system uses data about the received products, including their dimensions, to optimize placement on warehouse shelves.
Types of order picking
Picking is a process that has a direct impact on customer satisfaction. Depending on the specific industry and the type of warehouse, the WMS enables different strategies:
Classic order picking – order by order, without optimizing routes and times.
Batch picking (group picking) – taking products of a similar nature in one pass and repacking them for specific orders in the consolidation zone.
Zone picking – a strategy for warehouses with complex architecture, where zoning (e.g., mezzanine and main hall) requires separate picking tasks.
Wave picking – orders are grouped into waves according to lead time, shipping location or product groups; this helps speed up handling, save space and reduce mistakes.
Multi order picking – An increasingly popular strategy in e-commerce that allows multiple orders to be picked during a single pass by an operator through the picking area.
Process flexibility with WMS
A modern WMS provides flexible workflows that can be adapted to the realities of the warehouse and current operational needs. Operators using mobile terminals (data collectors, smartphones or tablets) receive messages tailored to the situation, which streamlines their work.
Dynamic process adaptation enables, among other things:
serial number handling,
Implementation of value-added services in the completion process,
Conducting performance analytics for each operator.
Technologies to support picking
Picking efficiency can be further increased with modern technology:
AMR robots – support operators by transporting pallets or picking carts from the picking area to the shipping area, making the process independent of classic forklifts.
Pick to light – A light system indicating where to pick SKUs in the picking area.
Pick by voice – allows the operator to communicate with the WMS using voice commands, which speeds up work and reduces errors.
