In recent decades, there have been major developments in the Brazilian logistics market.
In recent decades, there have been major developments in the Brazilian logistics market. Warehouse and distribution center owners are not the only ones to notice this, as customers are increasingly informed and demanding.
In this scenario, the functioning of logistics management is essential to ensure customer satisfaction. This area has many challenges, but it is possible to ensure that processes run smoothly. The use of picking systems, for example, streamlines flows and offers customers the products they need at the time they are requested.
This concept is not new, as it is a fairly common practice within the industry. However, not all managers know what picking is, its available types and how to apply the strategies within the business.
What are picking systems?
In general, we define what picking is such as collecting the product mix in the correct quantities from the storage area. Professionals from the United Kingdom have highlighted this process as a priority within distribution centers, as it ensures the company's good development.
It’s easy to see why. Picking systems make it possible to significantly reduce order handling time while also reducing the costs of such activity. The tasks involved in this practice include:
-Movement between separation locations;
-Extraction of items from storage locations;
-Access to separation locations;
-Documentation of separation transactions;
-Separation of items into orders;
-Packaging of items.
How important are picking systems within warehouses?
It is estimated that between 30% and 40% of labor cost is associated with this practice, which makes many managers think about how they can apply picking systems within their businesses.
After all, the minimum demanded by customers is quality products. Companies need to go above and beyond to meet consumer expectations and capture a good portion of the market. Within this scenario, the logistics picking activity ensures an operation that meets customer needs through control and monitoring systems that support diagnosed service and quality levels.
While we understand the importance of picking systems within warehouses, we cannot deny that this practice has its own challenges. The most important of these is aligning cost reduction with process efficiency and quality. In other words, how to perform more activities in less time and without flow failures, such as lack of products.
To help with this choice, different types of picking were developed.
What types of picking are available?
There are currently four different types of picking. Each of them was developed with the aim of minimizing time wasted and all have typical applications for their purpose.
Discreet picking
This is the simplest model and offers advantages in terms of process safety. In this type, each operator collects one order at a time, item by item. This reduces the chances of error by involving only one person in charge and one document for each merchandise separation order.
Discrete picking is widely used in large volume separation units, where there is a high relationship between SKUs per order or in-stock SKUs.
Batch picking
Among the types of picking, this is one of the most productive because it reduces locations — the person responsible wait to accumulate the number of orders to start collection. In this way, each operator collects a group of orders together.
However, the chances of error are higher in this case. This model is more recommended for medium or small volume units, as well as orders with few items.
Picking by zone
Warehouse spaces are divided by zone and each operator is associated with a zone, being responsible for collecting the items ordered from their area of operation.
Among the picking systems, this one allows the operator to have greater knowledge of his area of operation, which includes merchants and their respective locations. However, employees need to be careful to ensure there is no shortage of products.
Zone picking is most commonly used in large storage areas or in industries that have a wide variety of products. This type is also recommended for products that require different handling and packaging methods.
Wave picking
In this case, orders are collected according to the shift schedules. To facilitate organization, it is crucial to schedule a certain number of requests per shift.
It's the kind of picking most used when the delivery time it's short, since it is unfeasible to expect to have a considerable number of orders. Not surprisingly, it is the method applied in systems with high movement, which require greater synchronization of collection with the dispatch of orders.
How to implement picking systems in your company?
With these different types of picking available, the company needs to choose which model best fits its needs. This decision cannot be made based on “guesswork”, as it influences the entire operational process. Therefore, the wrong choice can trigger a series of losses procedural and financial.
The best option is to test and adapt picking systems that enhance storage efficiency. Doing this is simpler than it seems when you implement just two strategies:
1. Place the fastest-moving products at easily accessible points, to reduce operator travel time. Products that are not sold as frequently should be stored further away, so as not to obstruct space.
2. Find storage solutions that make it easier to find goods, improve flow and increase employee productivity. Bertolini offers smart solutions that streamline flows and minimize the time it takes to retrieve stored items.
Choosing a certain type of system is just one step towards improving the inventory and storage sectors. Here, you check 5 essential tips to improve these steps and bring more benefits to your business.
