Efficient order picking and packing are crucial for any eCommerce business. The right picking method can save time, reduce errors, and improve overall productivity. In this blog, we will explore different picking methods, suggest the best ways to set up your product SKUs and warehouse for each method, recommend additional products you may need, and outline the best processes for each method.
Discrete Picking
What is Discrete Picking?
Discrete picking is the most common order picking process where one operator picks an entire order and takes it to the staging area.
Drawbacks of Discrete Picking
Although discrete picking is widely used, it is the most inefficient method. Operators spend more time traveling through the warehouse to pick each order individually. As your team grows and order volumes increase, this method can lead to significant delays and decreased productivity.
Best Setup for Discrete Picking
- SKU Organization: Arrange SKUs in a logical sequence, ideally by product category, to minimize the travel distance.
- Warehouse Layout: Use a linear or U-shaped layout to streamline the picking path.
- Additional Products Needed: Carts or trolleys for transporting items.
Best Process for Discrete Picking
- Receive Order: Operator receives the order details.
- Pick Items: Operator picks items sequentially as per the order list.
- Double-Check SKUs: Manually verify each SKU against the order list.
- Transport to Staging Area: Place picked items on a cart or trolley and transport them to the staging area.
- Pack and Ship: Package the items and prepare them for shipping.
Batch Picking
What is Batch Picking?
Batch picking involves operators retrieving items for multiple orders simultaneously, consolidating several orders into a single picking session.
Best Setup for Batch Picking
- SKU Organization: Group SKUs frequently ordered together in close proximity.
- Warehouse Layout: Implement a clustered layout to reduce travel time.
- Additional Products Needed: Picking carts with multiple bins or totes.
Best Process for Batch Picking
- Receive Batch Orders: Group multiple orders with similar items.
- Pick Items: Operator picks items for all orders in the batch, placing them in separate bins or totes on a cart.
- Double-Check SKUs: Verify each SKU against the order list.
- Transport to Staging Area: Move the cart with multiple bins to the staging area.
- Sort and Pack: Sort items into individual orders, then pack and prepare for shipping.
Cluster Picking
What is Cluster Picking?
Cluster picking is a method where operators pick SKUs for multiple orders at once and sort them into separate bins or totes for individual orders.
Best Setup for Cluster Picking
- SKU Organization: Arrange SKUs by order frequency, keeping high-demand items easily accessible.
- Warehouse Layout: Use a zone-based layout with high-frequency items in the central area.
- Additional Products Needed: Multi-bin picking trolleys.
Best Process for Cluster Picking
- Receive Orders: Cluster orders with similar items.
- Pick Items: Operator picks items and sorts them into separate bins or totes on a multi-bin trolley.
- Double-Check SKUs: Manually verify each SKU against the order list.
- Transport to Staging Area: Move the trolley to the staging area.
- Pack and Ship: Verify items in each bin, then pack and prepare for shipping.
Wave Picking
What is Wave Picking?
Wave picking involves grouping orders into batches or "waves" and having operators pick products from their allocated zones during each wave.
Best Setup for Wave Picking
- SKU Organization: Arrange SKUs in logical zones based on product categories.
- Warehouse Layout: Implement a zoned layout with clear pathways between zones.
- Additional Products Needed: Trolleys or carts for transporting items, a central sorting station.
Best Process for Wave Picking
- Receive Wave Orders: Group orders into waves based on zones.
- Pick Items: Operators in each zone pick items for all orders in the wave.
- Double-Check SKUs: Verify each SKU against the order list.
- Transport to Sorting Station: Move picked items to a central sorting station.
- Sort and Pack: Sort items into individual orders, then pack and prepare for shipping.
Get Started with Easy Pick List
Easy Pick List by HelloTMRW is an excellent tool to streamline your order fulfillment process. It supports various picking methods and offers advanced features like duplicate prevention, real-time status tracking, and refund visibility.
Why Choose Easy Pick List?
- Efficiency: Simplify stock management and order processing.
- Insights: Real-time updates keep you in control.
- Flexibility: Work seamlessly across devices with multi-device compatibility.
- Optimization: Analyze pick list history to improve efficiency.
Get Started Today!
Transform your order fulfillment process with Easy Pick List. Embrace efficiency and accuracy with a 14-day free trial. Download the Easy Pick List app now and revolutionize your warehouse management!