Fulfilling customer orders efficiently is crucial for eCommerce success. Each step in the order fulfillment process—from storage to shipping—requires a meticulous system to save time and reduce costs. One vital step is order picking, where picking lists play a key role.
What is a Picking List?
A picking list is a document detailing items to be retrieved from a warehouse to fulfill customer orders. It includes product names, descriptions, quantities, and locations, guiding operators to retrieve items accurately and efficiently.
Types of Picking Lists
Warehouses use different types of picking lists to optimize their fulfillment processes. Let’s explore the two main types and their respective benefits and drawbacks:
Physical Picking List
What is a physical picking list?
A physical picking list is a traditional, paper-based document that includes instructions for retrieving items from the warehouse. There are some disadvantages of using this method:
- Prone to Errors: Physical lists can lead to human errors, such as misreading information or losing the list.
- Inefficiency: Manually updating and distributing paper lists is time-consuming.
- Lack of Real-Time Updates: Physical lists do not reflect real-time changes in inventory or order status, leading to potential inaccuracies.
- Environmental Impact: Printing paper lists contributes to waste and is not environmentally sustainable.
Digital Picking List
What is a digital picking list?
A digital picking list is an electronic version of the picking list, accessible via tablets, handheld devices, or warehouse management systems (WMS).
What are the advantages of using a digital picking list?
- Improved Accuracy: Digital lists reduce errors by providing clear, real-time information.
- Efficiency: Easily updated and distributed electronically, saving time and resources.
- Real-Time Updates: Reflects live changes in inventory and order status, ensuring accurate picking.
- Environmentally Friendly: Reduces paper usage, supporting sustainable practices.
Example: Easy Pick List
Easy Pick List by HelloTMRW is an excellent example of a digital picking list solution. It offers advanced features to streamline your order fulfillment process:
- Duplicate Prevention: Avoids accidental duplicates, ensuring order accuracy.
- Real-Time Status: Tracks picking progress live for enhanced visibility.
- Refund Visibility: Includes refunded orders in your pick list for comprehensive management.
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.
Picking Methods
Warehouses use various picking methods to minimize costs and errors. Here’s a breakdown of the main types of picking methods and their benefits:
Discrete Picking
What is discrete picking?
Discrete picking is the most common type of order picking process where one operator picks an entire order and takes it to the staging area.
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.
When should you transition from discrete picking?
As your business expands, consider adopting more efficient picking methods to handle higher order volumes and improve operational efficiency.
Batch Picking
What is batch picking?
Batch picking involves operators retrieving items for multiple orders simultaneously. This method consolidates several orders into a single picking session.
What are the advantages of batch picking?
Batch picking increases operational efficiency as it reduces the number of trips an operator needs to make to a single location. It’s especially useful for orders with identical items, saving time and effort.
Zone Picking
What is zone picking?
Zone picking involves dividing the warehouse into zones, with operators assigned to pick items from their specific zone.
Why use zone picking?
Zone picking is ideal for larger warehouses with a complex inventory. By focusing on a specific area, operators can become more familiar with their zone, leading to faster and more accurate picking. It’s also beneficial for warehouses with a high volume of orders that require items from different areas.
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.
How does wave picking improve efficiency?
Wave picking reduces the amount of time spent traveling around the warehouse. For example, if 50 orders need products from a particular zone, a picker will retrieve all 50 items in one go and bring them to the staging area. This method streamlines the process and boosts efficiency, especially in warehouses with high order volumes.
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.
What makes cluster picking effective?
Cluster picking combines the benefits of batch picking with on-the-go sorting, making it highly efficient. It’s suitable for warehouses with a diverse product range and a moderate to high order volume.
Get Started Today!
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Optimize your order picking and enhance your eCommerce business with Easy Pick List. Stay ahead with seamless and efficient order fulfillment!