The majority of warehouses in the U.S. are still using RF or paper based order picking systems, in spite of the enormous efficiencies and expense reductions associated with automated picking solutions. In truth, only about 20% of storage facilities across the nation use advanced options like voice directed or pick to light technologies. These kinds of solutions can have a significant impact on productivity.

The Business Case For Automated Picking Systems

In the majority of facilities, picking is a labor-intensive job where a picker receives a physical paper list of directions detailing the items to pick and their locales. They move to the specified storage slot, evaluate their paper list to identify how many items they require from that pick face, get the items, tick the product off of the list, and then transport the products for packing.

Just moving around a storage facility can use up to 65% of a manual order picker's day as they walk or ride about the building. These inefficiencies make order fulfillment the most labor-intensive function in an average warehouse. In many cases, the majority of an average storage facility's operating expenses can be attributed to order picking. That number is actually rising as e-com spurs even more picking demand from storage facilities.

Almost all warehouses have at least some picking requirements. Almost 50% manage a mixture of pallets, cases, split cases and pieces. In reality, less than 10% of all warehouses throughout the country handle strictly full pallet orders. And even though most warehouses bear massive picking expenses, only 20% have moved beyond conventional RF and paper-based picking systems.

Developments in Picking Technology

In the last 10 years there have actually been excellent advances in picking innovation, varying from IoT+ RFID to augmented reality smart glasses. The 2 most widespread and seasoned technologies, however, are light directed and voice directed picking options. Each has a convincing use case in certain scenarios, and some storage facilities even use both techniques.

Fully implementing technology-based picking systems can be capital intensive. However, ROI models for picking automation can be compelling. A lot of projects have a quick payback and can generate substantial savings in labor and pick inaccuracies for years to come. A 2018 study revealed that businesses that utilized voice, light or RFID based picking options reduced pick errors by an average of 67%.

Pick To Light

Pick to light systems are ideal for zone picking or high order volume, high speed facilities. Racks are furnished with LEDs that indicate selection quantities and slots, and workers tap these lights to verify selections and quantities as they make their way along a pick path.

Light directed solutions are not as flexible and more expensive than voice directed systems, but implemented effectively they can considerably enhance picking speed and accuracy. As reported by MHI, most pick to light projects gain approximately 30-50% in pick rate performance.

Voice Picking System

Voice picking solutions are ideal for warehouses that stock a more substantial selection of SKUs dispersed across larger buildings. Employees can move about a building hands-free--they do not need to carry a handheld device or piece of paper.

Picking instructions are communicated by the WMS through earphones, and the order-picker responds verbally to confirm each pick. There is no device to hold, no screens to read, no barcodes to scan, and no verification buttons to click. The whole process is accomplished through voice commands and spoken confirmation.

Order Picking Automation Systems Near Me

If you would like more information on order picking technology for your operation, call an Associated automation specialist today!

The Associated Des Moines service area includes Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Sioux City, Iowa City, Waterloo, Ames, West Des Moines, Council Bluffs, Ankeny, Dubuque, Urbandale, Cedar Falls, Marion, Bettendorf, Mason City and all surrounding areas.

Associated | Des Moines Material Handling Equipment Supplier

4421 NW Urbandale Dr
Urbandale, IA 50322
(515) 964-0162