The majority of warehouses in the United States are still utilizing RF or paper based order picking systems, despite the enormous efficiencies and expense decreases that are possible with automated picking systems. Only about 20% of warehouses across the country use advanced options like voice directed or pick to light technologies. These types of solutions can have a remarkable impact on productivity.

The Business Case For Automated Picking Systems

In most warehouses, picking is a labor-intensive process where a picker gets an actual paper list of instructions detailing the products to pick and their specific locations. They move to the specified storage slot, evaluate their paper list to determine the number of products they require from that pick face, get the products, scratch the item off of the checklist, and then transport the products for packing.

Just moving around a warehouse can use up to 65% of a manual order picker's day as they stride or ride around the facility. These antiquated methods make order fulfillment the most labor-intensive task in an average warehouse. Oftentimes, more than half of a common warehouse's operating costs can be linked to order fulfillment. That number is actually increasing as e-com drives even more picking demand from warehouses.

Practically all storage facilities have some picking requirements. Nearly 50% manage a mix of pallets, cases, split cases and pieces. In reality, less than 10% of all storage facilities throughout the country manage strictly entire pallet orders. And although many storage facilities bear huge picking expenses, only 20% have moved away from conventional RF and paper-based picking systems.

Developments in Picking Technology

In the last ten years there have been fantastic advances in picking innovation, varying from IoT+ RFID to augmented reality smart glasses. The 2 most prevalent and seasoned innovations, however, are light directed and voice directed picking options. Each has a persuasive use case in specific scenarios, and some warehouses even use both techniques.

Fully actualizing technology-based picking solutions can be capital intensive. ROI cases for picking automation can be powerful. The majority of projects have a quick payback and can generate considerable cost reductions in labor and pick inaccuracies for years to come. A 2018 study revealed that organizations that employed voice, light or RFID based picking options reduced pick mistakes by approximately 67%.

Pick To Light

Pick to light solutions are perfect for zone picking or high order volume, high speed operations. Racks are equipped with LEDs that signal pick quantities and slots, and employees tap these lights to verify selections and volumes as they make their way down a pick path.

Light directed systems are not as flexible and more expensive than voice directed solutions, but executed properly they can considerably enhance picking velocity and accuracy. As reported by MHI, most pick to light applications gain an average of 30-50% in pick rate productivity.

Voice Picking System

Voice picking options are perfect for storage facilities that stock a greater variety of SKUs dispersed throughout larger buildings. Workers 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 an earpiece or headset, and the order-picker responds verbally to confirm each pick. There is no device to hold, no screens to review, no barcodes to scan, and no confirmation buttons to click. The entire process is performed through voice commands and spoken verification.

Order Picking Automation Systems Near Me

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

The Associated Minneapolis service area includes Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, Bloomington, Duluth, Brooklyn Park, Plymouth, Woodbury, Lakeville, Blaine, Maple Grove, St. Cloud, Eagan, Burnsville, Coon Rapids, Eden Prairie, Apple Valley, Minnetonka, Edina, St. Louis Park, Shakopee, Mankato, Moorhead, Cottage Grove, Maplewood, Richfield, Inver Grove Heights, Roseville, Andover, Savage, Brooklyn Center, Fridley, Ramsey, Chaska, Prior Lake, Oakdale, Rosemount, Elk River, Shoreview, Owatonna, Chanhassen, Austin and all surrounding areas.

Associated | Minneapolis Material Handling Equipment Supplier

935 Blue Gentian Rd
Eagan, MN 55121
(651) 688-6175