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Why Improving Your WMS Picking Efficiency is Crucial for Business?

Feb 15, 2024 | Inventory Management, Labour Management, Order Picking, Order Processing, Quality Control, Reporting and Analytics, Warehouse Management System

Improving Your WMS Picking Efficiency
Improving warehouse management system (WMS) picking efficiency is crucial for optimising overall warehouse operations. Picking is a key process in the order fulfillment cycle, and enhancing its efficiency can lead to cost savings, improved customer satisfaction, and increased throughout. Here are some strategies to enhance WMS picking efficiency:

Optimise Warehouse Layout

  • Arrange frequently picked items closer to the packing area to reduce travel time.
  • Implement a logical and efficient storage system, such as ABC classification, to organise products based on their demand.

Utilise Pick Zones

  • Divide the warehouse into pick zones and assign specific products to each zone. This reduces the overall travel distance for pickers.

Implement Batch Picking

  • Combine multiple orders into a single picking batch to reduce the number of trips to each location.
  • Use advanced algorithms to determine the optimal grouping of orders based on common SKU picks.

Use Automation

  • Integrate picking technologies like voice picking, pick-to-light, or RFID to reduce manual errors and speed up the picking process.
  • Consider implementing automated guided vehicles (AGVs) or robotic systems for handling and transporting items within the warehouse.

Dynamic Slotting

  • Regularly analyse and update the slotting strategy based on product velocity and seasonality.
  • Use data analytics to determine the most efficient placement of items within the warehouse.

Implement Mobile Devices

  • Provide pickers with mobile devices that are connected to the WMS for real-time updates on order status and inventory levels.
  • Mobile devices can also be used for barcode scanning, reducing errors, and increasing accuracy.

Training and Staffing

  • Provide thorough training to warehouse staff to ensure they are familiar with the WMS and picking processes.
  • Cross-train employees to handle multiple aspects of the picking process, allowing for better flexibility during peak periods.

Real-Time Visibility

  • Utilise real-time analytics and reporting to monitor picking performance and identify bottlenecks.
  • Make data-driven decisions to continuously improve the efficiency of the picking process.

Optimise Order Batching

  • Group orders intelligently to minimise the distance traveled and improve overall picking efficiency.
  • Balance the workload across pickers to ensure a more even distribution of tasks.

Continuous Improvement

  • Regularly review and refine processes based on performance metrics.
  • Gather feedback from warehouse staff to identify potential areas for improvement.

The THINK Warehouse Management System flexible picking process assists you in maximising your picking efficiency. Requirements can be directed to one or multiple pickers and you can create zones and cells then allocate these areas to them. Picking orders is controlled via user-defined fields enabling you to manage the picking process with shelf life in mind. Lot numbers, FIFO, batch expiry, and a variety of other stock allocation options can be defined for individual customers this added benefit included in our integrated warehouse management system is great if you have extended supply chains to your customers and need to pick more recently received product for them. By implementing these strategies and leveraging technology, warehouses can significantly enhance their WMS picking efficiency, leading to reduced costs and improved customer satisfaction.

To discuss how a THINK warehouse management system can improve your business call 0330 350 0715, email enquiries@tkinv.com or complete our Quick Quote form below.

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