Most warehouses in the U.S. are still using RF or paper based order picking systems, despite the huge efficiencies and expense decreases that are possible with automated picking systems. In truth, just about 20% of storage facilities across the country use advanced solutions like voice directed or pick to light technologies. These kinds of systems can have a significant effect on productivity.

The Business Case For Automated Picking Systems

In the majority of facilities, picking is a labor-intensive job where a picker gets an actual paper list of directions specifying the items to pick and their locations. They move to the designated storage location, examine their paper list to identify how many products they require from that pick face, get the products, check the item off of the checklist, and then transport the products for fulfillment.

Just moving around a warehouse can take up to 65% of a manual order picker's day as they stride or drive around the building. These inefficiencies make order fulfillment the most labor-intensive function in a typical warehouse. In a lot of cases, over half of a typical warehouse's operating costs can be connected to order picking. That number is effectively rising as e-com drives additional picking demand from storage facilities.

Nearly all storage facilities have some picking requirements. Nearly 50% deal with a mix of pallets, cases, split cases and pieces. In fact, less than 10% of all storage facilities across the nation manage strictly full pallet orders. And even though many storage facilities bear enormous picking costs, only 20% have moved away from traditional RF and paper-based picking solutions.

Innovations in Picking Technology

In the last 10 years there have actually been excellent advances in picking technology, varying from IoT+ RFID to augmented reality smart glasses. The two most extensive and developed innovations, however, are light directed and voice directed picking solutions. Each has a compelling use case in specific scenarios, and some storage facilities even utilize both methods.

Fully actualizing technology-based picking solutions can be capital intensive. However, ROI models for picking automation can be strong. A lot of programs have a rapid payback and can generate substantial savings in labor and pick inaccuracies for several years to come. A 2018 research study showed that businesses that employed voice, light or RFID based picking solutions lowered pick errors by an average of 67%.

Pick To Light

Pick to light solutions are ideal for zone picking or high order volume, high speed facilities. Racks are equipped with LEDs that communicate pick quantities and slots, and employees tap these lights to confirm picks and volumes as they make their way along a pick route.

Light directed solutions are less flexible and more expensive than voice directed systems, yet when executed correctly they can significantly improve picking velocity and accuracy. As reported by MHI, most pick to light projects gain approximately 30-50% in pick rate efficiency.

Voice Picking System

Voice picking solutions are best for warehouses that fill a more substantial selection of SKUs spread throughout larger warehouses. Employees can move about a warehouse hands-free--they do not need to carry a portable device or piece of paper.

Picking directives are relayed by the warehouse management system through an earpiece or headset, and the order-picker replies verbally to validate each pick. There is no equipment to hold, no screens to review, no barcodes to scan, and no confirmation buttons to click. The entire process is completed through voice commands and verbal confirmation.

Order Picking Automation Systems Near Me

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

The Associated Fort Wayne service area includes Fort Wayne, Gary, South Bend, Hammond, Elkart, Shipshewana, Angola, Auburn, Merriville, Valparaiso, Plymouth, Warsaw, Columbia City, New Haven, Huntington, Wabash, Marion and all surrounding areas.

Associated | Fort Wayne Material Handling Equipment Supplier

4310 Illinois Rd Unit 1517
Fort Wayne, IN 46804
(260) 482-9556