Industry expert reveals how to improve warehouse order picking

Robert Skalba, the Product Manager of forklift truck manufacturer Jungheinrich, has discussed how to improve warehouse order picking.

The basics of order picking are simple, collect items from warehouse shelves and take them to packing stations. However, Robert Skalba says there are several ways to improve picking efficiency, including reducing picking errors and picking journey times, reorganising warehouse layouts and optimising picking equipment.

Improving order picking starts by closely examining all parts of the process. Robert Skalba says that even when warehouse management thinks that their picking system is perfect, analysing the fine details reveals areas that can be improved.

No one solution fits all warehouse operations. For instance, many warehouses store high-demand items in the same area near packing stations to reduce average picking journey times. This is fine for some warehouses, but can lead to picking jams where several picking staff are crowded in one area.

A primary challenge is how to reduce picking errors. Pick-to-voice and pick-to-light systems use audio or visual signals to guide pickers to order item locations and check that the correct items are picked.

The Jungheinrich boss emphasises the importance of using the best equipment for the picking job. Warehouse managers can work closely with a warehouse equipment supplier to source manual and motorised handling equipment suitable for the type of loads, aisle space and distances involved in the order picking process.

Using the most effective strategies for optimizing order picking, Robert Skalba asserts that productivity can be enhanced by up to 30%.

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