Order picking
From wikiMHEDA
Order picking, or order selection, is the process of retrieving individual items (from storage locations) for the purpose of fulfilling an order for a customer. Schemes by which to achieve efficient order picking will vary widely. However, in all cases it involves locating the items in storage; creating a plan for retrieving the items; physically picking the items (either automatically or manually); sorting and/or assembling them into discrete orders; and in the end even packaging the orders for delivery. Although defined as a process, order picking cannot be achieved without the appropriate computer software and mechanical equipment, including the storage medium, such as pallet racks, shelving, AS/RS (including carousels) and flow delivery racks, and a means for transporting items from receiving to storage and from storage to packaging and shipment. A variety of industrial trucks and conveyors will be found in most order picking applications. Order picking may also involve robotic like devices for physically picking discrete items from their storage location. See also warehouse management system.[1]
Picking Methods
There are several types of order picking methods:
- Discrete picking or pick-by-order: Specific products are selected on a per order basis.
- Batch picking or pick-by-article: Multiples of a product are selected to fulfill multiple orders. The products are sorted in the staging area and combined with other products to fulfill the orders.
- Wave picking: Involves gathering products based on specific routing or shipping criteria.
- Reverse-order picking: Used when part of an order is held to be combined with another order.[2]
