How To Improve Warehouse Picking Rate

Time: Oct 24,2023 Author: SFC Source: www.sendfromchina.com

The order accuracy of your warehouse is subject to the picking rate of your warehouse, which is one of the major factors for the success of your e-commerce business.

This involves keenly watching your stock levels, ensuring you replenish when needed and keeping accurate stock counts.

But remember, adept inventory management isn't just about amassing goods; it's also about prudently minimizing stock at times.

1. What is Picking Rate

Warehouse picking rate refers to the speed or efficiency at which items are retrieved or "picked" from their storage locations in a warehouse to fulfill customer orders.

It is often measured as the number of items picked per hour or the time taken to pick a specified number of items.

This metric is essential in warehouse management as it indicates the productivity of the picking process, which directly impacts order fulfillment times and operational costs.

A higher picking rate means that items are being retrieved more quickly, leading to faster order processing, while a lower rate might signal inefficiencies that need to be addressed.

2. Why Picking Rate is important

2.1 Operational Efficiency

A high picking rate signifies that the warehouse operations are running efficiently.

The quicker items are picked, the faster they can be packed and shipped, leading to timely order deliveries.

2.2 Cost Management

Time is money in the logistics and warehouse industry.

A swift picking rate means fewer man-hours are required to process orders, which can lead to cost savings in labor and other operational expenses.

2.3 Customer Satisfaction

Prompt order fulfillment, which hinges on an efficient picking process, results in quicker deliveries.

This enhances customer satisfaction as they receive their orders on time or even ahead of schedule.

2.4 Inventory Turnover

An efficient picking rate can increase the rate of inventory turnover.

With goods moving out faster, there's less overstock or dead stock, optimizing inventory levels and reducing storage costs.

2.5 Resource Allocation

Understanding the picking rate allows warehouse managers to allocate resources effectively.

If the picking rate is low, managers might need to invest in training, better equipment, or process improvements.

Conversely, a high picking rate might indicate areas of best practice that can be replicated elsewhere.

3. How to calculate Warehouse Picking Rate

The warehouse picking rate is determined by dividing the total number of items picked by the total hours dedicated to picking activities. The formula to calculate the picking rate is:

Picking Rate=Total PicksTotal Time SpentPicking Rate=Total Time SpentTotal Picks


For instance, if a worker picks 500 items over a 10-hour workday, the picking rate would be:

Picking Rate=50010=50Picking Rate=10500=50

In this scenario, the picking rate equates to 50 items picked per hour.

4. How WMS(Warehouse Management System) helps improve Picking Rate

4.1 Optimized Picking Paths

WMS can determine the most efficient routes for pickers to take.

By reducing the distance a worker must travel to pick an item, the overall speed of the process can increase.

4.2 Batch and Wave Picking

Instead of picking one order at a time, WMS can group orders together, allowing pickers to pick multiple orders in one pass, thereby increasing the number of items picked per trip.

4.3 Real-time Inventory Visibility

WMS provides real-time updates on stock levels and locations, ensuring that pickers don't waste time searching for items that aren't there.

4.4 Prioritization of Orders

WMS can prioritize orders based on various factors like delivery deadlines, ensuring that urgent orders are picked first, leading to improved customer satisfaction.

4.5 Automated Data Entry

With integrated scanning and barcode systems, pickers can quickly confirm items and quantities, reducing the time spent on manual data entry and errors associated with it.

4.6 Slotting Optimization

WMS can analyze picking trends and suggest optimal locations for products.

Placing high-demand items in easily accessible locations can significantly improve the picking speed.

4.7 Performance Metrics

WMS provides analytics on individual picker performance, allowing managers to identify areas for improvement and implement necessary training or process changes.

4.8 Integration with Automated Systems

In advanced warehouses, WMS can integrate with automated picking systems or robots, further speeding up the picking process.

4.9 Feedback Loop

Through consistent tracking and reporting, a WMS can identify bottlenecks or recurrent issues in the picking process, allowing for continuous improvement.

4.10 Reduced Errors

By ensuring accurate picks, the rate of returns or re-picking decreases, which indirectly enhances the overall picking efficiency.

5. Tips to improve Warehouse Picking Rate

5.1 Optimizing warehouse layout

A streamlined warehouse layout ensures that items are strategically positioned to reduce the distance pickers need to travel, making the retrieval process faster and more efficient.

By placing high-demand items closer to packing areas and organizing products logically, the time pickers spend walking and searching is minimized.

Additionally, an efficient layout helps in reducing congestion and bottlenecks, ensuring a smoother flow of operations.

Overall, an optimized warehouse layout significantly boosts picking efficiency, allowing pickers to retrieve more items in a shorter time frame.

5.2 Use Automated Systems

Automated systems, such as Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS), robotic pickers, and conveyor systems, minimize manual intervention, thus reducing the likelihood of human errors and speeding up the picking process.

Additionally, these systems can operate around the clock without fatigue, ensuring a consistent and efficient picking rate.

Moreover, integrating advanced technologies like pick-to-light or voice-directed picking can guide workers swiftly and accurately to the required items.

By streamlining and automating the picking process, warehouses can achieve faster, more accurate, and efficient order fulfillment, leading to an elevated picking rate.

5.3 Use Barcode Scanners & RFID

Utilizing barcode scanners and RFID technology can notably boost the warehouse picking rate.

These tools expedite item verification and location, reducing manual checks and errors.

When integrated with a Warehouse Management System, they ensure efficient picking routes, leading to faster and more accurate order fulfillment.

5.4 Provide Adequate Training

Providing adequate training equips staff with the right skills and knowledge to pick items efficiently.

Trained workers are less likely to make errors, understand the layout better, and can utilize tools more effectively.

Overall, this leads to faster and more accurate picking, thus enhancing the warehouse picking rate.

5.5 Reduce Out-of-Stocks

Reducing out-of-stocks ensures that items are readily available for pickers when fulfilling orders.

When items are in stock and easily accessible, it eliminates the downtime pickers would otherwise spend searching for missing products, thereby streamlining the picking process and improving the overall picking rate.

FAQs

1. What is wave picking?

It's a hybrid picking method that combines zone and batch picking, optimizing the process.

2. How can technology improve picking rates?

From robots to smart glasses, technology offers real-time data, automation, and efficiency, speeding up the process.

3. Is training really necessary for experienced workers?

Absolutely! Continuous training ensures they stay updated with the latest techniques and technologies.

4. What's the benefit of zone picking?

By dividing the warehouse into zones, workers can specialize, reducing travel time and errors.

5. How does a WMS boost picking efficiency?

A WMS provides real-time data on inventory, optimizing routes and ensuring accurate picks.