Many warehouses in LA County are still utilizing RF or paper based order picking solutions, despite the enormous efficiencies and cost decreases associated with automated picking systems. In truth, just about 20% of storage facilities across the nation use advanced services like voice directed or pick to light systems. These types of systems can have a tremendous effect on profitability.

The Business Case For Automated Picking Systems

In a lot of facilities, picking is a labor-intensive job where a picker receives an actual paper list of instructions cataloging the products to pick and their locations. They proceed to the specified storage location, examine their paper list to identify how many items they require from that pick face, get the items, tick the item off of the checklist, and then transport the items for fulfillment.

Just moving around a storage facility can use up to 65% of a manual order picker's day as they walk or drive around the facility. These antiquated methods make order fulfillment the most labor-intensive function in an average storage facility. In a lot of cases, over half of a common Long Beach warehouse's operating costs can be traced to order picking. That number is actually increasing as e-com drives even more picking demand from warehouses.

Practically all warehouses have some picking requirements. Nearly 50% handle a blend of pallets, cases, split cases and pieces. In reality, less than 10% of all warehouses across the nation handle strictly full pallet orders. And although most warehouses bear massive picking expenses, only 20% have actually moved beyond standard RF and paper-based picking systems.

Developments in Picking Technology

In the last 10 years there have actually been great advances in picking technology, varying from IoT+ RFID to augmented reality smart glasses. The 2 most extensive and mature innovations, however, are light directed and voice directed picking approaches. Each has a persuasive use case in certain situations, and some storage facilities even utilize both technologies.

Fully actualizing technology-based picking solutions can be capital intensive. However, ROI models for picking automation are strong. The majority of programs have a fast payback and can create significant cost reductions in labor and pick inaccuracies for several years to come. A 2018 research study showed that companies that used 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 operations. Racks are equipped with LEDs that signal pick quantities and locations, and employees tap these lights to validate picks and quantities as they make their way down a pick route.

Light directed systems are not as flexible and more costly than voice directed systems, but executed effectively they can considerably improve picking speed and accuracy. According to MHI, most pick to light implementations achieve an average of 30-50% in pick rate productivity.

Voice Picking System

Voice picking solutions are ideal for warehouses that keep a more extensive assortment of SKUs spread across larger buildings. Workers can move about a warehouse hands-free--they don't need to carry a handheld device or sheet of paper.

Picking instructions are communicated by the WMS through earphones, and the order-picker responds verbally to confirm each pick. There is no device to hold, no screens to read, no barcodes to scan, and no confirmation buttons to click. The whole procedure is performed through voice commands and spoken verification.

Order Selecting Automation Systems Near Me

If you would like more details on order picking innovation for your business, call a Raymond West automation specialist today at (562) 444-1222.

Raymond West
Long Beach Service Area:
Long Beach, North Long Beach, Wilmington, San Pedro, Lomita, Torrance
Phone: (562) 444-1222