Many warehouses in the U.S. are still using RF or paper based order picking solutions, despite the enormous performance gains and expense decreases realized by automated picking solutions. In fact, only about 20% of storage facilities across the nation make use of advanced options like voice directed or pick to light systems. These kinds of solutions can have a tremendous impact on profitability.

The Business Case For Automated Picking Systems

In most warehouses, picking is a labor-intensive job where a picker receives an actual paper list of instructions detailing the products to be picked and their specific locations. They move to the specified storage location, review their paper list to determine how many products they require from that pick face, get the items, tick the item off of the checklist, and then transport the products for fulfillment.

Just moving around a storage facility can use up to 65% of a manual order picker's day as they stride or drive around the warehouse. These antiquated methods make order fulfillment the most labor-intensive function in an average storage facility. Oftentimes, over half of a common warehouse's operating expenditures can be traced to order picking. That number is actually rising as e-com spurs additional picking demand from warehouses.

Nearly all storage facilities have at least some picking requirements. Nearly 50% handle a mix of pallets, cases, split cases and pieces. Less than 10% of all storage facilities throughout the country deal with strictly whole pallet orders. And despite the fact that most warehouses bear massive picking costs, just 20% have moved away from standard RF and paper-based picking systems.

Innovations in Picking Technology

In the last 10 years there have been excellent advances in picking innovation, ranging from IoT+ RFID to augmented reality smart glasses. The 2 most prevalent and developed innovations, however, are light directed and voice directed picking solutions. Each has a compelling use case in particular circumstances, and some storage facilities even utilize both technologies.

Fully actualizing technology-based picking solutions can be capital intensive. ROI models for picking automation can be convincing. A lot of programs have a rapid payback and can generate substantial cost reductions in labor and pick inaccuracies for years to come. A 2018 study showed that businesses that utilized voice, light or RFID based picking options decreased pick mistakes by an average of 67%.

Pick To Light

Pick to light systems are perfect for zone picking or high order volume, high speed facilities. Racks are furnished with LEDs that signal pick quantities and locations, and employees tap these lights to validate picks and quantities as they make their way along a pick path.

Light directed solutions are not as versatile and more costly than voice directed solutions, yet when carried out effectively they can significantly improve picking speed and accuracy. As reported by MHI, most pick to light applications achieve an average of 30-50% in pick rate efficiency.

Voice Picking System

Voice picking solutions are best for warehouses that stock a more extensive assortment of SKUs dispersed throughout larger buildings. Employees can move about a storage facility hands-free--they don't need to carry a portable device or sheet of paper.

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

Order Picking Automation Systems Near Me

If you would like more details on order picking innovation for your business, call a Raymond West automation expert today!

Raymond West's Sacramento facility serves the greater Sacramento area and other parts of Northern California, including Sacramento, Elk Grove, Auburn, Placerville, Vacaville, Fairfield, Sausalito, Napa, Santa Rosa, Redding, Eureka and all surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Sacramento Material Handling Equipment Supplier

900 National Dr
Sacramento, CA 95834
(800) 675-2500