A pick path is the route that workers follow to collect items from storage locations and bring them to a packing area. A well-designed pick path can reduce travel time, increase productivity, and improve order accuracy. In this article, you will learn how to design a pick path that maximizes efficiency for your warehouse operations.
The first step to design a pick path is to analyze your inventory data and understand the demand patterns, order profiles, and item characteristics. You can use tools such as ABC analysis, Pareto principle, or SKU velocity to classify your items based on their sales frequency, profitability, or turnover rate. This will help you to identify the fast-moving, medium-moving, and slow-moving items in your warehouse.
Strategies for Optimizing Pick Paths 1. Zone Picking Zone picking involves assigning workers to specific areas, or zones, within the warehouse. ... 2. Batch Picking Batch picking involves picking multiple orders simultaneously rather than individually. ... 3. Wave Picking Wave picking is a strategy that combines elements of zone and batch picking. ... 4. Storing Inventory in Optimal Locations
Efficiency of the pick-path depends on the following factors: a) Time taken for the order picking. b) Choice of the order-picking methods. Pick-to-order, Batch Picking, Wave Picking, Zone Picking, Cluster Picking etc. are a few methods of order picking. c) Layout of the warehouse. Tree-type layout, Comb-type layout, Cross-aisle layout etc. are a few examples of the layout. d) Arrangement of the material in the warehouse as per inventory classification. ABC, FSN, XYZ, VED etc. are some of the inventory classifications. e) Identifying room to merge put-away and pick-up. However, merging both is not an easy task. It requires knowledgeable and efficient staff. e) Slotting policy of the warehouse f)
The next step is to optimize your storage layout based on your inventory analysis. You should assign the most accessible and convenient locations to the fast-moving items, and the less accessible and distant locations to the slow-moving items. You should also consider the size, weight, and shape of the items, and use the appropriate storage equipment and methods to store them efficiently. For example, you can use pallet racks, shelving units, bins, or drawers depending on the item dimensions.
The third step is to choose your picking method based on your order volume, complexity, and variety. You can use different picking methods such as single order picking, batch picking, zone picking, wave picking, or cluster picking to optimize your pick path. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and you should select the one that suits your warehouse needs and goals. For example, if you have a high order volume and a low item variety, you can use batch picking to group multiple orders and reduce travel time.
The final step is to implement your pick path and monitor its performance. You should create a clear and logical route that minimizes backtracking, crossing, and congestion. You should also use signs, labels, or barcodes to mark the storage locations and guide the workers along the pick path. You should train your workers on how to follow the pick path and use the picking method effectively. You should also measure and evaluate your pick path efficiency using metrics such as pick rate, pick accuracy, or travel distance.
Designing a pick path is not a one-time activity, but a continuous process that requires regular review and improvement. You should keep track of your inventory changes, customer expectations, and market trends, and adjust your pick path accordingly. You should also solicit feedback from your workers, customers, and suppliers, and identify any issues or opportunities for improvement. You should test different scenarios and alternatives, and implement the best practices that enhance your pick path efficiency.
The warehouse has its own complexity, in terms of efficiency of picking, you need to store the goods close enough to the outbound area to minimize the picker movement, however the tools used by the picker also contributes to the picking method, either you use picking zone or pick from anywhere, so i suggest to categories the goods, picking area and picking tools, and match them based on their categories.