What are the most effective warehouse picking and packing strategies?

1 Zone picking

Zone picking is a strategy where you divide your warehouse into different zones and assign pickers to each zone. Pickers only pick items from their assigned zone and pass them to the next zone or a central conveyor belt. This way, you can reduce travel time, avoid congestion, and increase productivity. Zone picking works well for large warehouses with high-volume and low-variety orders. However, it may require more coordination, equipment, and space than other methods.

2 Batch picking

Batch picking is a strategy where you group multiple orders with similar items and pick them at the same time. For example, you can use a cart with multiple bins or a handheld scanner to sort items by order. This way, you can reduce the number of trips to the same location, minimize errors, and save time. Batch picking works well for small warehouses with low-volume and high-variety orders. However, it may require more planning, analysis, and software than other methods.

3 Cluster picking

Cluster picking is a strategy where you pick multiple orders simultaneously using a single cart or tote. For example, you can use a voice or light system to guide you to the items and indicate which order they belong to. This way, you can increase the number of orders picked per trip, reduce walking distance, and improve accuracy. Cluster picking works well for medium-sized warehouses with moderate-volume and moderate-variety orders. However, it may require more training, technology, and investment than other methods.

4 Wave picking

Wave picking is a strategy where you schedule and release orders in batches or waves throughout the day. For example, you can prioritize orders by urgency, destination, or carrier and assign them to pickers in a certain time frame. This way, you can optimize the use of resources, balance the workload, and meet deadlines. Wave picking works well for complex warehouses with mixed-volume and mixed-variety orders. However, it may require more flexibility, communication, and integration than other methods.

5 Packing best practices

No matter which picking strategy you use, it is important to follow packing best practices to ensure the quality and safety of your shipments. Consider using the right size and type of boxes, bags, or containers for your items, and make sure to avoid overpacking or underpacking them. Utilize cushioning materials, such as bubble wrap, foam, or paper, to protect your items from damage and fill any empty spaces or secure any loose parts. Additionally, make sure to use clear and durable labels, stickers, or tags to identify your orders, including the order number, customer name, address, and any special instructions. Furthermore, use strong and reliable sealing materials to close your packages without leaving any gaps or openings. Lastly, use quality control checks such as scanning, weighing, or inspecting to verify your orders and correct any errors or defects before shipping.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?