Many warehouses in the Treasure Valley are still utilizing RF or paper based order picking solutions, despite the huge performance gains and expense reductions that are possible with automated picking systems. Just about 20% of storage facilities throughout the country use advanced solutions like voice directed or pick to light systems. These types of solutions can have a remarkable effect on profitability.

The Business Case For Automated Picking Systems

In most warehouses, picking is a labor-intensive job where a picker gets an actual paper list of directions laying out the items to be picked and their locales. They proceed to the specified storage slot, examine their paper list to identify how many items they require from that pick face, get the products, check the product off of the checklist, and then transport the items for packing.

Simply getting around a storage facility can use up to 65% of a manual order picker's day as they walk or drive about the facility. These antiquated methods make order fulfillment the most labor-intensive task in an average warehouse. In many cases, the majority of a common Northwest storage facility's operating expenditures can be linked to order picking. That number is effectively increasing as e-com drives additional picking demand from storage facilities.

Practically all storage facilities have at least some picking requirements. Nearly 50% manage a combination of pallets, cases, split cases and pieces. In fact, less than 10% of all storage facilities across the nation deal with strictly entire pallet orders. And despite the fact that most warehouses bear enormous picking costs, just 20% have moved beyond conventional RF and paper-based picking systems.

Innovations in Picking Technology

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

Fully incorporating technology-based picking solutions can be capital intensive. Nevertheless, ROI models for picking automation are compelling. Most programs have a fast payback and can generate substantial savings in labor and pick inaccuracies for years to come. A 2018 research study revealed that organizations that utilized voice, light or RFID based picking options decreased pick errors by an average of 67%.

Pick To Light

Pick to light systems are ideal for zone picking or high order volume, high speed facilities. Racks are equipped with LEDs that indicate selection quantities and locations, and employees tap these lights to verify selections and volumes as they make their way along a pick route.

Light directed systems are less versatile and more costly than voice directed solutions, but carried out effectively they can greatly improve picking velocity and precision. As reported by MHI, most pick to light applications achieve an average of 30-50% in pick rate performance.

Voice Picking System

Voice picking options are perfect for warehouses that fill a more substantial variety of SKUs spread throughout larger warehouses. Employees can move about a building hands-free--they don't need to carry a handheld device or piece of paper.

Picking directives are relayed by the WMS through earphones, and the order-picker responds verbally to validate each pick. There is no equipment to carry, no screens to review, no barcodes to scan, and no confirmation buttons to click. The entire 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 operation, call a Raymond West automation consultant today at (800) 675-2500. 

Raymond West's Boise service center serves most of Idaho, including Boise, Nampa, Meridian, Idaho Falls, Caldwell, Pocatello, Twin Falls, Post Falls and surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Boise Material Handling Equipment Supplier

743 W McGregor Ct #100
Boise, ID 83705
(800) 675-2500