If you are running a warehouse or a simple storage facility, then it is necessary for you to constantly update your order picking system. This is to ensure productivity and proper utilization of time, space and stocks. It doesn’t matter how big or small your operation is; order picking is always an important of any material handling industry. However, you don’t necessarily need to change your system completely; small, changes and upgrades can also improve efficiency of your entire operations.
Below are some of the habits you can implement to boost productivity i your order picking system:
1. Reorganize items according to Order Profiles.
In any business, there will always be fluctuation in sales. So it is understandable when fast moving items last month becomes slow moving items next month. That is why, it is highly recommended to do monthly inventory and reorganization of stocks. Meaning, fast moving and highly salable items may be store in highly accessible locations while slow moving items may be store in less accessible locations. In line with this, it is also recommended to always brief your employees about a particular reorganization of stocks. If possible, product name tags or plates may be place accordingly for faster access of item location.
2. Know and Utilize the Golden Zone
In line with the first habit, it is important that you and your employees know what and how to utilize the Golden Zone of order pinking. The Golden Zone, if in case you are not familiar with it, is the area in the cabinet that is of the same height of your knees up to your shoulder. This area is considered as the Golden Zone because it can be easily access with less effort. Workers don’t need to reach, bend and lift as much when items are store in this particular area. Utilizing the Golden Zone makes oreder picking easier, faster and more accurate.
3. Make your Order Picking System as Simple as Possible
If you want to maintain a highly efficient order picking system, you must always remember that the simpler your system is, the the implementation is and the lesser the mistakes are done. So when setting up your new order picking system just keep it simple and straight to the point: from the stock organization, to the order picking steps and rules.
4. Implement the Batch Picking Concept.
Batch Picking Concept is always a better option than the one-grocery cart concept. This is simply because Batch Picking allows workers to utilize their time and energy as effectively as possible, thus making them more efficient.
5. Review and Analyze Your Order Picking System
As said earlier, it is best to review and analyze your order picking system regularly. Always ask yourself and your employees “how and why you do things”. This will help you identify the steps and processes that are no longer useful or applicable in your operation. Continually review your system and make small, simple adjustments. This is a better option than to make bigger ad drastic changes once in a year, which can disrupt your operations.
Finally, if you want further improvements in your order picking system, you may opt to upgrade your order picking equipment. Bahrns carries wide selection of order picking equipment like stock picking carts, trucks and ladders.