SUPPLY CHAIN SOLUTIONS
The zone picking method has always been considered suitable for bigger warehouses that deal with a large number of SKUs with unique characteristics or picking requirements. And, because inventory pickers remain in their assigned zones rather than traveling around the warehouse, operative travel time between picks is significantly reduced.
A further benefit of the system is that by working in a smaller zone, pickers become more familiar with the SKUs and pick locations in their area and, as a result, pick rates are faster and more accurate.
But problems can arise with zone picking – particularly in e-commerce operations – because the method is often only capable of scheduling one picking period per shift, which means that any orders received after a pre- set cut-off time will not be fulfilled until the following shift takes over.
While zone picking requires workers to be dedicated to a specific section passing order totes from one zone to the next if required, with wave picking orders are grouped and picked in batches, but at specific times of each day. Picking personnel receive a consolidated pick
list and workers utilise multi-tote picking carts to manage the various items picked in any particular wave.
As it requires pickers to pick one order and multiple SKU’s at a time wave picking systems are often organised around factors such as commonality in the SKU location, shipping deadlines, common carriers and similar sorting or kiting processes used in the warehouse. At sites where e-commerce or multi-channel orders are being picked and consolidated, wave picking offers a number of advantages over zone picking. For example, many SKU’s can be stored in multiple pick locations at multiple height locations across the warehouse and the picking efficiency is optimised with a fewer number of line visits required. But to achieve optimum wave picking performance it is important to deploy the most suitable materials handling equipment. The recently launched Easi-Pick from Narrow Aisle Ltd has been designed to optimise operational efficiency at sites where order picking tasks are undertaken using wave picking strategy.
Designed specifically with e-fulfillment operations in mind, the Easi-Pick is a compact ride-on electric-powered vertical order picker that delivers hugely improved productivity and increased safety for warehouse staff as they carry out a range of picking duties at both lower levels and at height within warehouse aisles. Its ability to work in very narrow aisles (VNA) means 30 per cent more pallet and shelving locations can be designed into storage systems compared to traditional wide aisle operations.
Featuring a heavy-duty and exceptionally stable mast in combination with a spacious and ergonomically-designed working platform, the Easi-Pick allows picking tasks to be performed at heights of up to 6.5 metres, while its compact chassis design allows the unit to operate in pallet racking aisles measuring just 1.6 metres wide. To maximise productivity, the Easi-Pick travel can be controlled by the operator in the raised position, allowing diagonal lift and travel, thereby saving valuable minutes when travelling between picking locations throughout the warehouse – essential if optimum wave picking pick rates are to be achieved.
There is no doubt that the growth of e-commerce is changing the face of order picking in the warehouse. Higher throughputs, greater picking accuracy and increased emphasis on ground and first level picking are now the key goals at many sites. As a result, the type of materials handling equipment used within the modern order-picking environment is changing too and products like the Easi-Pick are in ever greater demand.
Flexi Narrow Aisle
www.flexi.co.uk
FACTORY&HANDLINGSOLUTIONS | MARCH 2021 31
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