How is picking transforming order preparation in your warehouse?

Picking is a key step in warehouse order preparation. It involves retrieving ordered products from the storage area to transport them to the packing and shipping zone. Optimising your picking process allows you to improve logistics efficiency and better meet customer expectations. Discover how to transform your order preparation through picking.

The advantages of optimised picking for warehouse logistics

Picking, or retrieving products from stock, is an important stage in the order preparation process. Optimising picking in logistics offers many advantages for warehouse logistics and flow management. It notably helps improve operator productivity by reducing movements and facilitating item retrieval.

Efficient picking also contributes to decreasing preparation errors and shortening order processing time. By implementing different adapted picking methods such as batch picking or zone picking, you can prepare multiple orders simultaneously and thus increase your preparation rate.

Optimising picking in the warehouse also involves better inventory management and storage location management. By organising your racking according to product rotation (ABC method) and using a precise location system, you facilitate the work of order pickers and reduce the risk of stockouts.

Lastly, optimised picking contributes to improving the working conditions of logistics operators. By limiting unnecessary back-and-forth movements and constraining manipulations, you reduce the physical strain related to picking and decrease the risks of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Adapted equipment, such as ergonomic trolleys or voice assistance tools, also contribute to this objective.

How to efficiently organise your picking zone?

The picking zone is the dedicated space for product retrieval in the warehouse. Its organisation is crucial for ensuring smooth and efficient order preparation.

Defining the layout of storage racks

The layout of your industrial and warehouse racking must be strategically planned to facilitate picking. Favour a U-shaped or straight-line arrangement, ensuring sufficient space for circulation. Place the most frequently requested products at human height for easy retrieval. Also, consider grouping items often ordered together.

Optimising picking routes

The goal is to minimise picker movements to gain productivity. Define logical and intuitive routes based on the rack layout. You can implement an S-shaped or figure-8 circuit to avoid back-and-forth movements. Using a Warehouse Management System (WMS) allows you to optimise order preparation and picking routes in real time.

Implementing a product location system

To facilitate retrieval, it’s essential to quickly locate products. Implement a coordinate system with an aisle-bay-level code or use barcodes. You can also use light-guided solutions (put-to-light) or digital displays. Clear labelling of locations is indispensable.

Adapting storage according to product rotation

Not all your items have the same picking frequency. Organise your picking zone according to the ABC method, classifying your products by rotation rate. The most requested references (A) should be easily accessible, near the shipping area. Products with medium (B) and low (C) rotation will be placed further back.

Continuously adjusting the organisation of the picking zone

Your retrieval zone must constantly be adapted to the evolution of your activity. Regularly analyse your order data and picking performance. Don’t hesitate to review your racks’ layout, modify the storage of certain products, or adjust routes based on results. According to Manutan Group Supply Chain Director: “An agile logistics structure must, most importantly, enable you to change warehouse structuring in record time.” An efficient picking zone is a dynamic zone.

Best practices for successful picking

To ensure efficient and effective picking, following certain best practices is essential:

• Preparing orders in advance: Create clear and detailed pick lists (product reference, quantity, location…), sort order preparation slips by picking order to optimise movements, and transmit instructions to pickers on an adapted medium (paper, tablet, voice terminal…);
• Using technology as an ally: Equip your pickers with barcode scanners to scan picked products and avoid errors, implement a visual guidance system (put-to-light, pick-to-light) to accelerate retrieval, and deploy a voice picking solution for hands-free and intuitive picking;
• Training and supporting operators: Train your pickers in picking methods and safety rules, implement standard procedures and visual instructions, and appoint a picking manager to supervise and assist teams daily;
• Measuring picking performance: Define key indicators (picking time, number of lines prepared, error rate…), monitor these KPIs in real time using your WMS to identify areas for improvement, communicate results to your teams, and set motivating objectives;
• Ensuring the good condition of picking equipment: Provide your pickers with ergonomic and adapted equipment (trolleys, roll cages, pallet trucks…), regularly check the condition of equipment, plan preventive maintenance, and replace defective or obsolete equipment to ensure optimal picking conditions;
• Involving employees in continuous improvement: Set up working groups to gather optimisation ideas from pickers, encourage feedback from the field to identify irritants and best practices, and value initiatives and successes to create positive dynamics around picking.

Optimising your picking is a major lever for improving efficiency, logistics performance, and customer satisfaction. By combining proven methods, innovative technologies, and collaborative management, you can sustainably transform your order preparation and your company.

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