Automated order picking for warehouses has become an indispensable subject in retail or e-commerce logistics automation processes as well as in third-party logistics or in the parcel or food sectors.
Through the use of robots, autonomous vehicles and automated transport and control systems, companies can prepare and ship orders more efficiently and accurately in a market where immediacy and delivery requirements have accelerated.
In this context, any type of company that requires the shipment of products and goods needs to implement automated solutions that facilitate the preparation of orders, from the entry of the goods into the warehouses to their transport or departure.
In addition to this we must take into account other casuistry such as returns management, automations in shipments by zip code (couriers), promotions in which there is a peak in sales and many others.
What is automatic order picking in the warehouse?
We could describe automated order picking in a warehouse as the process of picking and packing products to complete an order using the automated technology we discussed.
This is done with the objective of improving the efficiency and accuracy of the picking process and reducing the time and effort required to complete it. In addition, the use of this technology helps minimize human error and improves safety in the warehouse.
Phases and zones of order preparation or order picking
When we talk about phases in automated order picking for industrial warehouses, we refer to the different points or areas where operators perform the different tasks that, as a whole, make up the logistics process of the warehouse. This preparation usually includes the following phases:
1. Receive and classify the goods
In this phase, the goods are received in the warehouse and organized in the right place. Being able to automate the entry of the goods with a suitable belt or roller conveyor system facilitates the agility and productivity of the operators.
2. Picking or merchandise selection
In this phase, the goods needed to complete the order are selected.
In an automated warehouse, this process typically includes the use of robots and autonomous vehicles to pick products from the shelves and move them to a packing area.
In some cases, the picking process may include the use of automated control systems to track and trace products as they move through the warehouse. In addition, barcodes or RFID tags may be used to accurately identify and track products.
Once the products have been selected, they are placed in shipping boxes or bags and labeled with the necessary shipping information, such as the recipient and delivery address.
3. Packaging and labeling
Here the goods are prepared for shipment, already packed and properly labeled. This process can be done manually or automated, depending on the size and complexity of the order and the picking system you are working with.
If we have an automated system, packaging can include placing products in boxes or packages, sealing the boxes and labeling them with shipping information, as well as robotically placing or sorting the packages into a container or pallet for shipment.
Automated packaging helps ensure that products arrive in good condition at their final destination and minimize the risk of damage during shipment.
4. Shipping
In this last phase, the goods are shipped to the final recipient. If we had an automated shipping area, we could include the scanning of packages to confirm shipment, the generation of shipping labels and the loading of packages onto a transport vehicle.
It may also include coordinating transportation with a shipping company or shipping directly from the warehouse or distribution center.
As we can see, automation in the order picking process can be modular or as a whole.
It is important to note that each warehouse may have a slightly different automated order picking process, depending on the specific needs and requirements of the business; therefore, it may not always require full automation.
How to avoid errors in order picking
We have already discussed how automated order picking can improve safety in the warehouse . By using robots and autonomous vehicles to perform hazardous tasks, we reduce workers' exposure to occupational hazards.
However, its implementation may require changes in the warehouse infrastructure and the way the workspace is organized. This requires a retrofit project that contemplates the logistical optimization of these spaces and operator routes.
On the other hand, some measures that can be taken to minimize errors in automated order picking are:
- Implement a quality control system: making sure there is a process in place to verify the accuracy of orders before shipping can help reduce the risk of errors.
- Use barcodes or RFID tags: these systems can help identify and track products accurately, which can reduce the risk of errors when selecting products for an order.
- Train workers: providing training to workers on the use of automated technology and how to avoid mistakes can help minimize errors in the order picking process. From Rielec we always offer training and monitoring of the operation of robots and conveyor systems.
- Maintain and update technology: ensuring that automated technology is in good condition and up to date can help reduce the risk of errors due to technical problems.
- Perform tests and simulations: they will allow us to identify and correct possible errors before they occur in the real operation.
Advantages of automation in order picking
One of the main advantages of automated order picking is the reduction in time and effort required to complete an order. Instead of having to rely on manual workers to pick and pack products, robots, conveyor systems and autonomous vehicles can perform these tasks quickly and accurately.
In addition, automation allows companies to process a greater number of orders in a shorter period of time, which translates into greater efficiency and productivity.
Another advantage of automated order picking is error reduction. By eliminating human intervention in the picking process, the possibility of errors due to fatigue or distraction is reduced.
In this way we reduce returns and wrong order rejections, which can improve customer satisfaction and increase loyalty.
Beyond these, let's group the advantages of automation in order picking:
- Increased efficiency: more orders in less time.
- Increased accuracy: reduced order errors.
- Reduced labor costs: we achieve this by eliminating the need for certain manual labor.
- Increased safety: reduced exposure of workers to occupational hazards.
- Greater flexibility: automation allows companies to adapt to meet customer and market needs.
- Increased scalability: allows different businesses to upgrade their robots and logistics processes based on billing needs.
Order picking automation systems: How can we help you?
Now that we are clearer about how the different phases of order picking work or how automation and the use of robots can solve your logistics needs, we must ask ourselves what those needs are:
Have you expanded your warehouse and need more space for your operators? Do you have a new floor or height and need conveyor belts to bring the goods closer? Would an automatic entry of empty boxes speed up the work of your professionals?
Nowadays it can be very difficult to find a single supplier that provides a solution to all the needs of an automated intralogistics process. At Rielec we know this and that is why we collaborate with different teams with the common goal of offering you the best solution in the automation of your logistics processes.
