Creative Picking Solutions to Smooth Your Process
Warehouse managers can take solace in knowing that they may not have to reinvent the wheel when it comes to evaluating their picking strategies. There are some simple-yet-creative picking solutions available that can improve productivity, increase order accuracy, and reduce labor costs associated with the fulfillment process.
Identifying these simple, smart, and strategic solutions become even more critical as more warehouses and distribution centers adjust their operations to meet the ever-changing dynamics of the world we live in. We often see warehouses operating under the mindset of “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.” However, those working under that mindset may be overthinking – or underthinking – how to improve their operations. By finding the creative solutions that can deliver a near-immediate return-on-investment, managers can quickly and effectively improve the processes for their workers without breaking the bank.
Let us look at some of the simple, creative picking solutions that can smooth your processes:
Corrugated Bin Boxes
Corrugated boxes are like your typical, everyday cardboard boxes. However, they differ in that corrugated boxes are made up of three cardboard layers that make the boxes more durable, cost-effective, and offer a higher strength-to-weight ratio. They are created to be more heavy-duty than the boxes that may come to your home from an e-commerce giant like Amazon.
Because of their construction and heavy-duty nature, they are stackable, creating a better storage density for the picking items.
Corrugated Plastic Bin Boxes
Corrugated plastic bins offer pickers a lightweight but durable receptacle that is attractive, stable, and cost-effective. The layered design is similar to corrugated boxes and similarly provides a higher durability level than traditional boxes and bins. Corrugated plastic also does not absorb moisture and is dust-free, making it an ideal option when cleanliness is essential for a pick process.
High-Density Modular Storage
By incorporating high-density storage shelving, like UNEX’s Speedcell solution, workers can maximize their space, pick orders faster, and increase their order accuracy. These high-density storage options consolidate your picking area by dramatically increasing pick faces, bringing a higher SKU density, allowing for less travel and less time searching for the appropriate location.
Goods-To-Man Automation Solutions
The prospect of introducing automation seems like too large of an investment, but products like OPEX’s Perfect Pick® system offer a scalable goods-to-person picking solution that increases the pick process’s rate and efficiency. This, and similar systems, provide a low-risk entry to automation because you are introducing automation aisle-by-aisle to learn early if this investment is right for your operations. There are other options, like the Exotec system from our partners at Conveyco, that can bring a simple automation level to your picking process. These automated systems bring a high degree of sophistication to your operations and can be game-changers in the right situation.
Learn More, Start Today
We are here to help your warehouse incorporate solutions – big or small – to support your operations and keep your facility running optimally. You can introduce manual solutions that have a lower cost to entry and are easier to implement, or you could add more automation that brings with it a higher price and requires more training but brings a higher level of efficiency. Ultimately, the key is to find the right solution for where your operations are at.
If you are interested in these simple, creative picking solutions, or you like the idea of improving your warehouse’s operational efficiency, give us a call, and our team of experts can speak with you and identify solutions to improve the speed, safety, and accuracy of your operations.
