Nowadays, there are multiple solutions for faster and error-free picking. One of them is Janis, our fulfillment and supply chain tool that offers different comprehensive solutions focused on this activity, including the WMS and TMS modules.

In addition, we have a dedicated, fast and intuitive APP, which extends the power of our tool to this process that needs mobility and agility for its execution. It works on devices with Android operating system (Smartphones or Zebra/Honeywell PDA) and soon on iOS.

How to achieve a more agile picking?

Situation analysis:

First of all, it is necessary to spend some time observing how the picking is developing. Identify errors and areas for improvement, keep track of all activities involved in the process, document the activities of those responsible for the process, and review the type of delays experienced during the day.

A warehouse designed for logistical needs:

The warehouse layout should include the different order preparation areas and delimit the areas for receiving goods, warehousing or product dispatch.

Position of the merchandise:

Although this is very obvious, not all companies carry it out with the necessary coherence for their good impact on productivity.

There are multiple picking models based on different criteria. The choice must be adapted to the characteristics of the products and the logistical needs of each business.

Here's more about picking models and their characteristics.

Optimize each route:

The solution is not to treat each route separately, but to establish operating patterns.

Each route must be done in the shortest possible time, ensure its efficiency and have a reason to be consistent with the logistics of the business.

Digitize operations:

We have already spoken on other occasions about the importance of digitizing processes. In this case, implementing a specialized program such as a warehouse management system (WMS) minimizes the risk of error in the operation, including the preparation of orders.

Monitor picking KPI:

Data and data analysis are always important and picking is no exception. Use performance indicators that monitor the performance of picking operations, such as the percentage of orders, the number of references in stock, or the rate of pending orders.

Good picking operation will affect:

• Customer satisfaction, because if the process is accurate and efficient, customers receive the right products and on time.
• In terms of profitability, since it can reduce the time and costs of storage, product handling and shipping, which can result in an increase in the company's profitability.
• In productivity, allowing managers to fulfill more orders in less time.

Our solution allows for more agile picking through:

• The automatic generation of waves and picking sessions, as well as the assignment of demand to the available pickers.
• The automatic calculation of weight/price variations by reading product labels, or by manually entering the price/weight.
• Tracker the cold chain, manage types of packaging and authorized logistics operators, among others.
• It allows substitutions to be operated with more than 10 manageable criteria, simplifying the process with 100% digital tools.
• Joint functionality with Message Center so that the customer can participate in making decisions about the substitutes that the picker suggests and confirms that they have available at the time of picking.
• Manage the types of packages available for preparation and dispatch, controlling those of the returnable and/or disposable type, as well as their use, incompatible categories, release and re-entry to the customer's facilities.
• Generation and printing of a unique label for each package/package, which will be operational from that moment on for all processes and control and/or action points going forward.
• Possibility to audit partial or complete orders or packages via “blind picking”, for compliance with SOX regulations or random control established by percentages.
• Overall performance measurement by Location, Picker and Sector.
• Individual measurement by picker and sector (items per minute).
• And more.