Key Benefits of Modern Warehouse Picking Solutions

For those in the business, the goal is to strive for the best warehouse picking solutions available out there. Now, does this mean sticking with tried and tested methods or turning to new solutions? Well, implementing modern warehouse picking solutions not only shows your competitors that you are moving with the times, but they also have many other advantages too.

What are Warehouse Picking Solutions?

First of all, let’s take a look at what we mean by warehouse picking solutions. This is a system by which customer orders are found and retrieved in the warehouse space. It’s essentially part of the process by which customers get the order they have requested and paid for. How quickly and accurately this is carried out is hugely important. 

In the past, warehouse order picking was carried out manually. A human workforce would refer to inventory notes to locate and collect the order, then prepare it for shipping. Nowadays, as technology has advanced, the process can be streamlined, saving precious time and money.

The future of warehouse order picking could be solely reliant on robotics. In fact, robotics and Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) are being used currently to improve warehouse picking efficiency. We’ll get into that more later. First, let’s see how modern solutions are shaking up the industry now.

The Key Benefits of Modern Warehouse Picking Solutions

New approaches to order picking are being rolled out industry-wide, so there must be a reason behind it. Modern methods are being seen as the best warehouse picking solutions. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why these novel tactics are viewed as beneficial by sector leaders. 

Improved accuracy

Keeping paper-based documents filed away leaves room for human error. Modern picking technology, such as barcode scanners and RFID tags, eliminates the need for a human employee to read (or misread) the code. All that is left is for the workers on-site to confirm that the correct items have been picked.

Fulfilling orders faster

By the time a human employee has found the correct paperwork and has begun to manually search the warehouse for an item, new technologies have completed the task. Customers often want to receive their orders as fast as possible. Therefore, automated systems are a lifesaver for tight delivery deadlines.

Happier customers

Your customer satisfaction rates will rise as your orders are handled more efficiently and with fewer errors by using modern methods. Good reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations could be a beneficial boost to your business.

Reducing labor costs

While there is always room for a human workforce, increasing demands or a growing business can strain your employees and your budget. Implementing modern order picking solutions, such as automated systems and ASRS, into your business expansion plan means you don’t have to double your workforce.

Space saving

Using ASRS in your warehouse space is a space-saving idea. Traditionally, warehouse aisles had to leave enough room for forklift vehicles and other machinery to be driven down or operated. With ASRS, minimal space is needed for these automated systems to retrieve loads. Therefore, warehouse owners can store more in the same square footage of space.

Enhanced employee safety

Again, referring back to retrieving loads, especially heavier objects. These would be typically removed using forklift machinery operated by a human employee. However, now, these can be retrieved safely without a human being in sight. This greatly reduces the risk of workplace accidents and keeps your team safe.

Keeping up with the competition

We know that this is not the main reason why you should turn to modern picking solutions, but it helps to be ahead of the curve. Being an early adopter of new technologies positions you as an industry leader, with your finger on the pulse of what is current.  

What Does the Future Hold for Warehouse Picking Solutions?

There is a definite drive towards automation in the warehouse sector, that’s for sure. But what else do we predict could be the best warehouse picking solutions in ten or twenty years’ time? 

It seems that a collaborative approach between robotics and human employees is the way forward. With many warehouses adopting this approach already, we could see this as a widespread working relationship. 

Behind the scenes, dealing with analysis and inventory, Artificial Intelligence (AI) could be another common feature in warehouse offices. This could be used to predict trends in demand by accurately analyzing data, for example. AI could also be implemented to optimize pick paths and improve efficiency.

Warehouse picking has moved forward in recent years and will continue to do so. In this modern world where speed and accuracy are becoming increasingly important, the only way to offer a top-class service is to lean in and modernize your methods.