An efficient picking-and-packing system for your business is necessary once your orders start to pick up. However, there are different picking strategies, and business owners should choose one that matches their operations for optimum results.
Let’s differentiate each type of picking method to identify which suits you best.
Types of Picking Method
Picking and packing is a supply chain process where warehouse workers remove ordered items from the storage shelves and then pack them for shipment. It sounds simple, but several tasks are involved to make this work efficiently.
Moreover, even simple picking and packing becomes complicated, especially when handling multiple orders during peak season. This issue explains why most business owners outsource their pick-and-pack needs to a reliable 3PL partner.
One thing to consider when choosing a 3PL provider for this process is their picking method, and there are four types. Here’s a table for a quick overview and comparison.
| Picking Method | Order Volume | Order Size | No. of SKUs | Best for |
| Piece Picking | Low | Small to medium | Small | Businesses shipping under 30 customers per day |
| Batch Picking | Low to high | Medium to high | Small | Businesses receiving multiple recurring orders |
| Zone Picking | Medium to high | Large | Moderate | Businesses with significantly high inventory turnover |
| Wave Picking | Medium to high | Large | Numerous | Businesses handling a high number of picks per order |
1. Piece Picking Method
Others call this single order, discrete order, or individual picking. Piece picking is also the most common and widely used. With this method, the assigned picker selects and then packs all the items for one order before moving to the next.
Since workers process orders individually, the risks of human error are low. Also, staff has more time to pack items with care and, at times, a special touch.
Small businesses with limited warehouses, low order volumes, or those shipping large and heavy products will benefit the most from the piece-picking method. Its simplicity also suits new businesses.
The only downside of this order-picking type is its lack of scalability. Piece picking consumes lots of walking time, which is fine when handling fewer orders but not for a higher order volume.
2. Batch Picking Method
Imagine handling several orders with some similar items on the list. If you use the piece-picking method, your picker has to walk back and forth to the same warehouse area to accomplish every order.
It’s time-consuming and also tiring. So, as your order volume grows, applying the batch-picking method is more practical. Some also call it multi-order or consolidated picking.
With batch picking, your picker can grab items with the same SKU to handle multiple orders. That way, you minimise foot traffic or movement within the warehouse and save time. Order processing becomes faster as well.
3. Zone Picking Method
Fulfilling high-volume orders can be challenging when pickers are all over the warehouse, trying to get different items from their order list. The best way to avoid this congestion is to assign picker parties to warehouse zones.
Each zone has a specific set of SKUs or items to pick from. The assigned picker transfers the order container to the next zone until completion, known as the “pick and pass” or sequential zone picking. Then, the container moves to the central packing station for shipment.
With the zone-picking method, the warehouse can handle numerous orders faster with minimal errors. Travel time also becomes less.
In some warehouses with heavy or bulky goods, human pickers may also work with advanced robotics or powered pallet trucks to complete orders.
4. Wave Picking Method
The wave-picking method is a combination of batch and zone-picking techniques. Here, the warehouse still has zone divisions with designated picker parties.
However, instead of waiting for one zone to pick items before moving to the next, the pickers from all zones work simultaneously. Pickers fulfil a batch of orders sharing the same SKU types, warehouse locations, or shipping times. The picked items are later sorted out and consolidated for delivery.
With this method, the warehouse can reduce downtime and increase overall productivity. The only downside is that it often requires more time and staff in the sorting area.
Still, wave order picking is best for big warehouses receiving multiple orders of several products in different types and sizes.
Which Pick and Pack System Suits Your Business?
A 3PL provider with a reliable pick-and-pack system can boost your business’s accuracy and performance. However, their pick-and-pack services should also match your operations.
So, when choosing a 3PL partner, ensure their pick-and-pack method compliments the following:
- the type of goods your business delivers
- the amount, size, and diversity of your inventory
- the number of orders you receive daily
- the number of items each order has
- your need for automation technologies
- your experience with fluctuating or seasonal demand
Boost Pick-and-Pack Accuracy with a 3PL Partner
Picking and packing are crucial to successful order fulfilment. By being familiar with the different types of pick and pack systems for businesses, you’ll invest and apply a well-suited method for your operations.
Collaborate with Effective Logistics today to improve your pick-and-pack process. Call us on 03 8376 3300 for enquiries.
