As a vital part of the supply chain process, it is also the most labour-intensive activity in the warehouse. Order picking accounts for 55% of all operating expenses and businesses must get it right, since it directly affects customer satisfaction.
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Festive consumer spending
Businesses are constantly striving to improve their processes to create the most efficient supply chain. With Christmas approaching, everyone is aiming to take advantage of the extra consumer spending.
According to figures compiled by the Bank of England, UK shoppers spend 116% more money on music and DVDs at Christmas than at any other time of year. They also spend 85% more on books, an extra 68% on computers, 56% more on toiletries, an additional 43% on clothing and 39% more alcohol. In total, consumers spend around £19 billion on Christmas presents in the UK.
We will eat 308 million slices of turkey, 205 million portions of Christmas pudding or cake and drink 205 million glasses of champagne! On average, we spend an extra 20% on food at Christmas.
With retailers experiencing tough competition, an effective order picking system becomes increasingly important, especially in the run-up to the festive season.
Types of order picking
The most common method is single order picking, when the picker goes around the warehouse finding each item on the list to complete one order at a time.
Batch picking is when the pickers complete multiple orders at a time, both manually and through an automated system, using horizontal and vertical carousels. Multi-batch order picking is an ideal solution for warehouses where multiple small orders must be completed. Commonly utilised when items are coming from different areas of the warehouse, it reduces the completion time, as the picker collects multiple orders at once.
Zone picking divides the warehouse into numerous sections and deploys staff to remain within one specific area. Each zone can use its own type of storage system and technology. Orders can be picked from zone to zone and delivered to a specific point before dispatch.
Order picking bins
Whatever type of warehouse system you operate, it must be reliable. Making the order picking process quick, accurate and convenient, order picking bins can help organise your warehouse.
Assuring easy product display and identification, a good system can improve picking speed and accuracy - colour-coded bins can enhance the picking process and create an effective storage solution that can be categorised.
Solent Plastics provides a range of order picking bins, with something to suit every budget. Our 400mm x 300mm and 600mm x 400mm euro stacking crates provide easy access, even in intensive distribution and picking centres. We have lots of other storage solutions that could help your warehouse to run like clockwork!
Interested in our products? Give us a call on 01794 514478 or browse our website for more information.