How to design the right picking warehouse to improve efficiency in order preparation
When we talk about efficiency in order preparation, the first thing that comes to mind is the operator or the robot in charge of this task. But this is only part of the optimization process. It is essential to adopt a comprehensive approach that addresses an adequate design of the shelving system, in order to facilitate the picking process.
It is clear that the more products that can be stored, handled, packaged and shipped in the shortest possible time, the greater the potential for sales volume. However, if the shelves are not adequate, access to the load is not easy, or there is no efficient inventory system, incidents will inevitably occur.
Optimize the picking process
Optimizing order preparation mainly involves designing an efficient warehouse. By reducing the number of movements, distances traveled, and time spent handling products, we will increase warehouse productivity.
To achieve this, it is essential to ask some key questions. What items are typically distributed together? Grouping them nearby can minimize staff travel and speed up the preparation of regular orders. In addition, it is crucial to consider the strategic location of bulky items that require forklifts, not only to reduce time between collection and dispatch, but also to improve safety during transport.
Another important aspect is to evaluate how products are handled and moved within the warehouse, as well as explore possible optimizations in the order preparation methodology to increase both efficiency and operational safety. How are products handled? How do employees move around the warehouse? Can you make changes to the order preparation methodology to increase efficiency and create a safer environment?
Finally, think about the future needs of the company. It is likely that the type of goods you store will change not only in terms of size, but also in weight. Or that you have a growth forecast for which you will need a greater storage capacity. The storage solution must be flexible and adaptable to these changing demands.
Therefore, the correct design of the warehouse layout together with the appropriate choice of the storage system, will ensure the efficiency of our installation. At POLYPAL, we value continuous interaction with the client to understand their specific requirements and expectations. This allows us to design solutions that optimize both storage capacity and logistics processes. Prior to the execution of any project, we carry out an exhaustive technical study that considers crucial variables such as:
- Format of load unit to be stored: boxes, loose products…
- Weight, size and volume of the load
- Product flows and rotation
- Specific characteristics of the products: temperature, life cycle…
- Number of references to store
- Storage capacity to be achieved
- Available handling equipment
Choosing the shelving system for picking
Once these variables have been analyzed, we can choose the POLYPAL picking shelving system that best suits the needs of your warehouse:
It is a very versatile system because it allows numerous configurations and has a wide range of accessories that easily adapt to the volume and weight needs of the stored product. In addition, the same shelving can be equipped with lockers of different sizes, without the need to screw and unscrew, guaranteeing a perfect assembly.
They are widely used in areas of the warehouse with a high volume of picking or in places where products with a high rotation are stored. They follow a FIFO (first in, first out) operation: the articles are introduced through the highest end of the shelving and, by means of the inclined plane of the rollers, they are transferred to the opposite side, ready for extraction when needed.
MINILOAD, AUTOMATIC WAREHOUSE FOR BOXES
System designed to be operated by robotic equipment. It is a very interesting option due to the high level of efficiency and precision in operations. Some of the advantages offered by these automatic storage systems are:
- Reduction of handling times, as operators do not need to enter the aisles.
- Greater precision in order management. Error reduction.
- Increased safety of people.
- Increase in storage space. Products can be stored at great heights (40 meters or more) and with reduced or narrow work aisles.
Palletization systems are also installed for large loads in automatic warehouses with stacker cranes.
PALLETIZATION + PICKING SYSTEMS
It is also possible to opt for mixed systems where the upper levels of the shelving are used for pallet storage and the lower levels for manual storage for picking.
ACCESSORIES
To improve the order preparation process, there is a wide variety of accessories for picking shelves designed to maximize the efficiency of the storage system and adapt it perfectly to the operational needs of the warehouse, such as removable drawers, plastic boxes, vertical dividers, etc.
A well-planned layout and an adapted storage system are crucial to optimize warehouse efficiency and improve order preparation.
