Multi-order picking
Multi-order picking (also known as batch picking ) is characterized by the creation of a consolidated picking order consisting of the same products from different individual orders.
This form of picking increases not only the overall quantitative throughput within the logistics center, but also the employee's picking performance.
General approaches to batch picking
The picking performance is greatly improved by order optimization and the aim of maximizing the orders to be picked per picker. An intelligent strategy shortens the walking distances of the individual order pickers and significantly increases the picking quality.
Batch picking is a common topic in the intralogistics world. However, this important aspect is often realized by simply merging orders.
Intelligent, system-based consolidation
The majority of the standard warehouse management systems available on the market have the option of consolidating the next upcoming orders in a joint picking tour. The picks (picking orders) are collected in order-related loading units (picking trolleys, picking racks, etc.) and can be assigned to individual orders afterwards without any further effort. The supporting order picking technology plays a subordinate role in this context.
But do the consolidated orders really fit together? Very often this is not verified by the system. Instead, the orders are grouped according to the target date or, very often, according to the FIFO principle. In addition, most of the optimization potential of this method is not used.
Thanks to a particularly fast and well-planned heuristic , the individual orders can be combined into a batch. The system constantly compares new individual orders with existing picking routes and the creation of new routes continuously. The order picker receives the currently best possible order or new tours optimized for the individual order picker are assigned and activated directly after a picking tour has been completed.
Efficiency and potential through multi-order picking
In practice, from a consolidation of three orders, a path saving of 33% can be achieved, with a combination of five or more orders, a path saving of 70% can be achieved. The increase in efficiency is particularly noticeable when a large number of small items have to be picked. An even higher throughput rate can be achieved if individual orders (one piece per order) flow directly into a pick & pack process on the system side.
In addition, it is even possible to take the cut-off times of the connected freight forwarders and CEP service providers into account and to include them in the prioritization of individual orders.
Depending on a large number of system variables, intelligent planning and consistent introduction of a batch strategy result in enormous savings potential and a considerable increase in throughput with manageable investments for a company.
Even the subsequent introduction of a batch strategy is usually subject to a short amortization period, as immediately noticeable effects in the form of a reduction in distance, a higher picking performance and a higher throughput of goods per shift can be demonstrated.
In the best case scenario, a company can use multi-order picking to switch from a 3-shift to a 2-shift strategy and achieve higher overall performance with the same or fewer employees.