Wave picking is a picking strategy that warehouses can use to improve efficiency and productivity. In large warehouses with lots of different products and SKUs, pickers can spend a lot of time moving back and forth between the different areas. This constant back and forth can cause delivery times to get longer and cut down on worker productivity. That’s where wave picking can be implemented. Wave picking can be used as the sole picking method or in combination with other picking strategies. Keep reading to learn about the top warehouse equipment to use when implementing wave picking at your warehouse.
What is Wave Picking?
Wave picking allows workers to pick multiple orders simultaneously, at scheduled times. Similar to zone picking, wave picking involves breaking up inventory into zones. Workers are then assigned a zone where they carry out the picking process. The pickers use a cart or tote to collect multiple items at once and when done, they pass the products down to be packaged and shipped. Where these two strategies differ is that wave picking utilizes schedules to determine when an order will be fulfilled. Orders are scheduled based on common factors such as shipping date, type of products, storage zone, etc. Scheduling picking times gives the warehouse opportunity to fill gaps of downtime and manage busy periods more efficiently. Wave picking can be used to reduce workers’ travel distance in the warehouse and has benefits for both high and low-volume warehouses.
Different Wave Picking Strategies
As with other picking strategies, wave picking can be used in combination with other methods or can be adjusted to work best for the warehouse. There are two main wave picking variations; fixed wave picking and dynamic wave picking. In dynamic wave picking, the others are sent to be packed for shipment as soon as they’re done. Whereas in fixed wave picking, the orders are held until all of the items have been picked. Fixed wave picking makes it easier to create schedules for packing and shipping staff as the process is more predictable. But it may also require more staff to tackle all of the packing and shipping at the same time, rather than products arriving for packing at various times.
What Equipment is Used for Wave Picking?
Implementing wave picking in your warehouse requires creating a layout and plan for how the orders will be processed. When you have the layout figured out, you can then decide on what kind of equipment to use and where to place them for optimal efficiency. Here are the equipment that are used for wave picking:
Warehouse Management System
A Warehouse Management System (WMS) is absolutely key for wave picking. WMS is a type of software that keeps track of all order data and makes the communication between the different fulfillment stages easier. The type of product, location, worker and shipment schedules, shipping consideration, etc. are all the different variables that a WMS can keep track of. A WMS software also eliminates the need for manual recordkeeping. As the picking process is carried out the data that is collected through barcode scanners is passed on to the WMS.
Barcode Scanners
Barcode scanners are a great way to keep track of the products and eliminate mistakes during wave picking. They streamline the process compared to keeping track of everything manually. Make sure that the barcode scanners you select can communicate effectively with the WMS of your choice.
Warehouse Picking Carts
Picking carts are used to store and transport products during the picking process. Picking carts often have several levels that can be used to store different SKUs or order numbers. They allow the orders to remain separate while picking simultaneously. Carts are essential in wave picking to be able to collect all items simultaneously. Once all of the products from one zone are added to the cart, it can be passed on to the next zone to resume the fulfillment.
Bins & Totes
Bins and totes are used for holding products during the picking process. Bins help keep different parts of the same order in the same container. These work especially well for smaller parts and items that would easily get lost. Bins and totes are also great for storing products and make it easy for pickers to identify contents.
Gravity Conveyors
Gravity conveyors use gravity to move products down the line. They can be used in wave picking to speed up the transportation of products between different workstations. The surface of the gravity conveyor can be made of different materials such as rollers and skate wheels to accommodate various box or crate shapes. Gravity conveyors can also be set up to transport products between different levels of the warehouse, such as a mezzanine.
Carton Flow
Carton flow is a type of dynamic shelving that uses gravity to move products from the rear end of the shelf to the front. It is commonly used to increase the efficiency of order picking. The product is loaded from the back and as the products in the front are picked, the ones in the back slide forward and replace them. Carton flow reduces the need to reorganize products on the shelf as they are picked and keeps the employees that are responsible for loading out of the way of those that do the picking. It not only speeds up the picking process by providing easier access to products but also maximizes the storage space in your warehouse.
Create An Effective Wave Picking System With the Right Equipment
Whether you’re setting up a new warehouse and designing a wave picking system from scratch or reconfiguring your existing warehouse to improve your current picking operations, American Storage & Logistics has all of the equipment you need to build cost-saving and efficient pick modules. We have a complete inventory of in-stock carton flow, pallet rack, gravity conveyors, and stock picking carts in both new and used condition, ready for same-day pickup or next-day delivery. Click here to shop online today or give us a call at 616-246-9800 to speak with a sales engineer today!
