Picking and packing is a crucial step in the order fulfilment process. Unfortunately, it is prone to a number of potential picking errors that can cost a warehouse time, money and, if left unresolved, its reputation.
It’s estimated that over 35% of fulfilment operations are experiencing a picking rate of above 1%, which can have a drastic impact on costs considering a single packing error can reduce profitability of an order by as much as 13%.
Technology to reduce picking errors
Modern warehouses are incorporating technology and automation into their processes, not only to improve profitability and productivity, but also to overcome issues such as picking errors, including:
Collaborative mobile robots
This technology helps improve pick rates by avoiding unnecessary walking by warehouse operatives.
This works by leading operatives to picking locations via the fastest route and displays essential order information such as items and quantities to pick. By reducing the physical and mental strain on staff, they can focus on completing important tasks effectively.
Pick-to-light and put-to-light
Pick-to-light and put-to-light technology increases the speed and accuracy of warehouse picking. It works by having LED lights installed on racks and shelves that house your stock.
Pickers use barcode scanners to scan the shipping carton for all items in the single order, after which the LEDs for items listed in the order glow. Operatives then simply follow the lights to pick the listed items in the order.
Warehouse management software
Warehouse management software (WMS) is the go-to solution for warehouses looking to streamline their order fulfilment process and avoid unnecessary costs.
By making sure that inventory information is accurate and that stock is located and stored as efficiently as possible, warehouse operatives are under less pressure and make fewer mistakes in the picking process.
Frequently review storage strategies
It is prudent to frequently review and implement warehouse management best practices to help reduce picking errors. These include:
•Relocating fast-moving items to easily accessible locations
•Storing frequently picked items near packing and shipping areas
•Ensuring all items are in proper slots/locations and labelled correctly
•Storing different items/parts in separate storage bins to avoid picking errors
Properly identify and label items
Correct identification and labelling of items is a big factor in reducing the likelihood of picking mistakes. A mobile barcode scanning system gives operatives the ability to scan items into locations, using optimally placed signs, aisle markers and shelf labels to help staff easily identify storage locations. All different package sizes should have a unique SKU and distinctive labelling.
Using barcode scanning and SKU’s to track the movement of stock throughout the entire fulfilment process can also help you ensure accountability. By knowing which stage of the process an error has occurred, you can investigate and identify why – for example, was it a human error or was stock in the wrong storage bin.
Conduct regular inventory checks
Regular inventory checks will help warehouse staff flag errors such as items stored incorrectly or in wrong locations before they lead to picking errors. Mistakes during replenishment or stock putaway is one of the biggest causes of picking errors during the fulfilment process.
Inventory checks are essential for keeping stock levels up to date, ensuring that you don’t run out of stock on fast-moving products or over-order slow-moving products.
Reduce picking errors with Mintsoft
Picking errors in the warehouse can wreak havoc on the profitability of an otherwise efficient order fulfilment operation.
Ultralight Outdoor Gear has experienced a 90% decrease in returns caused by incorrect orders being received and an immeasurable increase in customer satisfaction since implementing Mintsoft’s WMS.
To find out more about Mintsoft, please visit their website mintsoft.com
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