Implement efficient picking techniques to reduce errors, accelerate processes and increase customer satisfaction in your logistics operation.
E-commerce in Mexico is growing at great speed, making fulfillment increasingly relevant. With high customer expectations, precision and efficiency have become essential to remain competitive.
Adapting to this fast pace and optimizing processes without compromising quality can help you achieve business success, especially in high-volume operations, where every detail counts.
Therefore, we share 10 tips that can help you improve the accuracy of picking in the fulfillment of your business.
1. Try different picking techniques to improve logistics efficiency
In logistics management, there is no single formula for implementing picking techniques, since each company has its own peculiarities.
However, there are several methodologies you can consider depending on the type of orders you handle. For example, the order-to-order strategy is ideal for orders with many different lines or references, where there is little repetition of items.
In contrast, wave picking is more effective for managing small and large orders, accumulating several orders and selecting all the SKUs at once before sorting them into a specific area. This allows for a more efficient process, especially in high-volume operations.
Another option is multi-order picking, which groups together several orders, but classifies each item directly in its corresponding order during the process, which is useful when you have specialized cars.
You can also go for a mixed approach, combining strategies to maximize efficiency. For example, you can use wave picking for references that require more travel and then apply the order on demand method for the rest.
2. Design an efficient layout that facilitates picking
An optimized layout design can help improve picking accuracy in high-volume fulfillment operations. For an efficient layout, consider doing the following:
- Categorize SKUs by picking frequency
Place high-rotation products in easily accessible areas.
- Minimizes distances
Organize the SKUs so that operators travel the shortest possible distance between picks.
- Ensures flexibility
Design the layout so that it can easily adapt to changes in demand or product range.
3. Know your SKUs
To improve logistics management, you and all staff need to have a clear understanding of the SKUs (Stock Keeping Unit) in your warehouse. This means being aware of details such as the weight, size, quantity and type of each item. Without this information, it is difficult to optimize operations, as this data is essential to manage, store and move products efficiently.
A warehouse management system (SGA) makes this task easier by requiring details such as weight and dimensions to be entered before products are processed.
In this way, each SKU has the necessary information, allowing the SGA to optimize its management. This helps to improve efficiency, and to make operations accurate and smooth.
4. Implement voice picking to reduce human errors
An effective solution that can help reduce human errors in high-volume operations is the Voice Picking, a technology that uses voice commands to guide warehouse operators.
Voice picking works through headphones with a microphone and a mobile device, which dictates the instructions for each task to the operators.
This allows them to keep their hands and eyes free to focus on picking, reducing common errors such as the wrong selection of SKUs or the omission of products. In addition, voice picking facilitates a faster and more accurate work pace, without the distractions of screens or lists.
This, in addition to improving productivity, also reduces fatigue, reducing errors and increasing satisfaction for both the customer and the warehouse staff.
5. Uses Pick-to-Light technologies for greater accuracy
Another effective option for optimizing picking in high-volume operations is the Pick To Light system. These devices illuminate the exact position of the article and show the quantity to be collected directly on the product, making it easier for operators to use it and reducing training time. Some models include sensors that automatically verify the correct selection of the item, alerting in the event of an error and minimizing errors.
These systems are especially useful in high rotation environments, where speed and precision are key, but they also work well in medium and low rotation scenarios, with the possibility of being combined with radio frequency systems.
The multicolored models allow several operators to work simultaneously on large volumes of orders or for a single operator to manage multiple orders at a time, improving efficiency and reducing operating costs.
6. Take advantage of RFID technology
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology is an effective tool in picking, which also helps improve efficiency and precision in logistics operations.
These terminals with barcode readers allow operators to quickly identify products and ensure that they select the correct item, acting as an error prevention system. With RFID, the warehouse management system (SGA) sends information directly to the operator's device, guiding it in real time and reducing the need for manual searches.
This streamlines operations, improves inventory traceability and reduces time spent picking, increasing productivity and reducing operating costs.
7. Implement a good warehouse management system (WMS)
A warehouse management system (WMS) is an essential tool for optimizing fulfillment operations, especially in high-volume environments.
A modern WMS allows you to manage inventory in real time, improve picking routes and assign tasks efficiently, minimizing errors. Integrated with automation technologies, a WMS also provides valuable data to improve picking processes.
This includes the identification of recurring errors and the adaptation of strategies based on the data, allowing for a more dynamic approach adapted to the needs of each operation.
In addition, having a specialized partner can make a difference in large scale operations. Un fulfillment in Mexico City not only does it allow you to centralize and optimize inventory management in real time, but also to guarantee fast and accurate deliveries, reducing picking errors and increasing customer satisfaction.
8. Control the flow of goods within the warehouse
Controlling merchandise flows can help you pick efficiently. Using flow charts and process maps, you can identify bottlenecks and areas where merchandise movements are unnecessarily complicated or lengthy. This allows the flow to be redesigned to minimize transfer time and maximize efficiency.
A well-controlled flow of goods can accelerate the picking process and improve accuracy by reducing opportunities for error during internal transport. Maintaining an orderly and continuous flow ensures that operators have quick and easy access to the products needed at every stage of picking.
9. Continuously monitors and adjusts performance indicators (KPIs)
To improve picking accuracy in high-volume fulfillment, it is recommended to establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs).
These KPIs can include metrics such as the picking error rate, average time per order, and operator efficiency. By continuously analyzing this data, it is possible to identify trends and areas for improvement that can be proactively addressed.
By constantly reviewing this data, you'll be able to identify trends and areas that need improvement. The key is not only to establish these KPIs, but also to review them regularly and make the necessary adjustments. For example, if you notice an increase in errors during certain shifts or with certain SKUs, you can implement changes to correct these problems and improve picking accuracy.
We invite you to read:
Maximize the efficiency of your warehouse: The KPIs you should know
10. Listen to the customer and adapt your processes
Remember that customer satisfaction is the main objective of any fulfillment operation. Listening to customers and adjusting picking processes to their needs can make a big difference in terms of precision and efficiency.
For example, if a customer has specific packaging or delivery preferences, these details must be integrated into the picking process from the start.
By adapting picking processes to customer needs, accuracy is improved and the relationship with them is strengthened, which can lead to greater loyalty and a competitive advantage in the market.
In fulfillment for e-commerce, especially in high-volume operations, picking accuracy is key.
So it's important that you keep up to date with best practices and be open to adapting to new technologies and methods to ensure that each order is fulfilled as accurately as possible. At the end of the day, what really sets you apart from the competition is the ability to deliver a fast, accurate and flexible service.
In Cubbo, we have the solutions, resources and integrations that can help you improve the logistics of your business and your services. Contact us!
