Category Archives: Warehousing Solutions

Warehouse order picking methods are an important aspect within any warehouse. Compared to shipping, storage, and receiving stages, order picking forms as much as 55% of operation costs in a distribution center. It also has a direct impact on how satisfied your customers are. If your picking methods in the warehouse are quick and accurate, your business will succeed. Here’s what you need to know about order picking and how to implement the key warehouse picking best practices.

What Is Order Picking?

Order picking is the process of selecting items from a warehouse inventory, to satisfy several independent customer orders. This is an important part of the supply chain process and has been considered the most labor-intensive and expensive activity for every warehouse. As mentioned, the cost of order picking is estimated to be as much is 55% of all warehouse operating expenses. Since order picking involves such a high cost and can directly affect customer satisfaction, companies are learning more about improving their processes to create a more efficient supply chain.

Types of Order Picking Methods in the Warehouse

There are many different types of picking in a warehouse and each one works as a customized solution for each business. Depending on the size of your warehouse and inventory, the manpower you have on hand, and the number of customer orders made each day, there may be certain methods that are more efficient for you than others. Consider the following types of order picking in the warehouse and learn how you can get quality advice and efficient management of your supply chain so you can focus on growing your business.

Single Order Picking

The most common type of picking is single order picking. The picker is provided one order at a time and then goes to the warehouse to find each item on the list before completing the order. However, in many cases, the sequence in which orders are given to pickers and the routes they follow are not optimized. The worker must always make a full trip through the warehouse just to fill a single order. This is not the most efficient method. Warehouse management systems (WMS) can help solve this problem and increase productivity.

Batch Picking

In this case, workers can pick multiple orders at a time, with both manual and automated picking. The manual picking environment works by allowing the picker to pick SKUs required for multiple orders at a time. This minimizes the travel time. With automated picking, the worker remains in one location while horizontal and vertical carousels deliver the required SKUs to the worker.

Multi-Batch Order Picking

This is the ideal pick and pack solution for cases when multiple smaller orders need to be distributed. These orders are more effective for workers that travel long distances within a warehouse. Multi-batch picking is used for orders coming from different areas in the warehouse, and thus reduces the order pick times by collecting numerous orders simultaneously. This process also reduces the time needed to process multiple SKUs.

Zone Picking

This method divides the warehouse into several zones and assigns workers to only work within a specific zone. Each zone can use its own type of technology and storage system, depending on what would work best for the SKUs stored in that zone, and the storage technology used in that zone. Orders can be picked in the past from zone to zone, or delivered to a specific point before shipping

Pick and Pass

This strategy involves passing orders from one zone to another for fulfillment. If an order originates in zone A, a worker adds all the SKUs required from that zone before it passes onto zone B. This is repeated until all the items can be taken to shipping. To maximize productivity with this method, order management software (OMS) can be used to manage the order flow.

Order Consolidation

This method is an alternative to pick and pack. Each zone selects the SKUs required for the order simultaneously. When one zone’s partial order is complete, it is sent to consolidation until the SKUs from the other zones arrive. When all the SKUs are together, the partial orders are matched up into one large order. This order is then sent to shipping. This is a very advanced strategy that required inventory management software (IMS).

Advanced Systems Picking

In this system, totes for individual orders travel from zone to zone where they are delivered into picking stations were a worker is picking from carousels. These batch stations use specific systems to direct the correct quantity to each tote. During this process, the bulk components of orders can be picked by workers on forklifts who are doing one order at a time or batch picking. All these components are brought together in consolidation.

Contact APS Fulfillment, Inc. for Warehouse Order Fulfillment Services

Improving your order picking process will take time, so making sure that you are managing it as best as possible is vital. However, if you are a small- to medium-sized business, you may not have the manpower and tools necessary to get the job done efficiently. Therefore, working with a third-party logistics partner (3PL) can help you. There are many advantages to working with a reputable provider, especially if you want to get your products out to your customers faster, in better condition, and handle returns and issues more efficiently. Without an efficient order picking process, you may be unable to meet your goals and please your customers.

At APS Fulfillment, Inc., we provide value to our clients by offering the most dependable, effective warehousing solutions possible, every day. We are an experienced e-commerce order fulfillment company that can provide advice on which order picking strategy is best for you, and we offer our clients a variety of hands-on services. Our services include product fulfillment, direct mail marketing, fulfillment solutions, and fulfillment markets. We also use the best quality software systems to manage your warehouse, so if you’re looking for the right company, look no further than APS Fulfillment, Inc. You can contact us by e-mail at [email protected] or by phone at (954) 582-7450.

If you’re like most business owners, you’re always looking for ways to speed up your order fulfillment process, reduce costs, and improve inventory management. One way to do all of those things is by using warehouse robotics. Warehouse automation has been on the rise in recent years, as businesses have begun to realize the benefits of using robots to handle their warehouse operations. In this post, we will discuss what warehouse robotics are and how they can help improve your business’s bottom line.

What Is Warehouse Robotics?

Also known as warehouse automation, this technology is designed to help streamline warehouse operations and improve efficiency. Warehouse robots are used for a variety of tasks, including sorting and organizing inventory, picking and packing orders, and loading and unloading trucks.

In many cases, warehouse robots are capable of working around the clock, which can help to further improve efficiency. While warehouse robotics can be a significant investment, many businesses find that the long-term benefits more than justify the initial cost.

Types of Warehouse Robotics

There are various types of warehouse robotics that you can implement in your warehouse, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. These include, but are not limited to:

Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)

Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are used to move materials around warehouses and are typically controlled by an operator using a remote control. AGVs can be programmed to follow specific routes and can be equipped with sensors to avoid obstacles. However, AGVs are also relatively slow and bulky, making them unsuitable for certain tasks.

Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS)

Another type of warehouse robot is the Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS). AS/RS systems are used to store and retrieve materials from warehouse shelves. AS/RS systems are often controlled by warehouse management software, which determines the most efficient routes for the robots to take. However, AS/RS systems can be expensive to install and maintain.

Articulated Robotic Arms

Articulated robotic arms are typically mounted on ceiling-mounted rails and are used to pick orders from warehouse shelves. Robotic arms are fast and agile, making them well-suited for tasks that require precise movements. However, they can be expensive to purchase and maintain.

Goods-To-Person (G2P)

Goods-to-person (G2P) robots are a type of warehouse robot that brings materials directly to workers instead of workers having to travel to the materials. G2P robots can significantly improve productivity in warehouses by reducing the time workers spend walking around the warehouse.

“Cobot’s” or Collaborative Robots

“Cobots” or collaborative robots are a type of warehouse robot designed to work alongside humans in warehouse environments. Cobots are typically used for tasks such as packing boxes or loading trucks. Cobots can help reduce worker fatigue and improve safety in warehouses.

Benefits of Implementing Warehouse Robotics

Warehouse automation is likely to continue to grow in popularity in the coming years. Given the fact that warehouse robots are able to move inventory around the warehouse, freeing up employees for other tasks, they can also help to reduce errors and increase accuracy.

As a result, warehouse automation can lead to faster order fulfillment times and reduced labor costs. Warehouse robots can also help to improve safety by reducing the need for employees to lift heavy objects or work in dangerous areas.

Contact APS Fulfillment, Inc. for Warehouse Service Needs

At APS Fulfillment, Inc., we offer full-service e-commerce fulfillment out of Miami that includes state-of-the-art warehouse management software (WMS). We make inventory management and goods tracking easy and simple. We’ll also support your business and automate the warehousing, prepping, shipping, picking, and packing of your orders!

Get in touch with us today and one of our consultants will tailor a fulfillment plan that will help grow your business. To book a consultation, call (954) 582-7450 or email [email protected].

As a small business owner, you know that efficient warehousing is essential to sustaining business growth. In addition to storing products and materials, a warehouse can also be used as a shipping and receiving center, a packing and assembly area, and even a workspace for office staff. However, operating a warehouse can be expensive, and it requires careful planning and management.

When looking for third-party warehousing solutions, your options will come in one of two types: contract or public warehousing. On the surface, the two can appear interchangeable and it can be hard to tell what public warehousing is when compared to contract options. Each is run by a third-party operation that offers storage space, better shipping rates, seasonable scalability, value added services, and so on. But there are several public warehousing disadvantages you ought to be aware of.

But before we get to the pros and cons of a public warehouse, let’s highlight the differences between public and contract warehousing.

The main differences arise when looking at where each warehouse type places the most focus and how this shapes its relationship with clients. Public warehouses are ostensibly meant for short-term rentals even though they can and are used by companies as a long-term logistics and fulfillment solution. Contract warehouses are designed for long-term use of both space and services. It is from this core difference that the main disadvantages of public warehousing become apparent.

All that said, let’s take a look at some of the public warehousing disadvantages.

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The warehouse is the core of inventory management where all goods are received, sent to production, and shipped out and delivered to customers. All these aspects must be streamlined and in perfect synchronization to ensure that your customers get their orders on time. As straight forward as it may seem, inventory management is not an easy task, especially when it comes to inventory management for multiple warehouse. The key to successfully managing multiple warehouses is to get a good understanding of the challenges they present and develop strategies for how to overcome them. Here are some tips for how to manage multiple warehouses and inventory.

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There are many reasons why growing companies switch from managing their warehousing in-house to hiring a third-party fulfillment company. There are many hidden costs and challenges when you manage your fulfillment and warehousing in-house, especially if you are a startup company. Although using a fulfillment partner may seem more expensive up front, you will ultimately save more money in the long run as your business grows. Here are some of the hidden costs of in-house warehousing, so that you can weigh your options and save on costs with a fulfillment partner.

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Adding extra warehouses to your business provides many benefits such as reducing shipping costs, increasing storage capacity, and having warehouses for specific purposes to simplify warehouse management. However, the more warehouses you have, the more challenges you may have to deal with. Here are some of the most common challenges with managing multiple warehouses and how you can manage multiple warehouses effectively to overcome these challenges.

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Today’s business climate is competitive, which is why it is so important for business owners to make their warehouse planning and implementation as efficient as possible to drive growth and profits. This goes beyond research and development to include manufacturing, marketing, distribution, accounting, human resources, and warehouse or distribution management. The following warehouse planning tips can help you become more efficient, so that you can increase your success as your business grows.

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If you run an organization that sells food, cosmetics, supplements, drugs, or other medical products, CGMP standards and regulations matter. Especially in cases where you use outsourced providers to store and distribute your products, you will need to ensure these standards are met all across your supply chain. But what does CGMP stand for? Why do organizations need to meet these standards? If you need warehousing and fulfillment solutions in Miami, Florida, how can you be sure they are properly certified for CGMP? Here’s what you need to know about CGMP warehousing and the answers to questions like these. The following information will help you choose the right third-party logistics partner to provide you with safe solutions for your consumers.

To stay competitive in today’s tough market, the location of your warehouse is vital. This factor could mean the difference between the success or failure of your company. Wondering what to consider when choosing the location of your warehouse fulfillment in Miami, Florida? Here’s what you need to know.

Warehousing Location: Why Is It So Important?