The goods-to-person picking method, also referred to as product-to-person, emerged from the necessity to enhance efficiency in order preparation processes. In this article, we explore the concept of goods-to-person picking, the prerequisites for its implementation in a warehouse, and its key advantages compared to the person-to-goods (or person-to-product) technique.
Goods-to-Person Picking
Goods-to-person is an order preparation strategy where products are delivered directly to operators via automated systems, streamlining the picking process. Unlike traditional person-to-goods methods, it uses a miniload system with stacker cranes and roller conveyors, allowing operators to receive items at their workstations without moving. The warehouse management system coordinates these operations, providing instructions through software at pick stations. This approach reduces operator movement, minimizing errors and accidents while enhancing efficiency by allowing operators to pick directly from the provided boxes.
Picking from Pallets with Goods-to-Person
While goods-to-person is primarily associated with picking small units (stored in boxes or trays), it can also be applied to pallet picking. This method involves implementing automated systems such as stacker cranes and pallet conveyor systems, which optimize the placement and retrieval of pallets from racks. Operators receive the pallet at a specially designed pick station and, based on WMS instructions, remove a specified number of boxes from the pallet to prepare the order. The conveyor then returns the original pallet to the rack or moves it to another location for better space utilization.
Goods-to-Person (GTP) vs. Person-to-Goods (PTG)
The adoption of automated systems for order picking addresses several needs, including speeding up order dispatch, enhancing ergonomic conditions, and reducing errors from manual product handling. The following comparison highlights the differences between the two methods:
- Operator Movements
- GTP: Minimal movements, as operators remain at their pick stations while the WMS organizes their tasks.
- PTG: Operators must navigate picking routes around the warehouse to gather products for orders.
- Productivity
- GTP: A highly efficient system capable of achieving 1,000 picks per hour.
- PTG: Efficiency depends on the WMS for establishing optimal routes.
- Unit Loads
- GTP: Requires some standardization of unit loads; any flaws could damage the automated equipment.
- PTG: Does not necessitate standardization and can accommodate irregular surfaces.
- Operating Costs
- GTP: Automating warehouse operations is an investment, but the ROI is often quick due to reduced errors and increased order dispatch.
- PTG: Costs fluctuate based on seasonal order volumes, but manual picking errors can lead to significant cost overruns.
Automated Picking: Efficiency and Productivity
Minimizing the economic impact of picking on warehouse operating costs is essential for competitive logistics. Traveling throughout the aisles consumes about 70% of operators' time. By eliminating these movements, overall warehouse operations, especially order preparation, become significantly more efficient.