Advantages of paperless picking
We have discussed at length how to organise a warehouse and what some of the pain points of this logistics activity are. We’ll detail how to manage the operation that generates the most work in a warehouse. This is picking – the process of selecting and taking items from warehouse shelves for outbound or transfer orders.
For the xTrack WMS warehouse and inventory management system, the Axes Software team has developed picking algorithms that can be quickly configured to each customer’s specific needs. Picking can be done through tasks (instructions/queries) carried out with mobile computers. The software solution manages picking by piece, box or pallet, generates labels and ensures the traceability of picked items.
Automated picking makes paperless picking possible. Digitization eliminates paperwork and lays the foundations for a sustainable, modern and efficient Logistics 4.0.
What is paperless picking?
Paperless picking is one of the results of digitizing and automating the picking process using WMS systems, which are frequently integrated with ERP systems. Customer orders are recorded and processed, products are identified in the WMS system (type of item, storage location, etc.), tasks are generated and sent automatically to warehouse workers so that an optimal management of human resources and a significant reduction in delivery times are achieved. This is also due to the fact that, during the picking process, the WMS not only generates tasks, but also configures the optimal route for the warehouse operators based on the data in the system.
Special technologies are used through the xTrack WMS application (either the web-based version or the desktop-based one) to ensure paperless picking. These are barcode scanning, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), Pick by Light, Pick by Voice and Pick by Vision. Of course, the WMS application is flexible and can also be connected with systems that coordinate the operation of robots or conveyor belts in the warehouse.
Barcode scanning is probably the most commonly used technology in warehouses. There are a wide variety of mobile devices that decode and capture the data encrypted in barcodes. RFID (radio-frequency identification) is another technology for identifying goods similar to barcode scanning, where digital data encoded in RFID tags can be decoded with an RFID reader using radio frequencies. The difference between the two technologies is that the data on RFID tags is read much faster, without the need for scanners and perfect barcode alignment. Pick by Light is recommended for fast picking that relies on location identification using light signals. Pick by Voice is interactive; picking is based on voice instructions and Pick by Vision brings augmented reality elements, with the necessary information being sent to warehouse workers through special glasses they wear.
The Axes Software specialists test the best options for collecting the items required in the customer orders received by companies and implement picking technologies suitable for their warehouses according to their business needs. The xTrack WMS application is designed to be adaptable in such a way as to allow full exploitation of the capabilities of the modern equipment used during the paperless picking operation: mobile computers, RFID antennas, glasses for Pick by Vision, headsets for Pick by Voice, signaling LEDs and screens with or without validation keys for Pick by Light, etc.
What are the advantages of paperless picking?
The advantages of paperless picking are multiple and have an impact on all stages of the logistical activity in a warehouse.
Paperless picking increases the speed of picking products from the shelf and makes the process more intuitive, so that the training of warehouse staff and their subsequent practical work is faster, based on the guidance in the system.
The time it takes to identify items for different orders is reduced and bureaucratic operations such as drawing up and checking picking lists are eliminated. Picking routes in the warehouse are optimized, so the duration of travel time to collect products from the shelves is shortened and the order delivery times are thus reduced.
Another important benefit of implementing xTrack WMS is the reduction and even elimination of human errors in order processing. By fully digitizing and automating the picking process, data is processed automatically, picking instructions are clear, and sorting and packing is done according to highly accurate information that is sent to mobile devices. What’s more, managers can prioritize picking orders and assign tasks to warehouse operators (pickers) without having them to travel to get new picking lists.
Paperless picking also has a beneficial effect on current and forecast inventory management, as it helps reduce the negative impact that reverse logistics can have. The almost total elimination of picking errors results in a drastic decrease in returns caused by the delivery of wrong products or quantities, etc. Also, the automatic processing and centralization of data makes it possible to update stocks in real time, thus reducing the risks of overestimating or underestimating the inventory replenishment needs.
Paperless picking is also important in WMS systems for e-commerce. Order picking activities involve scanning barcodes directly with mobile computers. Useful information is sent and updated in real time in the application, ensuring high visibility of all warehouse operations.
Learn more about the xTrack WMS solution and how it can help you manage your warehouse picking activities. Contact one of our consultants by filling out the form below!
