e-commerce

Quantity or quality in e-commerce?

Depending on the item value and other specific requirements (batches, serial numbers, etc.), varying degrees of attention are paid to quality when picking e-commerce items. The highly volume- and performance-oriented nature of the work, as well as high employee turnover, require simple and intuitive picking systems (such as Pick by Light, Pick-by-Frame®, Pick-by-Point®). The systems and the LUCA software must therefore be highly flexible and quickly adaptable. Due to the high volume of work, Voice Picking is only suitable to a limited extent for this purpose.

Manual or automatic?

Automation isn't always the best fit for e-commerce. Depending on seasonal workload at individual warehouses, simple and flexible systems are often a better option. However, when warehouse performance and staffing levels are consistent, fully automated warehouses—controlled by advanced conveyor systems and material flow systems—are often the better solution.

Single-picking

This method involves an order that is to be picked from the warehouse. This relatively inefficient manual method is still commonly used today in many e-commerce warehouses where paper lists are still in use. Employees’ walking routes during the daily workflow are not optimal. The method is well-suited for large-volume orders and express orders. If automatic conveyor technology with material flow control is used with this method, performance can be significantly increased. To support this picking method and, above all, to ensure quality, LUCA offers various systems: Pick-by-Scan,Pick-by-Light System, Voice Picking, and material flow systems. The decision regarding which system is best suited for e-commerce use with the LUCA software is developed in collaboration with planners and customers during workshops.

Multi-Order-Picking

With this method, multiple orders are picked simultaneously using a picking cart. Multiple items are retrieved from a single storage bin for multiple orders and distributed directly to the appropriate locations. Thus, with a single pass through the warehouse, multiple orders are picked at the same time. Picking using a paper picking list is not suitable for this purpose and, due to the potential for errors, should only be performed by experienced staff. The problem with this method without technical support is that distributing the retrieved items in the correct quantities to the correct bins often leads to mix-ups. LUCA software supports this method with various systems well-suited for this purpose (see Pick-by-Cart or Pick-by-Frame®). To decide on the right method, various parameters and factors must first be analyzed in workshops.

Multi-step picking

In large warehouses with complex product and order structures, it often makes sense to divide the picking process into two stages. First, a batch containing N orders is formed. In the first stage, all items from the batch are picked from the warehouse using route optimization and placed into collection boxes or containers. In the second stage, the items from the activated batch are scanned (advantage: additional quality assurance; disadvantage: additional handling) and sorted into the destination bins (orders). Various LUCA systems equipped with professional LUCA software are available to support both stages.

Packing

Once all picked items have been assigned to an order, the packages are packed and prepared for shipment. Depending on the workflow and requirements, packing stations are equipped with delivery note and shipping label printers, cardboard boxes, special labels, etc. LUCA systems, for example, support the customer- and order-specific inclusion of promotional materials and/or coupons. In some highly automated facilities, carton sealers and automatic labeling stations are also used.

Consolidation & Sorting

For large-volume orders, individual boxes or even multiple pallets must be consolidated and prepared for shipment. LUCA Solutions offers various methods for consolidation. Depending on the destination, country, or shipper, the individual boxes and pallets are sorted manually or fully automatically at the shipping area. The shipping area is often equipped with appropriate conveyor systems.

Be sure to also learn about order picking.