What is a picking container?
Picking containers are basically boxes, crates or containers with or without lids which are used for storing and picking similar goods and products in different quantities. The material, size and shape of these picking containers depends on the type and quantity of the items to be picked. In most cases, a container is made of plastic (polypropylene). Storage technology and shelving systems enable the automatic transport of picking containers
Each picking request is assigned one (or more) picking containers (loading equipment) for picking.
The customer order of an order is picked into the container. As a rule, each picking container has a unique container number (barcode). The order number and container identification are linked for the duration of picking. Linking the picking order and container ID is important, especially when article units are picked at different picking stations.
The picking container in logistics
The main function of picking with the help of suitable containers is to work as economically as possible. Picking devices, picking technology, picking system and picking methods are essential components in the optimization of picking.
In addition to order picking (goods for a sales order), picking containers with the same articles (material for assembly kit; preliminary product) are used in production and at assembly workstations.
Depending on the branch of industry (wholesale, industrial) such containers can be equipped with individual inlays for very specific products and goods. Various manufacturers offer special designs, e.g. also space-saving containers, which have different dimensions/inside dimensions compared to standard picking containers.
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