Multi-Order-Picking pick-by-light

What is Multi-Order-Picking?

Multi-Order-Picking a picking method in which several orders are picked simultaneously by one picker. To do this, the individual picking orders are grouped together on a picking trolley to form a batch and are processed simultaneously.

When is Multi-Order-Picking ?

If multiple orders can be fulfilled from the same storage locations due to the order structure, the picker can shorten their walking distances and process multiple picking orders simultaneously. This saves a tremendous amount of time and increases picking performance and efficiency.

Problem with batch picking

Imagine that there are many orders on the picking trolley (usually 9-16 items). You have a pick list in your hand and now have to find the individual storage compartments according to the list. As a picker, you know your warehouse and have no problem finding the storage locations. You can find your location very quickly. Perhaps the total quantity is also clearly shown on the list.

You take the items out of the storage compartment and now... you have a problem! The total number of items must be distributed appropriately among the individual orders. So now the search begins.

1. First, you need to find the appropriate subset on the pick list.
2. Secondly, you must read the order and identify the appropriate box or container on the picking trolley.
3. Thirdly: You must count out the appropriate number of items from your total quantity and set them aside.

All these activities happen simultaneously and require maximum concentration. This often leads to mistakes, which are understandable when working an 8-hour day.

Use of pick-by-light in batch picking

A pick-by-light system Multi-Order-Picking be a very useful aid for Multi-Order-Picking . The pick-by-light system software is responsible for the entire picking process. There are two types of support available here:

1. Pick-by-light compartment indicators on the picking trolley

The best method for supporting batch picking with a picking cart is to use pick-by-light displays directly on the picking cart itself (Pick-by-Cart) or on an auxiliary structure (Pick-by-Frame). For this purpose, the cart or frame structures are equipped with a battery, WiFi, and displays.

After the order is activated, the info display first shows the picking location. After the picks are confirmed (e.g., by a barcode scanner), the compartment indicators for the individual orders light up and show the correct quantity directly on the carton or container.

The picker only has to distribute the displayed quantities to the individual orders and confirm the placement by pressing the confirmation button.

Preparing for Multi-Order-Picking

Before picking orders are started using the Multi-Order-Picking, the individual cartons or containers must be positioned on the picking trolley and assigned to the orders. The process is also supported by pick-by-light, making it very quick and easy.

2. Pick-by-light displays at storage locations

If the number of picking locations in a work area is manageable (20-30), the pick-by-light displays can be installed statically at the storage locations rather than on the order picking carts.

In this case, the removal quantity and the destination compartment in the picking trolley are displayed simultaneously on the removal compartment (e.g., "3–5" -> three items to compartment 5). The placement can be confirmed directly on the acknowledgment button or with a barcode scanner on the storage compartment.

This picking method is rarely used and has only been used by us in the automotive industry so far. In these cases, the withdrawal quantity was always = 1, so that only the storage compartment was shown on the pick-by-light display.

Conclusion

The pick-by-light system is Multi-Order-Picking helpful for Multi-Order-Picking : it minimizes errors, increases performance, and greatly improves the quality of batch picking. Employees are more relaxed and much happier.