Each Picking
What is Each Picking?
Each picking, also known as piece picking or split-case picking, is an order picking process in which a single item or SKU is picked from a master carton. These picks are typically bundled or packaged with other SKUs before being shipped. Each picks consist of a lower volume of SKUs compared to case picks. This results in significantly higher labor-cost-to-revenue ratios in operations where each picking occurs. Each picks are commonly picked from carton flow, dynamic industrial shelving, or shelving positions that present the opening of the master carton to the picker.
Each picking is typically used in warehouses, fulfillment centers, and retail operations focused on delivering products directly to customers. Depending on the type of business and SKUs being stored, each picking can make up a large portion or even all of an operation's picks. In other words, optimizing each picking is something almost every order fulfillment operation today needs to care about.
Where is Each Picking Used?
As eCommerce and omnichannel fulfillment operations continue to grow and increase their retail market share, each picking operations are also growing in use and scope. Each picking operations are employed in distribution centers focused on delivering products directly to customers, whereas case picking operations are typically used to stock retail locations’ shelves. Big box retailers utilize each picking to prepare orders for in-store or fulfillment center pickup. Each picking is also crucial for fresh grocery delivery services where grocery orders are picked, prepared, and shipped directly to customers’ homes. Because of the lower revenue and higher labor costs generated by each picking operations, companies need to ensure their processes are optimized for fast, easy, and accurate order fulfillment.
Each Picking Challenges
In many warehouses and distribution centers, each picks are stored in an inefficient manner that stretches pick times, eats up valuable floor space, and costs thousands in lost productivity. Common each picking challenges include:
- Poor SKU accessibility and visibility make locating specific SKUs difficult and time-consuming for pickers
- SKUs placed in incorrect locations or inefficiently organized leads to misplaced inventory, wasted search time and popular SKUs being buried
- Lack of organization by throughput and poor optimization of pick paths results in delayed or missed orders
- Inefficient use of space requires pickers to walk further to locate picks, leading to increased travel, search, and pick time
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Best Practices to Improve Each Picking
Following each picking best practices will address the challenges faced by order fulfillment operations, from the warehouse to the retail floor.
- Optimize slotting by velocity, placing the fastest moving SKUs in the most accessible locations and grouping similar items together to reduce search time.
- Utilize dynamic storage solutions like carton flow and high-density shelving to increase storage density, improve visibility, and provide ergonomic access.
- Label everything clearly. Proper signage and visibility aids pickers in quickly locating the correct picks.
- Train pickers on optimization mindset by stressing the importance of proper slotting, re-slotting, first-in-first-out, and reporting errors.
Addressing the most common causes of inefficiency in each picking applications will lead to more profits across every area of your operation.
Increased Efficiency in Each Picking Starts with Improving Space Utilization
UNEX SpeedCell dynamic high-density industrial shelving is the ideal solution for storing your slow-moving each picks. SpeedCell can compress 200’ of rack or shelving into 40’ of highly organized space, making your each picking operation more space-efficient and profitable. More pick facings and greater SKU density mean less travel time, plus faster picks and restocking.
UNEX’s carton flow system, SpanTrack, is ideal for medium-moving SKUs. This innovative carton flow solution drops into an existing pallet rack to create a robust flow system for any operation. Whether you’re looking for full-width carton flow roller lanes, universal wheel beds, or a combination of both, SpanTrack can maximize space within your facility and increase throughput up to 150% compared to picking eaches from cases stored on pallets at ground-level.
Optimize Your Each Picking Operations with UNEX
UNEX designs optimized each picking solutions with three goals in mind: increase pick rates, decrease mispicks, and improve ergonomics at the point of pick. Keeping each picks in the Golden Zone prevents order pickers from needing to lift above the shoulders or below the waist. UNEX’s each picking solutions can be customized to fit a wide variety of rack structures or can be used in conjunction with UNEX carton flow racks, pick shelves, and dynamic high-density industrial shelving systems. Our each picking solutions feature a full line of accessories to meet the unique needs of your operation – from label holders to dividers, end stops, and more.
Connect with our product experts to learn how UNEX solutions can help you increase space utilization and boost productivity in your each picking operation.
Explore UNEX Solutions
SpeedCell
SpeedCell is a dynamic warehouse storage solution uniquely designed to save time, space, and money by using existing space within standard pallet racking. Its compact design can compress 200′ of rack or shelving into 40′ of highly organized space.
Key benefits of SpeedCell include:
- Transform vacant space into useable storage and increase storage density by 40-60%
- Create a highly efficient and accurate pick
- Reduce picker travel time by 80%
- Reduce labor costs by up to 40%
SpanTrack Lane
SpanTrack Lane is an innovative carton-flow solution that drops into new or existing pallet rack structures to create an efficient, reliable, and durable flow system. Depend on a robust and sturdy solution for even the most active warehouses and assembly plants.
Key benefits of Spantrack include:
- Ensure FIFO inventory rotation
- Reduce worker travel time by up to 75%
- Optimized for product stacking
- Industry-leading 7-year warranty
SpanTrack Wheel Bed
SpanTrack Wheel Bed is a flexible carton flow solution that drops into new or existing pallet rack structures to create the ultimate gravity flow rack system for order picking operations, manufacturing facilities, and more.
Additional Benefits Of Spantrack Wheel Bed Include:
- Hex hub wheel design for optimal flow
- Store products with a wide variation in size and weight
- Increase flexibility for inventory slotting with 90% left to right bay usage
- Replenish inventory from the back without interrupting the process in front
Pick Shelves
Tilted pick shelves significantly improve SKU visibility, resulting in faster order picking and more comfortable, precise picks for workers. Our easy-to-mount pick shelves are customizable and fit perfectly in racks and on workstations.
Additional Benefits Of Pick Shelves Include:
- Integrate slow movers into the pick line to save space and increase efficiency
- Eliminate the dead zone
- Accelerate pick rates
- Provide clear visibility and accessibility at the pick point and improve worker comfort
SpeedCartt
SpeedCartt is a mobile, high-density picking cart solution that is reliable in the most demanding environments. Constructed from the same lightweight yet heavy-duty materials as SpeedCell, SpeedCartt improves efficiency and reduces labor costs.
Additional Benefits Of SpeedCartt Include:
- Increase pick facings
- Reduce travel times
- Increase order accuracy
- Pick multiple orders at the same time for maximum efficiency
More Applications
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Get in touch with our team of experts to learn how UNEX solutions help maximize productivity and optimize space for each picking operation.