Pick Module Systems

Multilevel pick modules concentrate storage, save space, increase order picking efficiency

To serve customers, you need to be picky...

Customers are picker than ever. That means you have to be picky, too—in a different way. Your customers expect rapid, trouble-free order fulfillment. To give them that, you need a tightly-controlled solution that provides efficient storage, retrieval and fast delivery—the pick module. People often think of sophisticated pick modules as the only kind, but the truth is, most operations can reorganize picking and restocking no matter the scale of your application.

Versatile, high-density pick modules can be scaled to your needs.

What are pick modules?

While there is no such thing as a standard pick module, they share common traits. Pick modules integrate various storage solutions inside multi-level work platforms that move product efficiently through a distribution facility.

What parts can make up a successful pick module?

• You can enforce inventory rotation through first-in, first-out picking. Replenish them from the load side and your pickers are always presented product in the order you want it picked.

• You can save space. Serious space. In a pallet picking operation, you’ll save about 35% in a typical 6-deep application. If you’re picking from cartons or totes, the savings are even better compared to shelving. Saving space can delay moving to larger facilities or wholesale redesign while it opens up floor space to other uses. The more vertical cube you can utilize, the more space you’ll save.

• You can reduce labor expenses. It’s pretty easy to see that when you concentrate storage and picking operations, you eliminate nonproductive “walk” time. Order pickers are picking—not walking—for more hours every day. This allows you to greatly reduce the amount of time pickers spend searching and walking.

• Replenishment is easier than ever. Because you’re concentrating picking operations, you can focus inventory, whether it’s pallets or cartons, right into the system.

A pick module system is often the best choice for a high-volume, high throughput distribution center operation. But most simple picking operations can benefit form the versatility and efficiencies created by installing a pick module of smaller scale.

Imagine consolidating picking areas that sprawl across your facility into half (or less) the space, and actually improving your performance. The good thing is, this isn’t a high-tech or overly complex concept. WMS/automation can play as big or small a part as needed—or no part at all.