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Pick Module Systems
Increase order picking efficiency and save space
Ask our Experts!
"Pick modules deliver a combination of storage density and fast picking for a range of product types while they automate order flow to your shipping department. They let you reduce travel time (which may be the least productive thing your pickers do) and help enforce first-in, first-out inventory rotation. We'll help you design a scalable, flexible system. "
David, Employee-Owner Since 2015
Systems Integration
Your customers expect rapid, trouble-free order fulfillment. To provide it, you need a tightly controlled solution that provides efficient storage, retrieval and fast delivery - the pick module. We can help you create exactly the right module for your needs.
Versatile, high-density pick modules can be scaled to your needs
While there is no such thing as a standard pick module, they all share common traits. Pick modules integrate various storage solutions inside multi-level work platforms that move product efficiently through a distribution facility.
The anatomy of a pick module
These order picking systems are multi-level, and combine elements of mezzanines and work platforms with conveyors (often for takeaway), carton flow racks, pallet flow racks, static racks, carousels, and other equipment that delivers loads for pickers on each level. Details: what comprises a pick module.
Pick modules produce faster picking in less space than floor level or simple rack or shelving storage. This results in significant cost savings for broken pallet, full-case or open-carton picking functions. This reduces wasted "walk time" for pickers, who are situated in areas where they spend more time picking orders and less time finding SKU's. Orders are typically conveyed away from the pickers to packing and shipping. This reduces picking times and increases accuracy. You can integrate pick-to-light or voice directed picking into your system to provide fast, accurate order fulfillment.
How pick modules enhance picking speed, storage density, labor utilization and inventory management
Enforce inventory rotation with first-in, first-out picking
Replenish inventory from the load side and your pickers are always presented product in the order you want it picked.
Some products fit the mold (food, perishables, some electronics, medicines and many other retail goods), while other types of inventory are more about storage density and efficiency. Pick modules help you find solutions to items that either require FIFO rotation, or need high density storage, or both.
Read more: First-In, First-Out Storage Considerations
Save space. Serious space
In a pallet picking operation, you'll save at least 35% in a typical 6-deep application. If you're picking from cartons or totes, the savings are even better compared to shelving. These space savings can delay or eliminate expensive reolocations or the need for wholesale redesign because pick modules free floor space to other uses. The more vertical cube you can utilize, the more space you'll save.
Read more: How to Measure and Improve Industrial Storage Space Efficiency
Pick modules reduce labor needs, transit and wasted time
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. When people can reach things faster, they get more done.
- In pallet-picking operations, pick modules enable around 35% space savings for a typical 6-deep (multi-unit lane) configuration compared to selective racks
- Because pick modules centralize high-throughput SKUs in compact, dedicated zones, you can shrink peripheral racks and aisles
- Instead of single-deep selective racks, deep flow lanes let multiple units of the same SKU to be stored behind one another, reducing the number of required aisles
Replenish your inventory easier than ever
Because you're concentrating picking operations, you can focus inventory, whether pallets or cartons, right into the system.
- Due to separated load / pick aisles, simultaneous replenishment and picking occurs without interference
- FIFO replenishment is largely "back-to-front" and hands-off
- Conveyor integrations reduce manual handoffs and touches, speeds transfers, and reduces buffer point queues
- High-velocity SKUs can be centralized inside the module
- Barcodes, pick-to-light or sensor feedback corrects picking/replenishment problems
A pick module system is often the best choice for a high-volume, high throughput distribution center operation. That said, even the most simple picking operations can benefit from the versatility and efficiencies created by installing a pick module of smaller scale.
Take a look at your facilities - 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 (Warehouse Management Systems) automation can play as big or small a part as needed - or no part at all.