Pigpicking: The Ultimate Guide to Maximizing Warehouse Efficiency

Pigpicking is a method of order fulfillment in which multiple orders are picked simultaneously by a single picker. This can significantly increase efficiency and productivity in warehouses and distribution centers.

Benefits of Pigpicking	Drawbacks of Pigpicking
Increased productivity	Potential for errors
Reduced labor costs	More complex than traditional picking methods
Improved order accuracy	Requires specialized equipment

Types of Pigpicking Systems	Applications of Pigpicking
Wave picking	Order fulfillment for high-volume distribution centers
Zone picking	Order fulfillment for smaller warehouses and distribution centers
Batch picking	Order fulfillment for a specific customer group or order type

Why Pigpicking Matters

Pigpicking can provide a number of key benefits for businesses, including:

Increased productivity: By picking multiple orders simultaneously, pigpicking can significantly increase the number of orders that are picked per hour.

Reduced labor costs: Pigpicking can reduce the number of pickers needed in a warehouse or distribution center, while also increasing their productivity.

Improved order accuracy: Pigpicking systems typically incorporate automated order verification, which can help to improve order accuracy.

Pros and Cons of Pigpicking

Pigpicking is not right for every business. Here are some of the pros and cons to consider:

Pros:

Increased productivity

Reduced labor costs

Improved order accuracy

Cons:

Potential for errors

More complex than traditional picking methods

Requires specialized equipment

Making the Right Choice

If you are considering implementing a pigpicking system, there are a few things to consider, including:

The size and volume of your warehouse or distribution center

The types of orders you fulfill

The budget you have available for a new picking system

Success Stories

Company A implemented a pigpicking system and saw a 25% increase in productivity.

Company B reduced its labor costs by 15% after implementing a pigpicking system.

Company C improved its order accuracy by 10% after implementing a pigpicking system.

Effective Strategies, Tips and Tricks

Here are some effective strategies, tips, and tricks for implementing a successful pigpicking system:

Use a wave picking system. Wave picking is a type of pigpicking that is ideal for high-volume distribution centers.

Use a zone picking system. Zone picking is a type of pigpicking that is ideal for smaller warehouses and distribution centers.

Use batch picking. Batch picking is a type of pigpicking that is ideal for fulfilling orders for a specific customer group or order type.

Use automated order verification. Automated order verification can help to improve order accuracy.

Use specialized equipment. Specialized equipment, such as pick-to-light systems, can help to improve the efficiency of pigpicking operations.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when implementing a pigpicking system:

Not properly training pickers. Pickers need to be properly trained on how to use a pigpicking system effectively.

Not using the right equipment. Using the wrong equipment can slow down pigpicking operations and lead to errors.

Overwhelming pickers. Pickers should not be assigned more orders than they can handle. This can lead to errors and decreased productivity.

Basic Concepts of Pigpicking

Wave picking: Wave picking is a type of pigpicking that is ideal for high-volume distribution centers. In a wave picking system, orders are grouped into waves, and each picker is assigned a specific wave to pick.

Zone picking: Zone picking is a type of pigpicking that is ideal for smaller warehouses and distribution centers. In a zone picking system, the warehouse is divided into zones, and each picker is assigned a specific zone to pick.

Batch picking: Batch picking is a type of pigpicking that is ideal for fulfilling orders for a specific customer group or order type. In a batch picking system, orders are grouped into batches, and each picker is assigned a specific batch to pick.

Analyze What Users Care About

When implementing a pigpicking system, it is important to analyze what users care about. This includes:

Speed: Users want to be able to pick orders quickly and efficiently.

Accuracy: Users want to be able to pick orders accurately.

Ease of use: Users want to be able to use the pigpicking system easily and without errors.

Why Pigpicking Matters

Pigpicking can provide a number of key benefits for businesses, including:

Increased productivity: By picking multiple orders simultaneously, pigpicking can significantly increase the number of orders that are picked per hour.

Reduced labor costs: Pigpicking can reduce the number of pickers needed in a warehouse or distribution center, while also increasing their productivity.

Improved order accuracy: Pigpicking systems typically incorporate automated order verification, which can help to improve order accuracy.

Pigpicking: The Ultimate Guide to Maximizing Warehouse Efficiency