Warehouses can be massive, and it can be quite a trek for pickers to locate a SKU, pick the item, and then return to their station.

This challenge has spurred the adoption of automation in the logistics industry, especially automated warehouse picking.

If you’re looking to introduce automation into your warehouse picking processes, you’re in the right place.

We’ll cover everything you need to know about automated warehouse picking systems, including types, their benefits, and introduce the leading automated picking systems at Modula APAC.

What Are Automated Warehouse Picking Systems?

Automated warehouse picking systems, or automated order picking systems, are technological innovations that optimise the picking process, enhancing picking accuracy and speed.

These systems include machinery, picking robots, and advanced software to manage inventory and direct warehouse operators in real-time.

Types of Automated Warehouse Order Picking Systems

Automated picking systems enhance warehouse operations through various technologies.

The three primary types include:

  • Assisted Picking Systems:Assisted picking systems streamline manual processes by incorporating technologies like pick-to-light and voice picking systems. Pick-to-light systems utilise lights to signal which items to pick, while voice picking systems deliver spoken instructions through headsets. These innovations enhance picking accuracy and decrease the time workers spend searching for items.
  • Goods-to-Person (GTP) Picking Systems:Goods-to-person automated systems use robots and conveyors to deliver items directly to the warehouse employee. This type of order fulfilment innovation minimises walking and searching, further accelerating the picking process.
  • Automated Picking Systems:Automated picking systems are fully automated solutions that leverage robots to retrieve items without human intervention. These fully automated solutions are highly efficient and particularly beneficial in high-volume, fast-moving environments.

How Does Automated Warehouse Picking Work?

Here’s how automated warehouse picking typically operates:

  1. Choosing the right picking system to use:Robots, such as automated guided vehicles (AGVs) or autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), can navigate the warehouse with minimal or no human intervention. Sensors, cameras, and advanced software enable them to avoid obstacles and select efficient routes.
  2. Integrating with the existing warehouse management system (WMS): Automated order picking systems integrate with a warehouse management system (WMS) that assigns tasks and directs automated systems to the required items and locations.
  3. Picking:Various automated order picking systems meet specific warehouse needs. For instance, robotic arms equipped with suction cups or grippers pick items from shelves. On the other hand, in voice-directed picking, employees wearing headsets follow voice commands that direct them to pick the correct items.
  4. Sorting and placement:Robots transport picked items to a sorting area where they are categorised for shipping.
  5. Quality control and verification:Scanners and sensors verify that picked SKUs match the customer’s order and are in good condition, reducing mispicks.

Which Businesses Can Benefit From Automated Warehouse Picking?

Automated warehouse picking improves efficiency and accuracy across various industries that rely on precise inventory management and quick order fulfilment.

Here are the businesses that benefit most from automated warehouse picking systems:

  • ECommerce:High order volumes and the need for rapid turnaround make automated warehouse picking paramount for maintaining efficiency and customer satisfaction.
  • Pharmaceutical Operations:Automated order picking systems ensure precision and traceability, which is crucial for handling sensitive medications and complying with strict regulations.
  • Food and Beverage Industry:Automated order picking systems uphold the first-in, first-out (FIF) principle. This is essential for managing perishables and preserving freshness.
  • Automotive Parts Suppliers:Automated order picking systems boost retrieval speed and accuracy across a wide range of inventory, decreasing distribution errors.
  • Electronics and High-Tech Industries:Automated order picking systems can manage delicate and high-value items with accuracy and care, reducing the risk of damage during handling and storage.
  • Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Providers: 3PLs manage inventory and fulfilment for multiple clients, using automated picking to increase throughput and reduce operational costs.
  • Manufacturing Facilities: Automated picking optimises supply chains by delivering components just-in-time to production lines, speeding up production.

Key Benefits of Automated Warehouse Picking

Automated warehouse picking offers a host of benefits, and can:

  • Boost productivity and speed of picking:Automated systems operate at high speeds and can function continuously, accelerating the rate of order picking. This efficiency leads to faster order processing and deliveries.
  • Amplify order picking accuracy:Automated order picking systems diminish human errors and costly returns by consistently securing the right item every time.
  • Streamline worker safety:Automation reduces the need for manual tasks such as lifting heavy items or reaching extreme heights, decreasing the risk of workplace injuries and creating a safer environment for warehouse staff.
  • Support scalability and flexibility:Automated picking solutions scale to accommodate increased order volumes and are flexible enough to handle diverse product sizes and types. Additionally, automated order picking systems quickly adapt to changing demands, so your business can effectively manage fluctuating inventory levels.

Challenges of Implementing Automated Warehouse Order Picking Systems

Implementing automated warehouse order picking systems comes with its own set of challenges that businesses need to navigate:

  • Training:Employees require training in effectively and safely operating automated picking systems. This demands time and resources to ensure they’re up to speed with the new technology.
  • Maintenance and repair:Automated systems need regular maintenance and occasional repairs to remain functional, which can be complex and costly. For example, robot pickers typically cost AUD 11,000.
  • Integration with current equipment:Integrating new automated systems into existing warehouse infrastructure can be challenging. It often requires technical adjustments and significant changes to current processes, such as reconfiguring workflow layouts and updating software systems for seamless operation.

Discover Reliable Automated Warehouse Order Picking Systems at Modula APAC

At Modula APAC, we can accelerate your picking process by implementing bespoke automated warehouse picking systems.

We provide advanced robotics, sophisticated software integration, and comprehensive training to ensure your team can efficiently manage our advanced systems.

Here are some of our automated picking systems your business can utilise:

  • Modula Lift:The Modula Lift can recover up to 90% of warehouse floor space, boost efficiency by two to three times, and improve picking accuracy to nearly 100%. The Modula Lift features an external bay that integrates with picking aids such as cranes or mechanical manipulators, facilitating the handling of heavy materials.
  • Modula Put to Light System:Our Put to Light System replaces traditional paper-based methods like picking tickets and shipping lists. It operates in batch or multi-order modes, significantly increasing your throughput by enabling the simultaneous picking of multiple orders.
  • Modula Picking Station:Our Picking Station is designed to efficiently handle batch or multiple order processes, ensuring a seamless workflow. It can operate independently or in multiple configurations at set positions. It provides a versatile and accurate solution, allowing you to complete more orders in less time.

A Quick Recap on Automated Warehouse Picking

To recap, automated warehouse picking can help your warehouse operators reduce picking errors and heighten productivity levels.

Automated warehouse picking systems include:

  • Robotic arms
  • Vertical lift modules(VLMs)
  • Goods-to-person (G2P) technology
  • Pick-to-light systems
  • Automated guided vehicles (AGVs)
  • Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs)

At Modula APAC, we offer a range of picking solutions that simplify the process by improving item location, accelerating picking speeds, and streamlining operations for greater efficiency and precision.