Pick modules, single or multi level, provide rotation of products by several methods including carton flow rack, pallet flow rack, conveyor, racking or steel shelving. A way to achieve cost-effective picking in a warehouse is by implementing a pick-module system. Pick modules increase full case or split case orders. Picking productivity is increased by reducing walking distance between items being picked. There are a lot of advantages to having a pick module in your warehouse. Some of these benefits include improved space utilization in your facility, greater productivity, quicker order processing, and increased labor savings. There are several ways to configure pick modules. Product travels from receiving to storage areas by means of conveyor. A mix of gravity conveyor or power conveyor is necessary for the design of pick modules.
Pick modules are the one-stop storage solution for busy warehouses or distribution centers. Interestingly, a pick module isn’t a single standalone structure. Rather, it’s a complex structure which is layered with multi-level racking systems for storing inventory and picking up items for seamless order fulfilment. This advanced storage system facilitates bulk product storage as well as assures less effort on product handling and faster, more efficient order shipments. Pick modules are especially indispensable for warehouses that have to handle high volume SKUs.
Some pick modules carry manual pickup systems while more advanced ones allow automated pickup. However, the industrial storage device market is bustling today with an increasing number of state-of-the-art pick modules that offer a blend of both.
As mentioned previously, a pick and pack shelving structure is one of the multi-tiered storage solution that American Surplus can provide for you others include:
The rack system is the most core ingredient of pick modules. They work to support the conveyor belt and the whole system of product flow to ensure reduced congestion and pricey pick errors. Essentially, a pick module system is aimed to maximize flow efficiency in a factory. Palletized goods are shifted by gravity via the system, broken into pieces and cartons, then moved to the pick-up zone for shipment.
The above pointers present the basic structure of a standard pick module. However, these case flow system units can be really versatile and adopt a broad variety of configurations based on the requirements of the application.
Would your business benefit from a pick module? If your business sounds like any of the following points, your company, staff, and bottom-line would all benefit from the efficiency and organizational benefits a pick module can offer:
Let's define the situation with an example of a warehouse that has not installed a pick module.
The warehouse receives an order. Pickers are given instructions and picking locations and they immediately rush to fill the order sheet. Usually, this requires the pickers to walk for miles all across your warehouse searching the racks for the items on their order sheet. This process can be tedious and time consuming, and time is money. The longer it takes to pick orders, the more it costs to process the order. Additionally, the laborious process of traveling to each pick location and seeking the individual items from their order sheet combined with the stress of strict time limits introduces an increased risk of errors in the picking process, leading to customers receiving late or incorrect orders, leading to further time and labor costs piled on top of an already inefficient system.
A pick module relieves your picking crew of the hassle of walking from picking point to picking point around your warehouse to locate items on their order sheets and helps enforce error correction before orders are shipped. At the picking area, a picker gathers conveyor-able items near their station to fulfill their assigned order sheet. Once an order has been picked, it's sent down a powered conveyor line to the race loop, where it waits for a final review by the packing team. Once the packing team confirms the accuracy of the picked order, it can be packed and sent further down the line to a set of shipping lanes to be delivered to the appropriate carrier. Incorrect orders can be sent down the recirculation line and back to the picking area for correction.
Pick Modules ensure a variety of advantages for warehouses and distribution centers. These structures are strategically engineered to optimize the speed at which stored product becomes a picked & shipped order, which results in a satisfied, repeat customer. A Pick Module streamlines the whole picking procedure, reducing picker fatigue and time needed to locate items, making way for flawless and timely delivery of orders.
Oftentimes, the best pick module is one that's custom designed to fit your business' unique application. More precisely, the design of a pick module depends on the variety of SKU's that the system needs to handle, the amount of floor space available, and many other factors that our experienced sales team has helped thousands of businesses across America identify and use to create the perfect pick module for their use case. Having been in business since 1991, our team has the knowledge to help with personalized pick modules designed to handle your order handling needs with speed and accuracy at a price that will help you save thousands off of new material. If you have questions about our pick module solutions or would like to get started, request a quote online or call our office at (800) 876-3736 to start your free consultation and layout!
Q: How do pick modules enhance order picking efficiency? A: Pick modules facilitate faster, more organized picking by providing clear access to products and minimizing travel time for workers.
Q: Are pick modules customizable to specific warehouse layouts? A: Yes, pick modules can be customized based on warehouse size, product types, order volume, and workflow requirements.
Q: What are the benefits of multi-level storage in pick modules? A: Multi-level storage optimizes vertical space, allowing more products to be stored without expanding the warehouse's footprint.
Q: What are the cost considerations for implementing pick modules? A: Costs include initial design, construction, equipment, installation, and potential ongoing maintenance.
Q: Are pick modules compatible with different order picking strategies? A: Yes, pick modules can accommodate strategies like batch picking, zone picking, and wave picking to suit various workflows.
Q: What is the typical return on investment (ROI) for implementing pick modules? A: ROI varies based on factors like order volume, labor costs, and efficiency gains, but the reduced labor and error costs often provide significant ROI.
