In E-commerce fulfillment pick face optimization is a great way to boost productivity and profitability. Part science part art, pick face optimization is critical to your picking performance. It can also be a key differentiator between one 3PL provider and another. Pick face slotting optimization is about locating product in its optimal location within the picking area. Obviously, this involves much more than just haphazardly assigning items into any available space, which can lead to confusion and disarray within the picking module.
How does slotting optimization improve warehouse efficiency?
Slotting optimization involves determining the most ideal location for each item by strategically grouping them based on picking trends / velocity, MHE constraints, warehouse layout, and grouping items frequently ordered together. This helps improve productivity, worker safety and order accuracy. Fast moving items are placed in the most accessible location in the shelving, known as the golden zone, while large, heavy, slower moving inventory is placed toward the back of the warehouse where it’s unlikely to affect productivity.
What is the golden zone?
The golden zone is the sweet spot for your fastest moving stock and generally extends from waist height to the shoulder height of the average individual. This allows staff to effortlessly pick items without having to bend helping to improve ergonomics and reducing the risk of injury.
Golden zone picking optimization:
The layout and design of the picking area directly affects the efficiency, productivity and profitability of your warehouse. Why? Because travel time is the single largest factor in picking productivity. The more optimal the slotting, the faster and more accurately staff can pick, lowering your overall operating costs. In short, this is the very first place to focus when trying to improve pick rates.
The benefits of slotting optimization
• Increased pick speed and productivity
• Eliminate congestion in picking areas
• Increased pick accuracy
• Increased inventory control and replenishment rates
• Decreased handling costs
• Superior warehouse safety
• Improved customer service levels
Factors to consider when optimizing pick faces:
This begins the science side of optimizing pick face slotting.
• Grouping items commonly shipped together
Items that are commonly ordered together should be profiled and grouped near to one another in the pick area. While it may seem obvious conducting a pick face velocity / heat mapping analysis will help highlight the most active products and where they should be located. Identifying the most active products allows for them to be re-assigned to slots within the golden zone.
• Consider weight and dimensions when optimizing pick faces
Every slotting analysis should consider the weight, dimensions of the item as well as the ease of picking. This will reduce risk of injury and ensure optimal productivity.
• Consider replenishment cycles
Beyond just the ideal location the analysis should include evaluating the capacity of the slot. Each slot should have enough capacity to not deplete prior to the next replenishment cycle.
• Pick face optimization should be reviewed frequently
The last step to the art and science of pick face optimization is frequently reviewing pick face layout and slotting assignments for accuracy and relevancy to current ordering trends to accommodate seasonal changes in demand.
How does slotting optimization improve warehouse efficiency?
Slotting optimization involves determining the most ideal location for each item by strategically grouping them based on picking trends / velocity, MHE constraints, warehouse layout, and grouping items frequently ordered together. This helps improve productivity, worker safety and order accuracy. Fast moving items are placed in the most accessible location in the shelving, known as the golden zone, while large, heavy, slower moving inventory is placed toward the back of the warehouse where it’s unlikely to affect productivity.
What is the golden zone?
The golden zone is the sweet spot for your fastest moving stock and generally extends from waist height to the shoulder height of the average individual. This allows staff to effortlessly pick items without having to bend helping to improve ergonomics and reducing the risk of injury.
Golden zone picking optimization:
The layout and design of the picking area directly affects the efficiency, productivity and profitability of your warehouse. Why? Because travel time is the single largest factor in picking productivity. The more optimal the slotting, the faster and more accurately staff can pick, lowering your overall operating costs. In short, this is the very first place to focus when trying to improve pick rates.
The benefits of slotting optimization
• Increased pick speed and productivity
• Eliminate congestion in picking areas
• Increased pick accuracy
• Increased inventory control and replenishment rates
• Decreased handling costs
• Superior warehouse safety
• Improved customer service levels
Factors to consider when optimizing pick faces:
This begins the science side of optimizing pick face slotting.
• Grouping items commonly shipped together
Items that are commonly ordered together should be profiled and grouped near to one another in the pick area. While it may seem obvious conducting a pick face velocity / heat mapping analysis will help highlight the most active products and where they should be located. Identifying the most active products allows for them to be re-assigned to slots within the golden zone.
• Consider weight and dimensions when optimizing pick faces
Every slotting analysis should consider the weight, dimensions of the item as well as the ease of picking. This will reduce risk of injury and ensure optimal productivity.
• Consider replenishment cycles
Beyond just the ideal location the analysis should include evaluating the capacity of the slot. Each slot should have enough capacity to not deplete prior to the next replenishment cycle.
• Pick face optimization should be reviewed frequently
The last step to the art and science of pick face optimization is frequently reviewing pick face layout and slotting assignments for accuracy and relevancy to current ordering trends to accommodate seasonal changes in demand.
