In the high-stakes world of eCommerce, where customer expectations for fast, accurate deliveries are non-negotiable, efficient order fulfilment can make or break your business. That’s why savvy companies are adopting automated picking systems from ASRS to voice-directed tech to streamline operations. These solutions don’t just save time; they slash costs, minimize errors, and fuel scalable growth. At 2h Storage Solutions, we specialize in tailoring these systems to your needs. Ready to transform your warehouse?
Contact us today for a free consultation. 01937 585057
Why Invest in Automated Picking Systems? Top Benefits at a Glance
Wondering if automated picking systems are right for your eCommerce setup? Here’s a quick overview of the game-changing advantages:
- Speedy Processing: Cut order-to-shipment time dramatically, delighting customers with same-day or next-day deliveries.
- Enhanced Accuracy: Reduce human errors by up to 99%, avoiding costly returns and reships.
- Increased Productivity: Free staff for high-value tasks, boosting overall warehouse output by 30-50%.
- Scalability: Effortlessly handle seasonal spikes or growth without hiring frenzies or layout overhauls.
- Inventory Optimization: Real-time tracking prevents stockouts and overstock, integrating seamlessly with your ERP or WMS.
- Reduced Labour Costs: Automate repetitive picks to lower staffing needs while improving employee satisfaction.
- Order Customization: Assemble personalized bundles quickly, tapping into the booming demand for tailored experiences.
- Flexibility: Switch between batch, zone, or wave picking to match any order profile.
- Minimized Downtime & Data Insights: Streamline workflows for near-zero interruptions, plus analytics to spot trends and refine processes.
- Improved Customer Loyalty: Faster, error-free fulfilment leads to rave reviews, repeat business, and a competitive edge.
- Seamless Integration: Plug into Shopify, Amazon, or custom platforms for end-to-end visibility.
- Seasonal Resilience: Breeze through holidays with prioritized urgent orders and real-time tracking.
These aren’t just perks they’re proven ROI drivers. For instance, companies using ASRS report up to 30% faster throughput.
What is Order Picking in eCommerce?
At its core, order picking is the process of pulling items from your warehouse shelves to assemble customer orders. It’s deceptively simple but accounts for 50-60% of warehouse labor costs—if done inefficiently.
Competing with giants like Amazon? Focus on smart strategies: consistent labeling, barcode scanning, and robust inventory controls. For next-level efficiency, enter Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) -robotic powerhouses that retrieve items in seconds, slashing pick times by 70%.
Optimizing Your Warehouse for Peak eCommerce Performance
A chaotic warehouse kills productivity. Optimize by designing a logical flow: receiving → storage → replenishment → picking → packing → shipping. This setup cuts backtracking and boosts speed.
Pro Tips for Smarter Layouts
- Clear Signage & Mapping: Guide pickers with color-coded labels and digital maps—essential for onboarding and changes.
- Tidy Aisles: Keep paths wide and clutter-free to avoid bottlenecks.
Maximize Storage with Bins & Totes
Ditch disorganized shelves for reusable plastic totes, bins, and dividers. They’re perfect for small parts (think screws or eCommerce staples like cables). Benefits?
- Faster retrieval and subdivided inventory.
- Dust-proof protection for pristine stock.
- Proper labels that halve search times.
Pair with racks or ASRS for vertical space savings up to 90% more density.
Slash Unnecessary Steps
No sci-fi teleporters yet, but you can minimize walks:
- Group High-Demand Items: Place related products (e.g., batteries near remotes) in “hot zones.”
- Direct-to-Carton Picking: Skip consolidation—pick straight into shipping boxes for 20% time savings.
These tweaks create a lean, mean fulfilment machine.
Picking the Perfect Strategy: Batch, Zone, or Wave?
Ditch the outdated “one picker, one order” model. Modern eCommerce order fulfilment systems let you multitask for 2-3x faster processing. Key options:
| Strategy | How It Works | Best For | Efficiency Gain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Batch Picking | Grab items for multiple orders in one trip. | High-volume, similar SKUs (e.g., apparel). | Reduces travel by 40-60%. |
| Zone Picking | Divide warehouse into zones; pickers own one area. | Medium-large teams, diverse inventory. | Cuts congestion, boosts focus. |
| Wave Picking | Process order “waves” in timed batches. | Scheduled peaks, like daily eCommerce rushes. | Optimizes resource use by 30%. |
Choose based on your volume— or mix them for hybrid power.
Advanced Picking Systems Powering eCommerce Giants
Top players like Amazon and Ocado Group don’t guess, they deploy cutting-edge tech. Here’s what they’re using, and how you can too:
- Pick-to-Light: LED lights guide picks, slashing errors to near-zero. Ideal for fast-paced zones.
- Voice Picking: Hands-free audio directions via headsets -perfect for mobile teams, improving accuracy by 25%.
- ASRS (Automated Storage & Retrieval): Robots fetch items from dense racks. Our specialty at 2hssl handles 100+ picks/hour with zero fatigue.
- Pick-to-Cart: Mobile carts organize multi-orders on the go, streamlining to packing.
- Goods-to-Person: Conveyor bots bring inventory to you—no walking required, cutting labor by 50%.
- Sortation Systems: Auto-route items to pack stations for lightning-fast shipping.
- Mobile Picking: App-guided tablets for real-time updates, scaling with order surges.
Big wins come from combos: ASRS + voice for ultimate precision. At 2h Storage Solutions, we customize these for eCommerce scale without the big-box price tag.
Ready to Revolutionize Your Fulfilment?
Automated picking isn’t a luxury, it’s essential for thriving in eCommerce. With benefits like cost savings, scalability, and happier customers, the ROI is clear. Partner with 2h Storage Solutions to implement ASRS or hybrid systems tailored to your warehouse.
Get Your Free Warehouse Audit and start picking smarter today. Questions? Drop us a line. Tel: 01937 585057
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