ESSAY: Advanced Picking Strategies

According to an Aberdeen Group report (2009), 46 per cent of best-in-class companies are more likely than all others to use advanced pick methodologies such as batch, zone and cluster picking as opposed to individual-order picks. In 200-300 words,explain the difference between batch, zone, and cluster picking.

ANSWER

Advanced Picking Strategies

            The 2009 report by the Aberdeen Group shows that 46% of best-in-class companies are more likely to opt for advanced pick methodologies like batch, zone, and cluster as opposed to individual-order picks. There are differences between batch, zone, and cluster picking.

Batch, for instance, involves an individual picker choosing a batch, or group, of orders at the same time – one SKU at a time (Chen et al., 2018). This advanced pick methodology is advantageous, more so when multiple orders are present with the same SKU. In this case, the order picker would only be expected to travel to the location of pick once for that particular SKU towards filling the numerous orders.

           Zone picking, on the other hand, is an advanced pick methodology used by the order pickers, and it involves a physical and specifically defined zone. In this case, the order picker is assigned to a specific one each and is mandated to pick all the SKUs in the allocated zone for every order (Matthews & Visagie, 2019). In scenarios where an order requires SKUs spread-out in different zones, the filling of the order is done after it passes through every zone.

           Cluster picking, according to Parikh & Meller (2008), is a methodology of choosing into numerous order containers at one time. In this case, the containers could be totes that contain order batches, discrete order totes, or discrete order shippers. There are two major systems of piece picking, which benefit from using cluster picking. For instance, the cluster is distinct as it involves pick to cart operations, as well as the VLM (vertical lift modules) or carousel operations that utilize the independent technique of zone picking….

References

Chen, F., Wei, Y., & Wang, H. (2018). A heuristic based batching and assigning method for online customer orders. Flexible Services and Manufacturing Journal, 30(4), 640-685. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10696-017-9277-7

Cergibozan, C., & Tasan, A. S. (2019). Order batching operations: an overview of classification, solution techniques, and future research. Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing, 30(1), 335-349. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10845-016-1248-4

Matthews, J., & Visagie, S. E. (2019). SKU arrangement on a unidirectional picking line. International Transactions in Operational Research, 26(1), 100-130. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/itor.12550 Parikh, P. J., & Meller, R. D. (2008). Selecting between batch and zone order picking strategies in a distribution center. Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, 44(5), 696-719. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/222686248_Selecting_between_batch_and_zone_order_picking_strategies_in_a_distribution_center