ESSAY: Pick Strategies

List and describe the three categories of pick strategies. List a product that might be associated to one of the strategies.

ANSWER

Pick Strategies

            The three categories of pick strategies include batch picking, zone picking, and cluster picking. In zone picking strategy, order pickers are assigned specific and physically-defined zones in the pick areas. The order picker in every zone is responsible for every SKU in the zone for every order. Zone picking is also known as the “pick-and-pass” methodology (Cergibozan & Tasan, 2019). The methodology has one scheduling period per shift, which means cutoff points are there for orders for queuing into the process of order picking, and all orders received after the cutoff points are fulfilled during the order picking shift (Chen et al., 2018).

           Batch picking strategy involves a single picker picking a batch, or group, at the same time, but one stock-keeping unit (SKU) at a time. This strategy is often opted for when there are multiple orders with the same SKU. The order picker, when that occurs, only needs to go to the pick station for the specific stock keeping unit once targeted at fulfilling multiple orders (Parikh & Meller, 2008).

Additionally, a cluster picking is a strategy/methodology of picking into multiple containers containing orders at a given time. These containers may comprise totes that contain order batches, discrete order totes, or discrete order shippers. Lastly, the one product that might be associated with batch picking is cans of beer packed in boxes. This is because batch picking facilitates the fulfillment of customer orders. Chen et al. (2018) conclude that order picking systems under batch methodology depends on the volume of customer orders, complexity, cost, and size of orders and items.

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

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