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Warehouse Solutions
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Order Picking Technologies, Storage, And Equipment

Maximizing warehouse efficiency starts with the right pallet racking system for order picking. Selecting and maintaining the best racking solutions can significantly boost productivity and reduce operational challenges. Learn how to optimize your warehouse layout and ensure your racking system meets your order picking needs while prioritizing safety and efficiency.

Toyota order picker elevated with warehouse worker picking product.

Order picking, also known as order fulfillment, is the process of collecting, packaging and preparing items for shipment to the customer. Everything that leaves a warehouse or distribution center must be picked, whether it’s an order of 20 pallets loaded onto a truck or 2,000 individual SKUs shipped by mail.

Order Picking Technologies

  • Paper/Printed Pick Ticket - Employees print a paper pick ticket sent by the company ERP to the employee’s printing station, manually picking the required item (SKU) from inventory for packaging and shipment; generally used for small volume picks
  • Barcode Scanning - Paperless system using handheld radio frequency (RF) scanners; employees scan each item (SKU) during the pick while the RF device, which is tied remotely into the company ERP or Warehouse Management System, automatically removes the item from inventory
  • Pick to Light - Includes lights above the shelving racks or bin locations, flashing a light above the item (SKU) to be picked and displaying a number to signal the item quantity; employee presses the flashing light button to confirm the item, and its specified quantity was picked; order is complete when no more lights flash within the pick zone
  • Voice Pick - Employees wear a headset to listen to customer order, picking each item (SKU) and the desired quantity as directed by the headset, hands-free method
Warehouse layout and design with pallet racking.

Warehouse Layout and Design

Your partnership with ProLift begins before product is purchased. Our warehouse consultants integrate material handling systems, physical space, and the flow of material to create a streamlined, efficient process.

  • Increase storage and floor space
  • Maximize inventory & pallet positions
  • Plan for lifting height & aisle width
  • Invest in the ideal equipment for the application
How To Select Pallet Racking

Order Picking Pallet Racking And Shelving

The choice of pallet racking and shelving depends on how items are picked. For instance, are you picking full pallets or cases? Or are you handling individual items in smaller quantities?

  • Typically when large cases and pallets are picked, pallet racking is used for item storage. 
  • For piece-picking, static shelving is most common. While it doesn’t store as much product as pallet racking, the shelving is made to allow employees to grab items directly from the shelf. 
  • Carton flow racking is beneficial when there are a large number of picks per SKU. Using rollers at a slight angle to store product, an item rolls forward as one is removed.

Order Picking Forklifts

Case or pallet picks typically involve the use of powered equipment like sit-down forklifts or order picker forklifts. For floor-level picking, an electric pallet jack can be advantageous, as it allows employees to move quickly around the warehouse. Additionally, the extended forks of this equipment can accommodate more shipping packages.

Have questions on how to increase productivity with pallet racking for your order picking method? Contact ProLift to schedule a complimentary onsite inspection with a warehouse solutions consultant. 

Warehouse Solutions From Design To Dock