Case Picking
Case picking is a term commonly used in logistics and supply chain
management to refer to the process of selecting and collecting individual
items from storage locations to fulfill customer orders. It involves
identifying the specific items requested by a customer and retrieving them
from their storage locations, typically using automated picking systems,
such as conveyors, robots, or automated storage and retrieval systems
(AS/RS). Case picking is typically used in distribution centers, warehouses,
and other fulfillment operations that handle a large volume of orders with a
relatively small number of SKUs. The goal of case picking is to efficiently
and accurately select the required items from the storage locations and
prepare them for shipping to the customer, while minimizing the time and
resources required to complete the process.
Case Picking Equipment
The equipment used in case picking includes conveyors, automated storage and
retrieval systems (AS/RS), automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and robots. We
discuss each of these components in greater detail below.
Conveyors
Conveyors are commonly used in case picking operations to transport items
from storage locations to pick stations. They come in various types,
including belt, roller, gravity, and more. A belt conveyor uses a belt to
move items along a fixed path, while a roller conveyor uses rollers to move
items on a flat surface. A gravity conveyor uses the force of gravity to
move items along a decline or incline.
Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS)
AS/RS is a technology that retrieves items from storage locations and
delivers them to pick stations automatically. There are different types of
AS/RS systems, including vertical lift modules, carousels, and robotic
systems. A vertical lift module (VLM) is a vertical tower of shelves that
store items, with a lift that retrieves the items and delivers them to a
pick station. A carousel is a rotating unit of shelves that moves items to a
pick station. Robotic systems use robotic arms to retrieve and deliver items
to a pick station.
Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)
AGVs are driverless vehicles that transport items from storage locations to
pick stations automatically. They come in various types, including tow
trucks and forklifts. A tow truck AGV pulls a trailer that carries items to
the pick station, while a forklift AGV uses a robotic arm to pick up items
and transport them to the pick station.
Robots
Robots are used in case picking operations to pick items from storage
locations and place them in containers. They come in various types,
including stationary and mobile robots. A stationary robot is fixed in one
location and picks items from a conveyor or AS/RS system. A mobile robot
moves along a path and picks items from storage locations.
How Case Picking Equipment Functions Together
Conveyors move items from storage locations to pick stations, while AS/RS
retrieves items from storage locations and delivers them to pick stations.
AGVs transport items from storage locations to pick stations, and robots
pick items from storage locations and place them in containers.
Considerations Regarding Case Picking
High initial costs of equipment and technology implementation, limited
flexibility in handling variable product sizes and shapes, and potential for
equipment breakdowns or malfunctions are some of the factors to consider
regarding case picking.
Benefits Achieved by Case Picking
Meanwhile, increased efficiency and productivity in order fulfillment
operations, improved accuracy and speed of order picking and shipping, and
reduction in labor-intensive processes are some of the benefits achieved by
case picking.
Applications of Case Picking
Case picking has various applications as explained in greater detail below.
E-commerce and Online Retail
Case picking is essential for fulfilling customer orders in e-commerce and
online retail. The high volume of orders and the need for fast and accurate
order fulfillment require efficient and automated case picking operations.
Food and Beverage Distribution
In the food and beverage industry, case picking is used to select and
prepare items for shipping, including cases of canned goods, bottles, and
other food and beverage products. The process involves careful handling of
fragile and perishable items, and efficient and accurate case picking is
critical for maintaining product quality.
Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Supply Chain
In the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry, case picking is used to
select and prepare orders for hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. The
process requires strict adherence to regulations and quality control
standards, and efficient and accurate case picking is crucial for patient
safety and product integrity.
Automotive and Manufacturing Parts Distribution
In the automotive and manufacturing industry, case picking is used to select
and prepare orders for distributors and suppliers. The process involves
handling heavy and bulky items, and efficient and accurate case picking is
crucial for maintaining production schedules and supply chain continuity.
Wholesale and Retail Distribution Centers
In wholesale and retail distribution centers, case picking is used to
fulfill orders for retail stores, supermarkets, and other businesses. The
process involves handling a wide range of products and varying order
volumes, and efficient and accurate case picking is critical for maintaining
customer satisfaction and profitability.
Apparel and Fashion Distribution
In the apparel and fashion industry, case picking is used to select and
prepare orders for retail stores and online shoppers. The process involves
handling items with varying shapes and sizes, and efficient and accurate
case picking is critical for maintaining product quality and customer
satisfaction.
Electronics and Technology Distribution
In the electronics and technology industry, case picking is used to select
and prepare orders for distributors, retailers, and online shoppers. The
process involves handling fragile and sensitive items, and efficient and
accurate case picking is critical for maintaining product quality and
customer satisfaction.
Home and Garden Distribution
In the home and garden industry, case picking is used to select and prepare
orders for retail stores and online shoppers. The process involves handling
items with varying shapes and sizes, including furniture, appliances, and
other bulky items. Efficient and accurate case picking is critical for
maintaining product quality and customer satisfaction.
Choosing the Proper Case Picking Equipment Supplier
To ensure you have the most productive outcome when purchasing case picking
equipment from a case picking equipment supplier, it is important to compare
several companies using our directory of case picking equipment suppliers.
Each case picking equipment supplier has a business profile page
highlighting their areas of experience and capabilities, along with a
contact form to directly communicate with the supplier for more information
or request a quote. Review each case picking equipment business website
using our patented website previewer to quickly learn what each company
specializes in. Then, use our simple RFQ form to contact multiple case
picking equipment companies with the same form.