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Picking errors are the not-so-silent killer of warehouse productivity. All warehouses know that these mistakes are happening. But not enough businesses understand the gravity of the issue or know how to address it.

Order picking methods are defined in terms of: (a) pickers per order - the number of pickers that work on a single order at one time; (b) lines per pick - the number of orders a single item is picked for at one time; and (c) periods per shift - the frequency of order scheduling during one shift.

2020 accelerated “Ecommerce sales” far beyond what anyone had imagined before the COVID-19 pandemic. With Ecommerce going from about 12-14% of retails sales to anywhere between 18-25% of all retail sales. While it can be safely assumed that there will be a resumption of foot traffic to retails stores, malls, restaurants and others once the pandemic fully subsides, it is clear that the purchase habits of a large percentage of the population have been permanently altered. How much has changed and how your operations should be positioned to optimize it after what has been a year of just keeping up is worth exploring.

Among many of the challenges that 2020 forced so many businesses to solve was how to not just create a direct-to-customer fulfillment operation but to optimize it and standardize the processes enough to make it seem like less of the scramble that it was when all of this started almost a year ago. One specific process that was a common challenge for many businesses in 2020 was the Picking Process.

"That Looks Cool! Wonder How I Can Use It?"

For the true gadget lovers, we have the experience of being in a store full of gadgets and machines and occasionally see something that compels us to say, "I am not sure what it is, but how can I find a way to use it?"

If you haven't seen one yet, dimensional scanners definitely fall into that category. No one will be surprised if a true distribution center process nerd brings it home one day for personal use. 

What is a "Dimensional Scanner"?

A dimensional scanner is a specialized equipment that will scan and record the dimensions of an object - of any shape. When paired with a scale, the complete shape, weight and dimensions of any product can be recorded to a database and be the source of efficiency in multiple areas of the business.

...but how can we use a dimensional scanner?

If you had to determine what the most important part of your operations is right now, what would you say? Regardless of your answer, your top priority should always be picking. When it comes to ensuring that you are making the most out of your business and fulfilling your customer’s needs, picking has to be at the top of the list.

Workers who are comfortably and appropriately dressed to handle job tasks will be more productive and happier at work. One of the most important parts of an order picker's wardrobe is his or her footwear.

Proper work shoes will allow order pickers to maximize their potential daily workload. The best work shoes will also be safer and help workers to avoid accidents that could potentially sidetrack them from getting work done.

"Measured in time and money - order picking is without doubt the most costly activity in a typical warehouse. It is also the activity that plays the biggest role for customer satisfaction with the warehouse – and in the final analysis the entire supply chain." - Professor René de Koster

To improve warehouse operations and productivity, open your mind to new technology such as a picking cart with portable power. After you have reviewed your order picking process and ready to consider equipment but only if it proves to offer a quick ROI.  If you are still unsure, read case studies here.to learn how others have benefited.

Stock picking carts are an essential part of factory and warehouse operations. Order picking is the most labor intensive and error prone process in the warehouse. Newcastle Systems offers a NEW solution that is ideal for single line items, batch order picking, manual and RF picking as well as “Pick & Pack”.

Once you understand how adding the latest technology from Newcastle Systems includes portable power, you begin to think quickly about the possibilities.It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see the advantages of eliminating wasted steps with a power supply integrated with a mobile stock picking cart station. 

A NEW order picking cart with portable power will be just the thing for you...

Stock picking carts are an essential part of factory and warehouse operations. Order picking is the most labor intensive and error prone process in the warehouse. Newcastle System's offers a NEW solution that is ideal for single line items, batch order picking, manual and RF picking as well as “Pick & Pack”.

Once you understand how adding the latest technology from Newcastle System's includes portable power, you begin to think quickly about the possibilities.It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see the advantages of eliminating wasted steps with a power supply integrated with a mobile stock picking cart station.