Series-Oriented Picking
Order-independent, summed picking of multiple orders as a series/batch to reduce travel and pick times.
Purpose
- Reduce travel and pick times through consolidated, series-based batch picking of multiple orders.
- Particularly suitable for single-line orders and light/small items (e.g. parcel dispatch).
- Goal: Increase picking frequency, reduce picking effort, shift distribution effort to series distribution.
Prerequisites
- Suitable orders available for series formation.
- Only orders marked as series-eligible are included in the series.
- Available inventory.
Input | Output
| Input | Output |
|---|---|
| Outbound stock post lines in an outbound stock post that match the series strategy | Series load carrier (SLC), to be distributed in series distribution; then picking document/SSCC per order |
Setup
- Define series formation strategy (e.g. criteria: item size, zones, carrier/cutoff, max. lines, weight/volume).
- Configure warehouse shipment automation (sorting runs, priorities).
- MDE profiles: mandatory scans, quantity input, SLC handling, printer assignment.
- Details: Series Monitor.
Roles
- Picker: Carries out series picking on the MDE device.
- Employee at series distribution: Distributes/validates items from SLC.
- Warehouse planner / warehouse manager: Controls series formation strategy, release, prioritization.
- Packaging: Consolidation, SSCC formation, warehouse shipment completion.
Documents
- Source documents: customer orders, transfers, etc.
- Batch/series: series picking document(s).
- Series distribution: distribution document/assignment record SLC to order.
- Warehouse shipment documents: final documentation per order/SSCC.
Process Flow
Steps
Start automation
- Open warehouse shipment automation, activate relevant run, deactivate others.
- Start processing.
- Open outbound stock post automation, leave only required sorting run active.
Create series
- Open series creation > select series code (e.g. 01).
- Confirm release, switch to Series Monitor.
MDE login and start series
- Select A4 Picking.
- Select team, forklift, printer.
- Select: series picking document.
Create load carrier / SLC
- In A4.2 generate blank barcode for new load carrier (if required).
Pick lines and place SLC
- Select line > scan load carrier/storage place > confirm quantity.
- Place SLC at series distribution station (F8).
- End series picking.
Series distribution (follow-up step)
- Open series distribution.
- Assign and validate items from SLC to their respective orders/load carriers.
Packaging and completion
- Order-based consolidation according to series distribution.
- Form SSCC, print labels/documents, post warehouse shipment.
Variants
| Variant | Description |
|---|---|
| Mobile series picking | Place an SLC at the series distribution station. |
| Production of multiple SLCs | Multiple SLCs within one picking document. |
Tipp
Only use series when the efficiency gain is greater than the distribution effort. Single-line orders and light/small items benefit the most. Team-, zone-, and cutoff-oriented prioritization further improves efficiency.