What is a picking system?

A warehouse picking system is the strategy used to fulfill orders that will be shipped to the end-customer, to other logistic facilities, or to a production center.

In the warehouse, picking involves collecting all of the products needed to fulfill a customer order. Picking can be accomplished by collecting whole boxes (on pallets, in containers, or on shelves), selecting smaller units within the box, or dividing large items such as pipes or cables into more compact units.

Given the importance of order processing in the supply chain , choosing the ideal picking system will simplify this operation. In order to ship the most orders in the shortest amount of time, you can assign operators to specific areas to fulfill orders. Another excellent option is to use robotic handling equipment.

In addition to the picking system of your choice, you can optimize order fulfillment using Warehouse Management Software (WMS). This digital solution is essential for maximizing order picking efficiency. The program strategically distributes goods within the facility to avoid unnecessary trips and speed up the picking process.

Development of Picking Systems and Applications in the Robotics Industry

As early as the 1950s, foreign developed countries began to study automated picking systems. After decades of development, the picking system has gradually evolved from the initial mechanical, semi-automated to today's intelligent, fully automated.

In recent years, with the continuous maturation of robotics technology, picking systems are increasingly widely used in the robotics industry. The following are a few typical scenarios:

(1) E-commerce warehousing: In the context of the rapid development of e-commerce, the surge in the volume of orders has put forward higher requirements for the efficiency of warehousing operations. The picking system realizes the rapid processing of orders and accurate sorting of goods by seamlessly connecting with the e-commerce platform and logistics system.

(2) Manufacturing: In the production line, picking systems can automatically transport raw materials and parts to the designated location, improving production efficiency and reducing labor costs.

(3) Logistics centers: the application of picking systems in logistics centers helps to improve the speed of goods in and out of the warehouse, reduce the loss of goods, and improve the logistics service level.

The core technology of the picking system

Robotics

Robotics technology in the picking system mainly consists of three levels: perception, decision-making, and execution. The perception level is mainly through the camera, sensors and other equipment to obtain information about the goods; the decision-making level is through artificial intelligence algorithms to identify, classify and plan the path of the goods; and the execution level is completed by the robot to grasp the goods, handling and other actions.

Informatization technology

Informatization technology is an important part of the picking system, which mainly includes wireless communication, Internet of Things, big data and other technologies. Through these technologies, the picking system can realize information sharing with warehouse management systems, e-commerce platforms, etc., and improve operational efficiency.

Automation equipment

Automation equipment is the hardware foundation of the picking system, including conveyor lines, elevators, robots, shelves, etc.. The efficient synergy of these devices ensures the stable operation of the picking system.

Prospects for the development of picking systems in China

Policy support

In recent years, China's government attaches great importance to the development of the robotics industry, and has introduced a series of policy measures that provide strong support for the application of automation equipment such as picking systems.

Market demand

With the rapid development of China's e-commerce and manufacturing industries, there is a growing demand for efficient warehousing. Picking system as the key equipment to improve the efficiency of warehousing operations, the market prospect is broad.

Technological innovation

In the context of the continuous breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and robotics, the research and development of China's picking system has gradually improved, and it is expected to realize import substitution and further reduce the cost of enterprises.